Spiced Slowcooker Applesauce

"Mom, can I please have a snack?"

Please assure me that I am not the only one that hears that approximately 42 times a day?  With six kids, I am constantly being asked for a snack.....Aw, the joys of motherhood!  :)

So this post is a tribute to one of our (EASY) homemade snacks. 

 

ALL YOU NEED:

5 pounds of peeled, cored, and sliced apples

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup real maple syrup (yum!)

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. cloves

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

A Slowcooker

A Blender

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. If you have one of those handy apple peeler/corer/slicer contraptions. ..please use it. It will be your best friend.  My ten year old used mine and did all my apples for me. :) After they are all peeled and sliced put them in your slowcooker. You want there to be 5 pounds after they are all sliced and ready. If you don't have a scale, it ends up being a very full 5 quart slowcooker. 

Note: You can use whatever apples you have on hand. But keep in mind that different apples will result in different flavors. Pictured here I used Hidden Rose apples, hence their beautiful, pinkish-red color.

Yep. That full.

Now measure out your spices.....2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoons nutmeg.

Measure out 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and a 1/2 cup maple syrup.

You can easily adjust your sweetness level by decreasing or increasing your sweeteners.

I found this amount to be perfect! :)

Sprinkle your spices and brown sugar on your apples. Drizzle with your maple syrup. 

Turn your slowcooker on high for 4-6 hours or until the appled are fully cooked and soft. If you think of it,  you may give your apples a stir halfway through cooking time to distribute your spices and sugars. When they are all done unplug your slowcooker, remove the lid, and let cool for 15 minutes or so.

Now it is time to puree all your delicious smelling apples.

Now, let's be real. This is the real reason I decided to make apple sauce. It would give me, yet another, reason to use my new favorite toy....My Ninja blender!  :)

If you don't have a ninja...don't panic.  You can easily use a different blender, or an immersion blender if that's what you have. But seriously,  if you are debating over a Ninja purchase, you won't be sorry after you make the purchase!  :)

Blend until you reach your desired consistency. 

Now time to Enjoy! I prefer my applesauce cold but it is fantastic warm, too!