It’s apple season here in the Pacific Northwest, and I am taking full advantage! I recently visited one of my favorite orchards here in the Gorge (Kiyokawa Family Orchards) and now find myself with way more apples than I know what to do with. You know the saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? Well, how about, “ when life gives you apples, make applesauce”!
This is a super simple recipe that reminds me of a cold winter day in Michigan a few years back, I was visiting my extended family in November and it was damn cold. Like blowing snow and gusting wind cold. Now, I know what some of you are thinking. November? Really? That cold? Yes! And I feel that I am qualified to say this. I did live in Wisconsin for 8 years after all. Anyways, when we showed up to my aunt and uncle’s house, I was freezing and the cold weather had me in a bad mood; but, when I opened the front door, my mood instantly changed. I was hit by the warmth of their wood stove and the delectable smell of cooked apple and cinnamon (cue the sounds of angels singing from above!). This, my friends, was the smell of my uncle’s simple, but delicious hot applesauce. After quick greetings and hugs, I immediately descended on that applesauce like a flock of seagulls after a piece of Wonder Bread. It was hot, sweet, spicy and absolutely amazing. So, in hopes that you can ward off the cold this fall and winter and fill your belly with warm applesauce, I’d like to share this super simple recipe with you.
To start, wash, peel and core apples and coarsely chop. Place apples in a crockpot and add the juice of one lemon. Use a wooden spoon to mix the apples and lemon juice together. Sprinkle the apples with ½ tablespoons of cinnamon and mix again so that each piece of apple is dusted in cinnamon. Top apples with one tablespoon of butter and three heaping tablespoons of honey. The honey is optional, but I like my applesauce on the sweet side and find that the varieties of apples that I use tend to be tart and need a little boost of sweetness in this recipe. Put the lid on the crockpot and set it to low. Cook the apples for about 5 hours, stirring every so often. You will know the applesauce is ready when the apples are completely soft and break apart as you stir. I like to leave my applesauce a little on the chunky side, so I do not puree the sauce. If you like a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Eat while hot. I like to store the applesauce in glass jars in the refrigerator where it will keep for about a week. This applesauce also freezes well too, so you can make a big batch, freeze, and enjoy it throughout the winter.
Uncle Gary’s Applesauce
Ingredients
- 8-10 apples (enough to fill your crock pot most of the way)
- 1 lemon juiced
- ½ tbsp. cinnamon
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 3 heaping tbsps honey, (optional, depending on apple variety and individual taste)
Instructions
- Wash, peel and core apples and coarsely chop.
- Place apples in crockpot with the juice of one lemon and ½ tablespoons of cinnamon. Mix.
- Top apples with one tablespoon of butter and three heaping tablespoons of honey.
- Cook on low for about 5 hours or until apples are soft and saucey.
- Eat while warm and store the rest in the refrigerator. Sauce will keep for one week.
