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It\u2019s 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<\/strong><\/a>) and now find myself with way more apples than I know what to do with. You know the saying, \u201cwhen life gives you lemons, make lemonade\u201d? Well, how about, \u201c when life gives you apples, make applesauce\u201d!<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019d like to share this super simple recipe with you.<\/p>\n To start, wash, peel and core apples and coarsely chop. Place apples in a crockpot\u00a0and add the juice of one lemon. Use a wooden spoon to mix the apples and lemon juice together. Sprinkle the apples with \u00bd 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<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/p>\n
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