An Apple a Day (or maybe several!)

I have another twofer for you today! Homemade applesauce and apple peel chips!

I've made homemade applesauce on my stove top before, and although it's quite yummy and good for the tummy it's also a bit time-consuming to watch the pot while it's cooking. Recently, while visiting my son and Dilly, I happened across a crockpot cookbook. I read a recipe for crockpot applesauce and tried my own version this week. It turned out great, and I didn't have to watch the pot!

Hubby was gung-ho on the new recipe idea, but he doesn't like apple skins in his applesauce. So, he volunteered to peel a whole three-pound bag of apples. That's great, because otherwise the apples would not have been peeled!

Looking at the large pile of beautiful apple skins ready to be discarded seemed like such a waste, so I did a quick Google search for apple peel uses. The first thing to catch my eye was a Martha Stewart recipe for Apple Peel Twigs. Thanks so much, Martha!!! Here's a link to her original recipe: https://www.marthastewart.com/925882/apple-peel-twigs

My Crockpot Applesauce

1 bag of apples ( we used green apples)

1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup water

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground cloves

Remove skin from apples, if desired, and core. Cut into large chunks and place in crockpot with water. Sprinkle remaining ingredients on top and stir. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally. Mash cooked apples to desired consistency. Serve warm, cold, or refrigerate in an air-tight container.

Baked Apple Peel Chips

Mix leftover apple peels with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon (I love cinnamon). Bake at 250 degrees for approximately 2 - 2 1/2 hours, stirring at least once during baking time. Let cool, and enjoy! These tasty little treats lasted about 10 minutes in our house!

Applesauce is my favorite way to consume this beautiful fruit. It's also quite good for your gut if your having intestinal issues. I also love that homemade applesauce is free from preservatives and extra sugar. And, if you omit the 1/4 cup of brown sugar, it's a very low calorie treat!

Here's wishing you a day filled with the warmth and coziness of applesauce, and please remember that kindness has the power to change the world!