Applesauce Recipe and Apple Picking!

My family and I have been trying really hard to eat healthier, cook more at home, and reduce the amount of gluten we consume.  (Cortney however, is gluten free)  It has taken a bit more planning and forethought, but I think the results have been worth it.  I found this recipe in the Simply Gluten free magazine and thought I'd pass it on to you!  

Crock Pot Applesauce.

8 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into quarters. 

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 cup water

Use a 6 quart slow cooker. Place the apple wedges into the bottom of your cooker. Add the lemon juice and cinnamon. Pour in the vanilla and stir in the sugar and water. 

Cover and cook for 4-6 hours. When the apples are super tender, mash with a potato masher or large fork. If you prefer it smoother, puree it in a blender. 

I have made this several times and it is delicious!

It helps too that our apples came directly from the apple orchard. 

They are juicy and sweet!

Cortney picks the apples from all of the low branches. (with a bit of help from dad!)

I just threw this picture in because I thought she looked rather cute. ;)

I made it my mission to get a decent picture of my two....together.  

I would have preferred the 16 year old to have a bit more enthusiasm, but I think I was lucky to get him to cooperate at all!

And getting this guys picture?  It's like pulling teeth! I get a lot of loud sighs and eye rolling. I guilted him into taking  a few pics by telling him this could be the last time he picks apples with us.  He will be going to college in two years and couldn't he please just make his mama happy? ;)

(Hey, a mother's gotta do what a mother's gotta do!)

Seriously handsome kid........

So that's it for me today.  

I was a total slacker and didn't get a project done for Day 3 of JustRite's new release. 

So be sure to at least pop on over there to see what they've got cookin'!

Happy Wednesday!