Kids in the Kitchen Wednesday: Applesauce

We don't know about you, but the Wisconsin Test Kitchen gets annoyed buying those little foil packets of applesauce all the time. Yes, you can't beat their convenience, but it doesn't even taste like real apples! And when you start thinking about all those packets sitting in a landfill somewhere... oof. 

So, when we received a huge bag full of fresh picked orchard apples last week, we decided to try making our own applesauce. We made Apple Butter a few years ago, but decided to try something different this year. This recipe is ideal if you're looking to make your own baby food, or even upgrade your little one's snack time. 

Slow Cooker Applesauce

10-12 medium to large apples
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Clean all apples, core and dice them. Don't worry about peeling them: the skin falls apart in the cooking process. 

Toss the apples with the sugar and cinnamon, and place in the slow cooker. Add the water, and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or high for 4-5 hours. 

Let the applesauce cool slightly before pureeing with an immersion blender. Pour into glass mason jars and refrigerate or freeze. Applesauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. 

This is prime apple picking season: take your little chefs on an adventure this weekend, and turn your apple bounty into healthy, delicious sauce. Let us know what you think!

Stay Cool,
The Cool Dads Crew