How To: Homemade Crockpot Applesauce

 

This year I decided to try my hand at canning some of my favorite things from each season! Considering I live fairly close to the North Carolina Mountains, it only seems fitting that I purchase MOUNTAIN APPLES. I decided to take my daughter on a little road trip and purchase some apples where my mom and grandparents always purchased fruits and veggies. I must say...my apples have been amazing and I plan on going back ASAP to purchase more to make apple pie starters! :) MMM

 

Since I bought so many apples, I was able to can sliced apples and decided to make applesauce with the rest! Here's a VERY easy recipe for Chunky Crockpot Applesauce. You can alter it to your own taste, and make as little/much as you'd like. I decided to make 2 pots full yielding 7 quarts! 

Ingredients (approx 3 1/2 quarts/one pot full)

• 12-14 Medium/large apples (I chose Jonagold, but Gala or any other cooking apple will work)
• 1-1 1/2 Cup(s) of water 
• 3/4 tbsp of Cinnamon (adjust to your own personal taste)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• Lemon Juice 

 

How To: 

• Peel and core apples (I used a potato peeler to make it easier and faster)
• While peeling apples, I prefer to keep my apples looking pretty so I coat each apple in lemon juice to keep them from turning brown. 
• Chop into small chunks (depending on how chunky you want your applesauce, keep in mind that you will be using a potato masher later) 
• Place apple chunks in the Crockpot
• Pour water, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla over apples and stir until all apples are coated
• Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or until apples are soft stirring occasionally
• Once the apples are soft, mash with potato masher until consistency that is fitting. It will be CHUNKY!

Please note: This will make approx 3 1/2 quarts. If you prefer less, please adjust accordingly. I made two batches to can. You may safely freeze any leftovers in freezer safe jars or containers that will keep for months to come, or refrigerate for up to one week.

ENJOY! :)