I love Fall, in part, because for me it is synonymous with apple season. We are lucky to live in a state that grows amazing apples and is the birthplace of the Honeycrisp apple (hyperlink: https://mnhardy.umn.edu/varieties/fruit/apples/honeycrisp). Apple season typically begins here in late August when we excitedly buy First Kiss, SweetTango and Zestar! apples several pecks at a time.
This week I made this simple applesauce that makes the house smell warm and cinnamony.
Simple Applesauce Recipe
Peel and chop apples (any amount you’d like). I typically use 4-10 apples depending on how many I have on hand.
Add apples along with 1/4-1/2 cup water to a saucepan.
Add cinnamon to taste. I generally sprinkle a heaping amount on top.
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Store in the fridge.
Here are 5 fun ways to use this applesauce all week.
- As as side dish – I pull the prepared applesauce out of the fridge to accompany most any dinner. It’s a healthy kid favorite.
- Mixed in oatmeal – Mix the applesauce into oatmeal and drizzle with a little maple syrup. Top it with toasted walnuts and add raisins if you like for a Fall oatmeal breakfast bowl.
- Crostini topper – I toasted a baguette I had on hand, sliced it on the diagonal and topped it with crumbled goat cheese, apple sauce and toasted walnuts. I put the crostini back in the oven to get melty (5-10 minutes) and then drizzled each with honey. Gorgonzola or blue cheese would be tangier substitutes for the goat cheese. Use what you have!
- Peanut butter and applesauce roll-up – My kids love PB&J sandwiches and I’m always looking for alternatives to keep school lunches interesting for them. Simply smear peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla and add applesauce. I also like to add fresh berries to the mix along with a dash of cinnamon. Roll and serve.
- Replacement for fat in baked goods – My favorite trick to make breakfast muffins healthier is to swap the oil or butter for applesauce. I add more nutrition to the mix and my family doesn’t miss the fat.
If you try this recipe, let me know! Tag a photo #glitterverve on instagram.
