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Health & Fitness

Myplate2yours: Homemade Applesauce

Registered Dietitian with 4 active kids shares family friendly recipes and nutrition tips. www.myplate2yours.com

It's a tradition in our family to go apple picking together in the fall.  This year, with our oldest in college, our picking numbers are down, but so is the apple crop here in the Midwest.  Unfortunately, this year's warm March combined with April's frost made for a slim harvest.  Some local orchards are not even open for picking this season.  Luckily, we did find a place to pick apples and have been enjoying them daily every since.  Tonight, I'm making applesauce.  I rely on the sweetness of the apple so there is no need for added sugar or fat.  We also like applesauce chunky, so the apples are not peeled.  It is super easy to make...here's how:

Start with 10 small apples (or 5 large ones).  Core and dice (about 1/2 inch cubes).  Place apples in a small saucepan and fill with water, about 1/2 inch from bottom.  Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.  Place on medium-high heat and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.  Applesauce can be eaten either warm or cold.

Do you want smoother applesauce?  Peel the apples before cooking.  Mash with a potato masher before eating.  Do you want sweeter applesauce?  Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the saucepan while cooking.  Enjoy!!

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