Lazy Applesauce

In addition to all the other wonderful apple recipes I've already posted, there is one more we can't forget, Lazy Applesauce.  This applesauce simply combines apples and water and, if you like, a teaspoon of cinnamon.

Lazy Applesauce

Ingredients:

Apples 8-10 depending on size - for best flavor profile, use a variety of sweet and tart apples
1/4-1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon - optional

Peel, core and cut apples into chunks and place in crockpot.  Add 1/4-1/3 cup water, depending on how thick you want your applesauce.  Set crockpot to low and leave for two hours.  After two hours, mash with a potato masher.  Return to crockpot for 4-5 more hours.  Mash with potato masher for chunky applesauce.  Mix with immersion blender for a smoother consistency.  Add one teaspoon of cinnamon and mix completely.

Chunks of apples in crockpot

Mashing apples after two hours

Mixing with immersion blender after 6-7 hours

The final product, yum!

I call it Lazy Applesauce because you simply need to mix the apples once they are cooked.  Many applesauce recipes call for cooking the whole apple and using a food mill at the end.  Though this recipe does waste a little apple by peeling and coring at the start, for me, it's way less effort and far easier cleanup….which means I'll actually make it!

If you are not home, don't worry about mashing the apples at the two hour mark.  The applesauce just might take closer to 7 versus 6 hours.

Hint:  If you use only tart apples, you might need sugar.  If you use only sweet, the flavor may be lacking.  Use a variety for the best flavor profile.

Nutrition Information:
Serves 8
1 serving =
95 Calories
0 grams Fat
25 grams Carb
5 grams Fiber
1 gram Protein

Calculated at CalorieCount.com

Weight Watchers Points Plus - 0
Weight Watchers POINTS - 1

You might also like:
Swedish Apple Pie
Dried Apples
Apple Bread

Easy Fall Wreath

I was in a creative mood last Saturday so I dug through my craft room for some inspiration.  I found some grapevine wreaths and fall flowers in a two separate drawers.  The wheels began to turn and this wreath is the result.

This post is more inspirational than instructional.  My simple wreath was made from wiring together two thin grapevine wreaths from Dollar Tree.  Then silk flowers and faux berries were added with the help of wire and hot glue.

As you can see, this wreath is quite thin.  This is why I wired two together in order to achieve a substantial base for my flowers.

Easy Fall Wreath 

Materials:

Two thin grapevine wreaths - mine were from Dollar Tree
Fall flowers and berries
Hot glue and glue gun
Craft Wire
Wire cutters

To make the wreath, first place one thin grapevine wreath on top of another.  Then wrap wire around them both, pulling it tight and continuing in a circle until both wreaths are secured.  Don't cut the wire as you will use this to help attach the flowers.

Once the two wreaths are bound together, insert fall flowers into the spaces of the grapevine wreath, winding wire around the stems of the the flowers and berries as you go.  Be sure to trim long stems before you insert them to insure a beautiful, full wreath.  If you want a flower to lay a specific way, hot glue it in place.

Flower wreaths really are free-form art.  There is no right or wrong, it just depends how you like it!

Recipe - Dried Apples

Image from Pippalunacy

Are you looking for another way to use up the bounty from your recent apple picking adventure?  One great idea is to make dried apples?  They are a simple and delicious, all-natural snack.  Dried apples can be made in the oven on low heat or in a food dehydrator.  Because gadgets are so much fun, I use the dehydrator method.  My husband bought me a Nesco food dehydrator for my birthday several years ago and even though it sits in a closet for a good amount of the year, when I do use it, I'm so glad I have it.  Besides dried apples, I've used it to make fruit leathers, dried herbs, and "sun dried" tomatoes.

In the future I plan on posting recipes for all of the above, but today here's a very simple recipe for dried apples.

Dried Apples

Ingredients:

apples - I prefer tart apples such as Macs or Cortlands, but sweet apples work just as well.
cinnamon - optional

Cut apples into wedges or rings about one quarter inch thick.  You may choose between peeling your apples or leaving the skin on.

Place fruit on food dehydrator trays.  If using cinnamon, sprinkle lightly over the apples.  Turn on machine and check after a few hours.  If the apples are not sufficiently dry, replace the cover and dry for another hour.  Check again.  When apples are dry but bendable, remove them and place them in a sealed container.  Even if all the apples are not at exactly the same stage, putting them in a closed container will "proof" them, getting them all to the same consistency.  If you're unsure, check the apples the next day to make sure they are dry enough.

Apples can be dried for even more time if you prefer a chip.  These are also delicious.

When dried properly, the apples will keep for months in a sealed glass or plastic container.  No need to refrigerate.

Image by GutandTasty

Here's my food dehydrator.  Like all dehydrators, it's a little bulky, so I keep it in a closet when I'm not using it.  My dehydrator from Klem's cost around $40, but it can also be purchased on Amazon for a similar price.



You might also like:
Swedish Apple Pie
Brookfield Orchards                           
Apple Bread

Recipe - Swedish Apple Pie

Ok, so technically this recipe from my mom is called Swedish apple pie.  I call it, "I'm Too Lazy to Roll a Crust Apple Pie".  With heaps of apples and simple ingredients like butter, sugar and flour, how can you not love this delicious combination?  It is so good!

Apples peeled, sliced and ready to be sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.  These tart Paula Reds brown quickly, but no worries, they are still delicious!

Boyish Stripes - Double Crochet Blanket

This blanket is another of the ones I like to make because of how it looks and how quick it is to make.  It's a double crochet stitch using two strands of yarn as one.  It has a coffee brown border on each of the sides.  

It turned out very nice, I think.  Typically I don't border a blanket like this, but it seemed this one needed it.  When I finished it, I was glad I added the border.

Boyish Stripes - Double Crochet Blanket

Materials: