Slow Cooker Applesauce

Applesauce is a versatile treat that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.  I’ve seen variations of applesauce used with a great loin of pork and then in the very same breath used to create sensational sweet bundles of love…whatever that might be.

Last week, I decided to transform a bounty for delicious Granny Smith apples into a chunky and spicy slow cooked applesauce.  The scents of cinnamon and nutmeg danced through the air like intoxicated fairies.  Do you hear the clapping of Wendy and her good friend Peter?  They do believe in fairies…they do.  I now have tubs of applesauce sitting in my freezer waiting to be used by any means possible.

So here are a couple of questions for you.  Are you ready?  Ok here goes.

What is your favorite dish using applesauce?  Is it baked, stewed or even sautéed?  Do you cook it at all?  Let me know what you think and who knows, I might just feature my favorites in a future post.

Slow Cooker Applesauce
¼ cup apple cider
¼ cup brown sugar
2 Tbl. orange juice
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
8 cups granny smith apples, peeled and medium diced
¼ tsp. salt
¼ cup golden raisins (optional)

Toss all the ingredients, except for the raisins, into a slow cooker that has been set on high.  Cook on high for 1 ½ – 2 hours until the apples are soft and tender.  Stir with whisk to break up the apples.  If you decide to add the raisins, turn off the heat and stir in the raisins. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Authors Note:  While the idea of adding salt to this may seem odd considering it is a sweet dish.  It actually really helps to bring out the flavors of the apples.  Also, you can easily substitute water for the apple cider if you don’t have any on hand.  I love apple cider.  It seems to bring a nice richness to the sauce.

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