Recipe Background
Slow Cooker Applesauce: turns golden delicious apples into a cozy delight.
The first time I made slow cooker applesauce, I had just bought my first home and was knee-deep in boxes. I remember standing in the kitchen surrounded by a mess of bubble wrap and newspaper when my neighbor, Mrs. Clayton, knocked on my door with a welcome basket. Nestled among homemade goodies was a bag of golden delicious apples from her backyard. Feeling inspired, I chose to turn those apples into a warm batch of comfort. I always have sugar and a cinnamon stick on hand, and a splash of lemon juice seemed just the right touch to brighten everything up.
There's something almost meditative about waiting as the apples slowly transform. I might have made a bit of a mess peeling and coring them, but seeing them nestled in the slow cooker was pure joy. Mrs. Clayton suggested adding a hint of nutmeg over the top, a trick she had passed down from her own grandmother. This little gesture added a nostalgic touch that reminded me of apple pie. As the hours passed, the scent of cinnamon and apples wrapped my new home in a cozy embrace.
By the time the applesauce was ready, the flavors had melded perfectly. I let it rest a few minutes for a cleaner scoop, just like Mrs. Clayton taught me. Sharing a bowl of homemade applesauce with her became a cherished new-home tradition, turning an ordinary day into a small celebration. The experience wasn't just about making applesauce; it was about feeling at home for the first time.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds golden delicious apples medium-sized, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ground nutmeg optional, to taste, for garnish
Directions
- Spread the apple slices in a 3-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Sprinkle it with the sugar.
- Insert the cinnamon stick down between the apples.
- Drizzle with the lemon juice.
- Cover and cook on low until the apples form a thick sauce, about 6 hours 30 minutes-8 hours.
- Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
- Sprinkle with the nutmeg.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
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