Apple season is a great reason to make your own healthy sauce.

October 7, 2016

Applesauce is a staple for many kids. It can serve as a great snack or a healthy sweet treat. Plus, it’s high in fiber, which can keep kids’ digestive systems on track.

Try this slow cooker recipe with different add-ins using the options below (or come up with your own!) to slightly change the flavor and add extra nutrition.

Start with:

8 apples, cored and cubed. Sweet, soft apples make the best applesauce, such as:

• Braeburn
• Cameo
• Fuji
• Gala
• Golden Delicious
• Jonagold
• Jonathan
• McIntosh
• Red Delicious

Seasoning options (choose one):

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon apple pie spice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Place all ingredients in a slow cooker such as a Crock-Pot. Cook on low setting for eight to 10 hours or on high for three to four hours. When the apples are soft, use a wooden spoon or spatula to crush them against the side of the cooker. For a smoother consistency, use a food processor.

Optional add-ins:

• Replace some of the apples with cubed pears.
• Add sliced strawberries during the last hour of cooking.
• After apples are cooked and crushed, stir in unsweetened dried cranberries, cherries or raisins.
• Sprinkle granola or a handful of raw blueberries on top for a little crunch and flavor.

Makes 10 servings. 

Nutrition information per serving:

68 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 18 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 1 g protein, 16 percent of daily vitamin C needs. (Nutritional content will change depending on optional ingredients added.)