Crock Pot Cinnamon Ginger Applesauce

I have had some requests lately for Apple Pie, so I set out to our favourite local orchard, Martins Fruit Farm to get some apples.  I was pleasantly surprised to see such a large variety still available- in February-and 2 grades. (hint:  when shopping for baking apples, number 2’s will do just fine! They can sometimes be a bit bruised or marked, but you’re peeling and slicing anyway, so it’s easy to trim off what you don’t want.  They are MUCH cheaper too!)

I came home with a 1/2 bushel–which incidentally is way more than I’ll need for my pies this week, so I baked up a family favourite –Apple Galette and tried a new one-Applesauce. (I also came home with potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, leeks and Elmira’s Own Tomatoes-yes!!)

Now, applesauce isn’t something I buy very often-mostly because no one ever wants to finish the jar, and I end up throwing so much out-so it isn’t something I have ever made before.  For shame, for shame.

Let me tell you-easiest recipe ever.  Versatile-you can add whatever spice combo you like, you can make it as sweet as you want, you can make it as smooth or chunky as you want.  AND, it is really delicious!  I even had some mixed into my oatmeal for breakfast this morning!  I can’t believe no one told me before–I would have made this ages ago!

Cinnamon Ginger Crockpot Applesauce

10-12 large apples, peeled and quartered (I used Ida Red)
2tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water

Put it all in your crock pot and cook on high for about 4 hours (or until the apples are really soft).  You can stir it a couple of times during cooking. 

Mash with a potato masher if you  like “chunky” sauce or an immersion blender if you  like it really smooth.  Test for sweetness and add a little more sugar if you need to.

That’s it!  It will keep for a week or so in the fridge, a few months in the freezer.