This homemade applesauce is made multiple times in my kitchen in the fall and winter. The aromas from whole spices are other worldly delicious.. If you aren't sure that apple sauce can be indulgent, give this slow cooker spiced version a try. And if you have a vanilla bean hanging out in your pantry or have a special occasion, slice it open and drop it in for truly swoonworthy applesauce experience.
Yields1 ServingPrep Time10 minsCook Time4 hrsTotal Time4 hrs 10 mins
8medium to large apples, a variety or your favorite kind
1tbspfresh lemon juice, about 1/4 lemon
12whole cinnamon sticks
4star anise pods
2inch piece of fresh ginger root, sliced lengthside into thin slabs
freshly grated nutmeg, ~1/2 teaspoon
couple pinches of ground cardamom
1
APPLES: Wash apples, core, and slice into 1-2" chunks. If you don't care for the skins, you can peel them. Use organic apples or peel them if you don't use organic apples.
2
EVERYTHING ELSE: Place chopped apples and all spices in the slow cooker. Set on HIGH for 4 hours. Check 2-3 hours in and give it a stir, if you like (and remember).
3
Fish out the whole spices (compost them) and serve the apple sauce warm!
Spices: adjust to your taste. If you prefer more gingered apples, increase the ginger. Don't care for star anise, leave it out. Peels? I prefer to leave on the peels and only give the sauce a very gentle mash before serving as I think they're better served mostly whole and chunky. Do what you like.
Enjoy as a winter snack, an after dinner dessert, or along side any meal. You can also add them to yogurt, your morning oats, or atop a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream.
Ingredients
8medium to large apples, a variety or your favorite kind
1tbspfresh lemon juice, about 1/4 lemon
12whole cinnamon sticks
4star anise pods
2inch piece of fresh ginger root, sliced lengthside into thin slabs
freshly grated nutmeg, ~1/2 teaspoon
couple pinches of ground cardamom
Directions
1
APPLES: Wash apples, core, and slice into 1-2" chunks. If you don't care for the skins, you can peel them. Use organic apples or peel them if you don't use organic apples.
2
EVERYTHING ELSE: Place chopped apples and all spices in the slow cooker. Set on HIGH for 4 hours. Check 2-3 hours in and give it a stir, if you like (and remember).
3
Fish out the whole spices (compost them) and serve the apple sauce warm!
Shelly Rose, a Holistic Nutritionist and Natural Foods Chef, is the owner and founder of Pure Roots Nutrition. Through consulting and teaching, Pure Roots serves to help businesses and individuals implement a more joy-filled, vibrant life through real food, time in nature, a healthy lifestyle, and a good night’s sleep.
