Recipe: Crockpot Cherry Applesauce

You guys. It's COLD. If you're in the upper half of the US, or in Canada, you are probably in the midst of a deep freeze. If you live further south, it's probably still freakishly cold. My friend in Georgia said it's been crazy cold, then average temps, then heading for cold again.

So today, I'm sharing a warm-you-up recipe I adapted myself. 

Crockpot Cherry Applesauce

Photo: Stephanie Scott

8 apples, peeled cored, sliced

1 cup black cherries, stemmed and pitted 

1/3 cup brown sugar (does not need to be packed)

2 TB water or apple juice

1/2 or 1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp all spice or nutmeg

When I make crockpot applesauce, I don't always peel the apples. This time I did. I've never tried this with cherries before, and it adds a nice additional layer of flavor. Set your cooker to low and cook for 6-10 hours. My crockpot runs hot, so I set mine on high for 2 hours, then low for 2 more and the consistency was great. I used an immersion blender to smooth out the applesauce. If you like yours more chunky, mash down the fruit until it's pulpy. 

This is delicious when it's warm! You can also serve cold, mix in with plain greek yogurt, or top on ice cream.

Do you have any cold weather favorite recipes?