Slow Cooker Cinnamon Vanilla Applesauce

Making healthy food choices is one way to Be Well and live a healthy lifestyle. At Bronson, we offer a variety of nutrition services for nearly every need. Check out this healthy recipe from our team of registered dietitians and nutrition educators.

Ingredients

• 8 medium Golden Delicious or Gala apples
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 4-6 teaspoons dark brown sugar3 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks or 1-1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cardamom
• ¾ teaspoon ginger
• 1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped from pod) or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Peel, core and slice the apples.
2. Place them in the slow cooker.
3. Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, apple cider or apple juice, salt and cinnamon sticks (if using instead of ground cinnamon).
4. Set slow cooker to low and cook for 3-6 hours.
5. Stir apples occasionally. They will slowly turn into “sauce”. Keep checking (and stirring) for the consistency you want. It may be cooked to your liking anywhere between 3 and 6 hours.
6. When the sauce is the texture you desire, remove the cinnamon sticks and stir in the cardamom, (ground cinnamon if using instead of sticks), ginger and vanilla bean or vanilla extract. If using ground cinnamon, add it now.
7. Turn off the slow cooker. If you prefer a smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to blend it. If you prefer a chunky apple sauce, use a wooden spoon to mix well.

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