Crock Pot Apple Sauce

Fall is the perfect time to pick apples.  I like to bake a variety of things with the apples we pick, but I LOVE to make applesauce.  My grandma often made homemade applesauce and I always looked forward to eating it.  This recipe is so simple and the perfect addition to any meal.  I love the balance of sweet and tart apples so feel free to mix up the variety of apples you use.  And remember applesauce is just as good warm as it is cold.  I make a double batch of this and freeze a little more than half to use throughout the winter.

Ingredients:

• About 6 lbs or 12 Apples (I used Gala Apples)
• 3/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 3/4 Cup Apple Juice
• 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar (you can start with less and add more after you taste it)

Peel and slice apples.  Place them in the crock pot with cinnamon, apple juice and brown sugar.  Cook on low for about 8 hours.  Stir to mush into applesauce.  I like my apple sauce a little chunky, but you could also you a potato masher to eliminate more of the chunks.  

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Perfect Pie Crust for Any Pie Baked or Cream

I originally posted this pie crust recipe in Honey's Dutch Apple Pie, but I have used it for so many other pies such as Chocolate Banana Cream Pie and Derby Dessert I decided I should post it separately to put it on the Recipe Box page.

Ingredients for Pie Crust:

• 1.5 cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/4 Cup Vegetable Shortening
• 1/4 Cup Butter
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 4-5 Tablespoons Ice Water

First combine flour and salt.  Then cut in the butter and shortening with a pastry knife or two forks until a crumbly mixture forms.

Add in 4-5 tablespoons of ice water until dough forms.  Next roll into large ball.

Place ball of dough in between floured sheets of wax paper and roll out to desired size.  Remember to go from the middle out until the crust is about 1/8" thick.

Place in pie dish and lightly press down.  Pinch edges to form decorative crust.  Place in freezer for about an hour or until ready to use.  Or you can bake it immediately you are using it for a cream pie.  To use for Cream Pie, preheat oven to 425 and bake for 7-9 minutes.