When fall rolls around, we all look forward to our seasonal favorites. Some people are pumpkin people. Some people are apple people. And some people are like, forget both of them, and would rather have a pina colada while wishing summer would stay forever. I’m thankful to live in Pennsylvania and have seasons. Watching the leaves change and fall to the ground like snowflakes is something I would miss. I love the glow of pumpkins in our home, and of course, I can’t pass up a yummy pumpkin shake from Diamond Square Market! But apples seem to get put on the back burner. When September 1st rolls around, it’s like…
“Deck the halls with bows of pumpkin! Fall-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.”
(See what I did there? Man, I am cheesy, but I crack myself up!)
*insert cheesy smile here*
But seriously, I have nothing against pumpkins at all. I love pumpkin. But apples have a lot to offer, too!
In fact, this time of year, I love stopping by local orchards and getting a bunch of delicious apples. This year, they just seem extra good. They are so big, extra crisp, and sweet. I enjoy coming home and surprising my husband with a bag of big, beautiful, freshly picked apples for his lunches this time of year. He eats one daily, and you know what they say – An apple a day keeps the doctor away. So eat up! Honey crisp and granny smiths are my favorites. I love dipping them in caramel this time of year. Baked apples, apple dumplings, apple cider, apple crisp, and the list goes on! I have been making a crockpot full of applesauce the past few Saturdays just to keep our freezer stocked. My family loves my applesauce all year round, and I absolutely love how good it smells when cooking in our kitchen. What’s your favorite apple recipe?
Here is one I think a lot of folks enjoy. Whether hot, cold or even frozen, it’s a perfect autumn treat! This will make your home smell absolutely amazing! So get your crockpot out, turn it on low, and let the cinnamon, spices, and apples do their thang. Apple cider is perfect this time of year. Make this for a family gathering, a fall party, or just on a chilly fall night with some hot soup to pair with it. I will also include my Crockpot Applesauce recipe too. This recipe is one of my favorites. Let me tell you, butter makes all the difference. It adds something that just makes you want to shake your hips when you take the first bite. (At least for me, it does. Haha!)
Yes, it’s that good. Trust me! Have I ever let you down?
Crockpot Apple Cider
Ingredients:
• 5 or 6 apples (I used red and green)
• 1 orange
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 tsp. ground all spice
• A few small cloves
• 8 cups of water
• 1- 1/2 to 3 cups of sugar (all to your likin’ and how sweet you want it!)
Directions:
Wash and cut apples.
You can leave the seeds and everything because you strain it anyway after cooking.
Place apples in the bottom of your crock pot. Add all the ingredients except the sugar. Let cook on low for 6-8 hours. Watch your orange though. If it cracks, take it out, it may make your apple cider taste bitter. It has never happened to me yet.
Stir every once in a while if you get the chance. About an hour before the cider is ready, mash your apples real well with a potato masher. Cook for one more hour.
Finally, strain the apple cider into a heat proof container and stir in sugar. Serve hot and add garnish of whipped topping or caramel if you wish!
Place leftovers in the refrigerator.
Crockpot Applesauce
Ingredients:
• 3 lbs. macintosh apples
• 3 lbs. granny smith apples
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 Tbsp lemon juice
• 4 Tbsp butter
Directions:
Peel apples, slice them and put everything in a greased crock pot except for the butter. Cook on high for 3-4 hours stirring occasionally. Take out cinnamon sticks, then mash everything together and add butter. (You can smooth it out with a hand mixer to make it extra smooth.) Cool, then store in the fridge or freezer.
*NOTE- You can use whatever apples you enjoy! It’s been fun for me using different apples the past few weekends! Honey Crisp & Autumn Glory made an amazing combo too.
