Episode 5
Something Sweet and Healthy
Who doesn’t like a sweet treat especially if it’s “good for you too.” Here are 2 Apple based recipes that will tick that box. First a great simple applesauce recipe followed by a delicious fruit crunchy cran-apple dessert! Cranberries are a superfood full of antioxidants and Vitamin C.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
Directions for Applesauce:
- Wash, peel if you like, cut and core and cut fresh apples into chunks. I prefer a sweet variety like Gala or Pink Lady apples so that you will not need to add sugar to the sauce. I typically do not peel the apples as the skin provides extra fiber and nutrients. Also a crock pot is a simple cooking method for applesauce.
- Fill with apple chunks, add about 1/2 cup of water, and cook on low for 4-5 hours. I have a timer on my crock pot so I prepare this at night before bedtime, set the timer to cook while I’m sleeping and then complete the sauce for breakfast the next morning.
- Once the apples have cooked and become mushy, I use a potato masher to smush the apples into the consistency I like. The peels will be pliable and blend into the sauce. Add ground cinnamon and stir in the spice. Serve warm for breakfast or refrigerate any leftovers.
This is how my grandmother Effie Mae Via would make applesauce; she passed this method down to my mother and then to me. My father would always eat applesauce on a slice of cornbread for dessert. Now, my grandchildren gobble this up when they come to visit.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
Directions for Cran-Apple Casserole:
- Wash, cut , core and cut the apples into chunks.
- Combine them with cranberries and sugar.
- Put into 9 x 9 or 10 x 10 casserole dish.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes in preheated 350 degree oven.
- For the topping, combine the melted butter with the oatmeal and flour, stir, add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Continue to stir.
- Remove the casserole from oven and quickly add topping, cover casserole, and return to oven for another 25 minutes.
This can be used as a side dish at lunch or dinner or for dessert with a dollop of whipped creme. This is even awesome for breakfast. I used to purchase a bunch of bags of fresh cranberries in November and store them in my freezer. Now, cranberries are more readily available year round in the freezer section at the grocery store.
