FROM ORCHARD TO TABLE

September 23, 2023

Every year at this time, our family eagerly anticipates our annual apple-picking outing. It's a cherished tradition that brings us all together, with the girls delighting in the thrill of plucking ripe apples from the trees while I can't wait to transform our harvest into delicious handmade applesauce. Among the various varieties we encounter, Sweet Tango apples have emerged as my absolute favorite. Their unique blend of sweet and tangly flavors makes them incredibly versatile for all types of applesauce recipes, whether I choose to add sugar or go the healthier route with no sugar at all. For myself, I prefer the pure taste of the apples, relishing the natural flavors, while my daughters enjoy a richer, sweeter version infused with brown sugar.

As the autumn sun filters through the leaves, creating a picturesque backdrop, we gather our bounty and return home, excited to jump into the kitchen. I have two favorite recipes that never fail to bring smiles. The first is a simple, no sugar added applesauce that highlights Sweet Tango's natural sweetness, where I gently cook the apples in the crockpot with a touch of cinnamon until they are tender and then mash them to the perfect consistency. The second recipe is a delightful brown sugar version, where I cook the apples in the crockpot with brown sugar and pumpkin spice, creating a luscious treat that my girls can't resist. Each time I make applesauce, not only do we create a delicious fall staple, but we also weave unforgettable memories together that make this season truly special. 

Here are two of my favorite recipes for you to try:

With Sugar

Without Sugar