Home Made Applesauce

Having finally broken the bowl-of-ice-cream-a-night habit,  I started looking for a sweet but healthy replacement that would keep my gigantic sweet tooth satisfied. A recent new membership to Costco sealed the deal, because what else is a girl to do with fresh fruit in BULK?

The recipe couldn't be more simple, as you'll see below. It doesn't even require words, it's that dummy-proof.

In fact... I am going to strongly advise the teachers I work with to try this in their PreK classrooms at some point during the winter holidays....

It's got all the pieces that an early childhood teacher goes nuts for: 
-Math (measurement)
-Reading (sequencing & vocabulary)
-Writing (ingredients list & steps)
-Science (apples going from solid to--almost--liquid)
-Health & Wellness (smart alternative to typical kids' treats)
-Seasonal/theme-related harmony (apples & cinnamon & warmth...come on!)

[Making one batch for my little family, I didn't actually use ALL of these.
I think I used 5-6.  Luckily, this recipe is very flexible.
It's all about taste & appetite.]

[1/2 cup sugar]

[Recipe says 1 tsp, but I always add spices to taste. 

And the nutmeg is all me. Favorite spice, what can I say?]

[After you've added the spices, mix it with 1/2 cup of water, then cover]

[Simmer over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, depending on your 

desired level of chunkiness.]

*Recipe Enhancements*

1. While it's still piping hot, pour over a bowl of vanilla ice cream. 

2. (As seen above) add as a healthy addition to a serving of oatmeal.

3. Repeat all steps above, only replace 2 of the apples with PEARS.