Hello February! Everyone is always saying how they can't believe its already February, or July or how the kids are going back to school - but seriously - I can't believe its February. Maybe its because we haven't had any real snow this season in central Ohio or maybe its because Greg and I are getting ready to celebrate our THREE year wedding anniversary!
I have always loved Valentines Day, so this entire month will feature Valentine's Day themed desserts. I used to love Valentines Day in school growing up when our class always had a contest for the best homemade Valentine box. I remember one year, in 4th grade, I won with a TV design. I remember trying to decide what was going to be playing on the TV and I decided to do Reading Rainbow since we watched it every Friday in class. Needless to say, the class LOVED it!
Speaking of school memories...this recipe comes from a memory in first grade, 1991 for those who are counting. When I wasn't busy getting pink slips for flushing someone NKOTB trading card down the toilet - I was enjoying classroom holiday parties :) Valentines Day in first grade, my mother came in to help with the party and we made crock pot applesauce. YUM! The day doubled as a lesson on Johnny Appleseed too...which my brother and I were just discussing the validity of that story...hmm.
Anyway, here is a SUPER easy, warm treat for any time of the year.
RED HOT CROCKPOT APPLESAUCE
INGREDIANTS:
About 15 apples ( I use Gala)
1/2 Cup of Water
1/2 Cup of Apple Juice or Cider
1 Cup of Brown Sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon
1/2 Cup of Cinnamon Red Hots (Amount is optional - On a scale of 1 to 10, using 1/2 cup would be about a 5)
99% of your time for this recipe will be spent peeling the apples.
Peel and core apples. Cut into small pieces.
Place all ingredients in the CrockPot and place the heat level to low - about 6-8 hours.
About every hour or so, go in and smash the ingredients around - also, enjoy the aroma with every lift of the lid :)
Smell.All.Day.Long...
Once apples are completely broken down, you will have a beautiful RED HOT cinnamon applesauce. Enjoy! This also heats up very well.
YUMMMMMM.....