Apple season is here! I may get a bit too excited about it, but friends— growing up in the Caribbean, apples were not a common thing for us. Mangoes, pineapples, star fruit— yes. But not apples. And it is something that I always associated with the images of fall season I saw on tv. Growing up without actual seasons is something that always made me feel cheated as a kid. And I always knew that I would retire somewhere where I could experience all the seasons. Now living in the upper Midwest, autumn is something that associate with crisp air, sweaters, but above all— apples (even more than pumpkins). And my favorite activity during the fall is going to the apple orchards and cideries, and picking apples. It is one of those simple things that brings me joy.

For me, the flavors of fall are not complete without apples. And my favorite thing to make? Applesauce. Oh my goodness, I love applesauce like a kid. And it is my go-to snack after the gym. Unfortunately, most commercially sold are laden with added sugars and preservatives. Yuck! And so I make my own, and freeze it so I can have throughout the year.

When choosing apples for sauce, I have only two requirements— a little sweet, but also a little tart. Which is why I normally reach for Honeycrisp. However, a couple of years ago I learned about an apple developed by the University of Minnesota, called First Kiss. This Minnesota hardy apple is a cross between a Honeycrisp (my favorite apple) and AA44*, a variety from the University of Arkansas (Source). This early season ripening (August-early September) apple has a beautiful deep red color (can have some splotches of green too), and it is very crisp and juicy— which is why I love it. And because of all these traits, it is my favorite to make applesauce.

Normally I share my SUPER EASY applesauce recipe, but actually is not a recipe as much as it is a method because the crockpot does everything. So this is what you do:

• Put 8-10 unpeeled apples (cored and sliced) into a crockpot with 1 tbsp of water. Put the lid on the crockpot.

• Set the crockpot to cook the apples for 4 hours. Stir occasionally as they cook.

• Once cook, use an immersion blender (or normal blender) to to create a smooth sauce.

• Let it cool and pour into containers.

  ** This is a good recipe for freezing. I use Ball freezer containers (not pictured) and the applesauce is good for up to 1 year. When you thaw it, the water and apple will separate; all you do is stir it and it will be good to go. Word of caution: once you thaw it, do not refreeze. It is not as good.

ENJOY!

Here are other amazing link-ups I enjoy!

Mondays— Inspire Me Monday, Hearth & Soul, In a Vase on Monday, Mosaic Monday, All About Home Link Party
Tuesdays— Nature Notes, Tuesday Turn About
Wednesdays— Wonderful Wednesday, Soaring with Him, Wonderful Wednesday Blog-Hop
Thursdays— Imparting Grace, Heart Encouragement, Be Thee Inspired, Full Plate Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Runfessions
Friday— Floral Friday, Friendship Friday Grace & Truth, Farmhouse Friday, Floral Friday Fotos, Community - Five Minute Friday, Fabulous Friday Link Party, Encouraging Hearts & Home, Fabulous Friday
Saturday & Sunday— Pink Saturday, Saturdays Sparks Link Party, Garden Affair, Six on Saturday

Monthly— Garden Bloggers Bloom Day