Autumn Apples

Today we took the family on a fall adventure to Plymouth Cider Mill & Orchard.  So much fun!
I picked up a 1/2 peck of Ida Red Apples.  I chose those because it says it's good for eating, cooking & baking.  They are a pretty red and large.  Large apples means less peeling.
Here is my recipe for apple sauce in a crock pot.  Makes the house smell good all day!

Ingredients:

• 8 medium apples (Use a combination of Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Gala, etc.)
• 1 strip of lemon peel - use a vegetable peeler
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 inch cinnamon stick (1 teaspoon of ground)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (unpacked)
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeded
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 1/3 cup Fresh Apple Cider (juice or water)

Directions:

Peel, Core and Slice the apples then add to your crock pot.
Add all of the rest of the ingredients, stir and cook for 6-8 hours on low.
Stir apples occasionally, apples will slowly become a delicious applesauce.  Remove cinnamon sticks, lemon peel and vanilla bean. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth or if you prefer a chunky sauce, leave sauce intact or try a potato masher.

Leftovers

Sometimes I research recipes, sometimes I see something while shopping, and sometimes it's just what I have leftover and that's what ends up as baby food.  Last night's special was cheesy broccoli and noodles.
Left overs make great baby food if you have a food processor.

• Be aware of high salt, sugar and fat content in "adult" food before you use it for baby food.

Today is pinto beans and ham!

I love adding beans to food as protein and texture.  Super easy item to stock up on when it's on sale at the grocery store.  I like Simple Truth Organic brand at Kroger.

Ingredients:
1 can of Pinto Beans, drained and rinced
2 slices of Ham deli meat.
6 oz of carrots (diced or shredded)
1 cup of Vegetable Stock
2 T butter
2t Cinnamon
Sprinkle of Cumin and Ginger

Take all of these ingredients and cook in a sauce pot for 20 minutes, med/low heat.  Make sure carrots are softened or continue cooking.  The size of the carrot depicts cooking time.
Drain and reserve the cooking liquid and add a little if needed to puree smooth.  Portion and freeze.
This recipe make 6, 4oz jars.

So Behind!

I have totally fallen off the blogging wagon! I need to get myself back on track.  I have been cooking and recording recipes but have just not taken the time to post.  Somehow I find the time to check facebook several times a day but "can't" find the time to blog.  Perhaps because it takes more effort. I'm cooking now and I'll post the recipe today. :)