Simple Slow Cooker Applesauce

This is a super easy recipe that just needs to be thrown together and it cooks itself.  It lasts for a week or two in the fridge and can easily be frozen as well (if you get overzealous and make a double batch... it's been known to happen).  My boyfriend swears by Musselman's Chunky Applesauce, but it is nowhere to be found out West and he can't get enough of this homemade stuff!

~3 lbs. apples
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar (or Splenda, Truvia, etc.) or to your taste

I peel the apples (but you certainly don't have to), core them, and cut them into 8 pieces.  Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and set it to low.  Let cook for 8 hours.  When the applesauce is done cooking, you can mash it up to whatever consistency you like!

Note:  For this recipe I used half gala and half granny smith apples.  I have used fuji in the past and that turned out well also.  The grocery store usually has a 3-lb. bag of one type of apples on sale, which makes the decision easy :)

This would also be really good as a dessert - served warm over ice cream or with whipped cream on top!