Homemade Warm Applesauce
As a health-conscious mom, I am always looking for new recipes to serve to my family. One of my daughter’s favorite, old-school snacks is applesauce. I mean seriously, what is there not to love about applesauce? I was in the aisle looking for applesauce when suddenly, I became quite overwhelmed. There are soooo many varieties. Cinnamon, strawberry, fruit-packed, banana, hey, even banana strawberry, huh? huh? At first I was amazed at all the different kinds. I was sucked in. “Wow, this is fantastic! My daughter will be happy,” or at least I thought. I read the label on the back of the package. The second ingredient was high fructose corn syrup (uh, no!), then natural flavors. Let me thinks about this, natural flavors? What is natural flavor? Shouldn’t it already have its own natural flavor that nothing needs to be added to call it natural flavor? I quickly became not impressed with my boxed product and decided to go home and make my own. I mean why not really? This way I know the exact amount and even ALL the ingredients. Doesn’t that sound better to you? Actually knowing what is in your food? It’s good and easy, I really hope you make them!
Ingredients:
- 4 apples; cut in bite size pieces
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
- 3 tbs sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Recipe:
Step 1: Place all ingredients into sauce pan and simmer until tender over medium heat
Step 2: Place in a bowl. If there’s too much liquid, drain some.
Step 3: Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, mash until desired consistancy.
Serve up to your family and friends for a extra sweet snack!
Absolutely award-winning in my mama book! (And the kids loved it too!) What other ingredients do you like in your applesauce?
Day 6 of 21 – Juice Challenge: Rise and Shine, Money Talk
Are you tired of seeing carrots in the majority of my juice recipes? Here’s another perk to juicing…I have a secret to why that is, keep reading! I realize a lot of people choose not to juice, not because they don’t care about their health or the benefits juicing has, but because of their wallets. It has been brought to my attention that juicing can be expensive and yes, I agree. I wanted to challenge on some of those thoughts while we are empowering ourselves and the choices of food we eat or drink.
A person juices for a lot of reasons. Perhaps they are not getting enough nutrients or vimatims. Perhaps they want to feel good about what’s going into their body. Perhaps they like the energy they feel from juicing. Whatever your reason is, I’m sure its a good one. But at the end of the day, my friends who don’t juice, tell me that it’s too expensive to start. I respond with this. The food you are putting into your body is wholesome. It’s not processed but only Earth can make it for you. I believe in God or a higher being and I know for sure that He did not create man and woman next to a factory. The only factory was a garden. Your body needs healthy, nutritional foods. It craves for these foods. If you could know for sure that you could prevent a disease by eating your vegetables and fruits would you do it? If you knew that the body can function at its optimum health by feeding it raw foods, would you do it? Can purchasing fruits and vegetables be expensive? Yes. But so can that doctor or hospital bill. Hippocrates said, “Let thy food be thy medicine and they medicine be thy food.” There is definiately something to be said for that.
If you do come to the agreeance that juicing or eating vegetables and fruits is the way to achieve optimum health then here’s a trick on how to save some cash. Ready? Buy in bulk. Now don’t get me wrong, some bulk items are advertised to save you money but not all of them. That’s what I’m trying to say to you, please empower yourself all around. Sometimes, you just have to know some math. Price vs pounds. You see me using a lot of carrots in my recipes because I bought a bulk of carrots. A 5lb pack for $5.99. Another bag of apples for $4.99. Here’s the thing, I haven’t consumed them all yet. If you want to save even more money, start growing an organic garden. Yes, there is a difference on organic vs non-organic but if you’re just starting out – let’s juice and juice together. You are not in this alone. Remember, there’s always a level of healthiness and what is exceptable for you. For example, I personally do not consume meat. It’s a choice I made years ago and then came back to after my pregnancy. The body knows what it wants. Trust your body. It will tell you. But let’s say you are a meat-eater and would like to make your way to a healthier you. Perhaps you can go to the next step and purchase organic meat – or grass-fed or know your local farmer. Perhaps you can cut down on portion size. It’s all up to you and what you are comfortable with for yourself.
In the meantime, on your personal journey to health – do what’s best for you. Juice once a week and see if you feel a difference. Juice once a day, or make a green juice for a meal replacement. Please take in consideration the cost of food, yes, but also take in consideration the lack of bills from doctors and the prevention you are making for yourself.
With all this carrot talk – I made a juice this morning called the Rise and Shine. It only consists of two ingredients: oranges and carrots. It’s a delicious citrus drink that was quite tasty. My second favorite if we are placing them in order. I will announce my juicer and favorite drinks at that end of this challenge.
Recipe:
- 2 oranges: peeled
- 4 carrots
Made 8 oz or one serving. Follow according to manufacturers instructions provided by your juicer.
Cheers to Day 2! Are you juicing? Do you juice? What are your favorite recipes? If you feel compelled, please join me in this journey and we can juice together! Facebook me at https://www.facebook.com/mamapoolecooks and let’s talk or feel free to leave a comment below.