Let's Get Saucy

Since the apple is the food of the month for September, I took it upon myself to do a little product review of a delicious, simple and beloved treat by many - Apple Sauce.

The grocery list has some different brands of apple sauce I thought I would compare and let you choose the winner. Although, I'm not sure there is a clear winner in this instance.

 As you can see, these products are identical. They are also approximately the same price. They both taste great. Not too sweet and you taste the apple. Each can be purchased as shown above in individual portions or in a large jar.

In this case, I would give the PC brand the edge only because it is available in a variety pack of individual portions. This is usually the most cost effective approach - buying in bulk. Both brands are available in different flavours. The PC brand is available in Apple, Apple-Cinnamon, Apple-Mango and Apple-Strawberry . The Our Compliments brand is available in Apple, Apple-Cinnamon, Apple-Raspberry, Apple-Blueberry, Apple-Strawberry, Apple-Field Berry and Apple-Peach.

PC Products are available at:
Independent
Zehrs
Loblaws
No Frills
Real Canadian Superstore
Valu Mart

Our Compliments Products are available at:
Foodland
FreshCo
Sobeys
Price Chopper

However, if you prefer homemade apple sauce (who doesn't?). Here is a great recipe you can quickly do in the slow cooker. Try making this with a class of students. They love being involved and your classroom will smell great as this cooks!

Crock Pot Apple Sauce (adapted from http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/10/crock-pot-applesauce.html)

Servings: 12 • Size: 1/4 cup Calories: 65.9 • Fat: 0.2 g • Sodium: 0.6 mg • Fiber: 2.8 g • Sugar: 12

Ingredients:

• 8 medium apples (Use your favourite kind or a variety.)
• 1 strips of lemon peel - use a vegetable peeler
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water (or more)
• 3 inch cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp)
• 5 tsp light brown sugar (unpacked) (or less)
• 1 tsp vanilla (optional)

Directions:

Peel, core, and slice the apples. Chop the apple slices into smaller pieces to cut down on cooking time.


Place

them in the slow cooker.

Add

the cinnamon, lemon, water, vanilla (if using) and brown sugar.

Set

crock pot to low and cook for 4-5 hours.

Stir

apples occasionally, apples will slowly become a delicious applesauce. 

Remove

cinnamon stick and lemon peel. Mash the apples or use an immersion blender or hand mixer to

blend

until smooth.

Makes 3 cups.

This apple sauce can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days, or in the freezer for several months!


Enjoy!