This applesauce recipe is almost too simple to talk about. But I’m going to talk about it because when I made it the first time – out of necessity because I had a bunch of apples but no applesauce which is what I really wanted – I realized that I never thought to make it this way. Because I’m making it at home, I can add extra boosters like butter and flaxseed, and control the flavor. I keep the skins on for color, fiber and vitamins.

On waste: I outline in the recipe below potential waste and how to try and avoid it.

My daughter (14 months) loves this and so do I!

Here’s the lazy gals guide to pumped up applesauce. (“Pumped up” with apple skins, healthy fat and added fiber.)

You’ll need >>>

A microwave
A microwave-safe bowl
An immersion blender*
3-4 organic apples, cored and cubed … leave those skins on! (Potential waste: stickers. Avoid it: visit the farmers market in season)
1 tablespoon organic lemon juice (Potential waste: stickers on fresh lemons and/or plastic container of lemon juice. Avoid it: grow lemons! Not really possible here in VT so truthfully I buy a glass container of organic lemon juice and then reuse it or recycle.)
1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil (Potential waste: packaging. Avoid it: look for butter in a compostable paper wrapper and coconut oil in glass. I’m currently using up a big tub of coconut oil from Costo but it is Plastic #5 and can be recycled.)
1-2 tablespoons organic ground flaxseed or chia seeds (Potential waste: packaging. Avoid it: buy in bulk)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional (Potential waste: packaging. Avoid it: buy in bulk)
1 tablespoon local honey or maple syrup, optional (see step 5) (Potential waste: packaging. Avoid it: buy in bulk, buy from local seller who will take back and reuse glass container.)

Directions >>>

1. Place apples, lemon juice and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and put in the microwave on high for 5 minutes.
2. Stir around a bit and place back in the microwave for 2-5 additional minutes, until the apples are soft and beginning to fall apart.
3. Use immersion blender to blend it all up right there in your microwave safe bowl, skins and all.
4. Add the flaxseed and cinnamon and blend for a few seconds.
5. Taste at this point and determine if you want to add sweetener. Add 1 tablespoon local honey or maple syrup at this time and blend for a few seconds to combine.

*You can use a regular blender or even one of those small smoothie blenders, but I love the ease and convenience of an immersion blender.

The batch depicted in the photo above didn’t include flaxseed or chia seeds, in case you’re curious.

Store in an airtight glass or stainless container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Serve straight-up with a spoon, stirred into steel cut oatmeal or (paleo oatmeal), or as a side/sauce for pork or other savory dishes.

For on the go, a small glass container and spoon works well. It can be a little messy, so I’m still looking for a great plastic-free reusable squeeze pouch. I found one by the brand Squooshi at my local health food store that I impulse purchased a few months back (reason #736 not to shop while tired) but it’s entirely plastic. So, despite the adorable design I think I’ll discontinue using it.

Enjoy!

xo, Meredith