Cinnamon Applesauce

Sometimes I like to do some things the hard way! Well, I wouldn't exactly call making homemade applesauce "hard"- but it's definitely not as convenient as just buying it at the store! But since I love cooking and knowing exactly what is in the foods I am feeding my family, it just seemed natural to make applesauce. And the kids LOVED it! I doubt there will be anymore store bought applesauce here (so good thing it is easy :-) )!

I think the key to good applesauce is in the type of apple you use. You want to choose apples that are naturally more sweet so that you do not have to use a lot of additional sugar. Naturally sweet apples are Red Delicious, Gala, Fuji, and McIntosh. I like to use a combination of apples rather than just one type. I used Gala and Fuji this time around- but you can change it up however you like. You can start with a few tbsp. of sugar and add more as they cook if needed. This is a very easy and versatile recipe and a great way to use up some yummy apples!

Ingredients (makes 4 servings

4 apples, peeled, cored and chopped

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup sugar (or start with less and adjust after cooking)

1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Directions

In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar and cinnamon.

Cover and cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until apples are soft.

Allow apples to cool and then mash with potato masher to desired consistency. Serve immediately and refrigerate leftovers.

ENJOY!

Classic Tomato Sauce

It just seems wrong to use jarred pizza sauce on a homemade pizza crust! So, I went to the pantry to see what I could come up with. The outcome? A REALLY tasty tomato sauce that could be used on anything from pizza to pasta. My husband and I love spicy foods, but the kids do not. So, I only added red pepper flakes to one half of the recipe and left the other half plain for the kids. This is such a simple sauce that there is no need for the jarred kind (with all those preservatives)!

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
1/2 tsp salt
28 oz can crushed tomatoes

Directions

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes and salt. Stir and saute for 45 seconds (do not brown the garlic). Stir in the tomatoes. Heat the sauce over a low simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and use as desired.

I initially used the sauce for our pizza, but thought it would taste great tossed with some pasta and a little cheese...and I was right! :-)

ENJOY!

Pizza Sauce

You can't have pizza without pizza sauce...well, actually I am not a huge fan of tomato based pizza sauce and could do without at times. But my quest for a good homemade pizza includes a good pizza sauce! Here is one that I adapted from a few different places. The sauce is easy to make and has a good flavor. Since this one doesn't need to be cooked, it's also pretty quick.



Ingredients
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
6 oz warm water (110 degrees)
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp honey
3/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp dried red pepper flakes (I used more since we like it hotter)
salt to taste

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Sauce should sit for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors. Spread over pizza crust and add desired toppings.