DIY Applesauce/Babyfood

I began making applesauce as a school project for my first grade students.  I had been looking for a fun craft or snack for my class for Johnny Appleseed Day.  While I was searching I came across a recipe for home made applesauce.  I personally don't care for applesauce - something about the texture.  But, my kids all loved it!  It was a big hit with them!  So, every year for Johnny Appleseed day we would make applesauce!  It was a great lesson that they never knew they were learning!

I am currently a stay at home, taking care of my two precious children, so I am not making applesauce once a year.  Instead I am making it at least once a month!  My children love it and think it is a great treat!  I do try to buy a lot of apples when I find a good deal and make my applesauce ahead.

I start with my wonderful Pampered Chef Apple Wedger!

This nice little tool makes the job so much faster and easier!  Simply press down, then peel each little section!

I usually cut each section in half, but that is not a must.  The smaller the pieces, the more quickly the applesauce will cook.  So the size of the apple pieces is totally up to you.  I also add about 1/4 c. water to the crock-pot.  You can add cinnamon if you want - I always did, until we discovered my daughter has a mild cinnamon allergy.

When I made this in the classroom I cut my apples into very small pieces to be sure my applesauce was cooked in time for the students to sample it! When I make it at home I don't worry about the size of the pieces.  I just toss them in the crock pot and turn it on high!

Each time I walk through the kitchen I try to just give the apples a quick stir.  This just makes sure they continue to cook evenly and also let me know when they are done!  (It has also let me know I forgot to plug in the crock-pot...)

If I were making this for my toddler or older children, I would be finished after mashing the apples with a spoon.  However, when I make it for my 6 month old, I use a blender to puree the applesauce.  Then, I spoon it into ice cube trays to freeze and use as needed!

Good Luck and Enjoy!

How to get the Best baby footprint!

I don't know about you, but I love to make crafts!  Now that I have children, I love to make crafts that involved them!  However, that can get a bit messy!!  The first time I tried to paint my daughter's feet to make a footprint craft - oh my!  There was paint all over her, me, the towel I had put down and the paper I was trying to simply get one footprint on!  It was a mess!!

After a few trial and error attempts I have finally found the best way to capture those sweet little footprints - even on the wiggliest of my babies!

I prefer to use the washable paint! It cleans up so easily!!  I can use baby wipes, a rag, or just dip those precious little feet in the sink (which is definitely what my children prefer!)!!

The Bumbo seat has been the best thing I have used for feet painting!  It keeps their little legs pointed out, and keeps their feet from touching the floor (or anything else)!   

Then, I cover that sweet little foot with paint!  Thankfully my babies laugh at this part.  In teaching I have had some children who could not stand to have paint on their feet or hands - so we settled for tracing their feet/hands! 

To capture the footprint on paper I use a hard clipboard.  Simply place your paper on the clipboard and carefully press baby's foot against the paper.  The tricky part for me seems to be getting the toes (you can see a smeared toe in the picture).  I have found that if I start at the heel and roll the foot onto the paper pressing the toes in last I get the best footprint!

I hope this helps you as you create masterpieces with your babies!!