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!

Rice Cereal Cookies

My daughter is loving those little rice cereal cookies that you can buy at your local grocery.  We buy ours from Wal-Mart.  However, even buying store brand they are about $2.50 per box and I just hate to spend that much!  So, I looked around for some recipes.  I found one from Wholesome Baby Food that I liked.  I, as always...., changed one thing in the recipe.

My recipe:

You can also use flavored baby cereal if you want. I made them plain, just because this was the first time I was trying the recipe.  Next time I may play around with some flavors.  The original recipe only used the rice cereal,but I thought I would try it with a mix, and it was a hit!  

Let me know if you try them and what you do differently!