Cherry Berry Applesauce
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Applesauce is one of those recipes that is truly foolproof, especially with the tools we have in the kitchen today. I love the smell of my house whenever I have a crockpot full of apples and cinnamon simmering, it screams Fall! You know that feeling when you come home from a long day at work and the aroma of that pot roast or chili you left to cooking all day has permeated the house? Yep, it’s that good. Cherry Berry Applesauce was born out of my obsession with Triple Berry Sauce; I truly believe I could write an entire cookbook dedicated to it. Anyway, this applesauce is the perfect marriage of the best fall and summer flavors, making it the perfect September applesauce. AND it’s ridiculously easy to make too!
What are the best berries to use?
Absolutely, I use a mix of fresh and frozen. For this recipe, I used the Good & Gather Cherries and Berries blend I found at Target for this recipe. I like it because it’s the only cherry blend I could find with tart cherries and no raspberries or blackberries; I didn’t want to use berries with lots of seeds for this recipe. I also tossed in a handful of blueberries to round out my two cups of frozen cherries and berries. I found that blueberries and strawberries were the best berries to use in this recipe because they tend to have fewer seeds.
Can this be made using real sugar instead of a sugar replacement?
You can you any sweetener you prefer—or none at all. I make my decision on sweetener I used based on the sweetness of my fruit. The cherry-berry blend I used has tart cherries in it, so I added some sweetener. If you prefer a more tart sauce, you can cut back or leave it out altogether.
Can I use just apples and skip the berries?
No berries are required for this recipe, if you want to make straight-up applesauce, simply eliminate the cherry-berry blend, increase apples in the recipe to ten, and bump up your cinnamon to one teaspoon (or to taste). Depending on how sweet your apples are you may also be able to cut down on the Swerve as well. When I make this without the berries I typically add only a tablespoon or two of the swerve or sugar.
What kind of apples should I use?
My favorite apple was the Honey Crisp until I tried Raves. Now it’s a toss-up, so I used both in this recipe. In the past, I have used a mix of Granny Smith and Honey Crisp. You can use any apples you like, but I do always try to do an apple blend. I think it gives more depth of flavor to the applesauce. Every apple has it’s own texture and flavor. For those of you who like tart, Honey Crisp and Granny Smith apples are a great combination for applesauce and pie filling!
Do I need to peel the apples?
I never peel my apples, and I’m not even going to pretend it’s because all the nutrition is in the skin (although it is a valid argument). I’m just lazy. I like to throw it all in the pot, give it a stir, and walk away until it’s done. That said if you plan to use a potato masher to process your applesauce you will have to peel them. Since I use a blender, the skin gets pulverized and you never know they weren’t peeled.
To blend or to mash? That is the question.
I am going to have to admit, I have never used a potato masher for my applesauce, I’ve always turned to my blender. However, if you love chunky applesauce, a potato masher is the way to go and because I have eaten spoonfuls of this before I’ve blended it, I know it is every bit as delicious done this way. You can also achieve a smoother, but still textured result with an immersion blender. I like using a blender. I have both the Vitamix and the Ninja Professional 1500, both make quick work of this task. The Vitamix provides a bit of a smoother and more velvety texture, very similar to baby food, while the Ninja gave me a little more ability to blend to a texture that was in between. The answer to this one truly is a personal preference.
Can I cook this on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker like the Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot?
I have not tested this recipe using either of those cooking methods. However, I am certain it will work with outstanding results. Because I haven’t tested it in my kitchen, I can only offer general instruction (a best guess based on my cooking knowledge) on using these methods. For stovetop, increase water to 3/4 cups and simmer, covered on low heat for 1-2 hours until apples are soft (stirring occasionally). For the pressure cooker, increase water to 1 cup, and cook on hi-pressure for 8 minutes with a 5-minute natural release. Personally, I prefer to use the slow-cook method for applesauce because it’s extremely easy and my house smells fantastic for hours!
Cherry Berry Applesauce
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 7 apple, peeled, cored, and sliced (I used a mix of Rave and Honey Crisp)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen mix of cherrys, blueberries, and strawberries (I used Good & Gather Cherries and Berries Blend from Target.)
- ¼ cup Swerve™ Brown Sugar Replacement
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp water
Instructions
- *Peel, core, and quarter apples. - See recipe notes
- Add all ingredients to slow-cooker, then give a good stir to coat the apples and cherry blend with the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cover and set to cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Cook until very soft. Cool completely and then use a potato masher, blender, or food processor to achieve the desired texture.
Notes
Nutrition
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My daughter asked me to get her chicken McNuggets while I was out today.
Can I just say, going through the drive-thru when you`re hungry is hard. But I haven`t had McDonald`s (other than an Egg McMuffin a time or two) since 2019. And I wasn`t going to start today...although I do plan to try the strawberry shortcake McFlurry before it`s gone! But that`s another post!
I decided to ask for a few extra sauces (my favorite is Hot Mustard) and came home to make my own copycat nuggets.
I wish I could take the credit for this piece of culinary genius, but I found the recipe while scrolling Instagram--it was a reel, so I`m not sure who it was!
Copy Cat Chicken McNuggets
Serves 1 (12 nuggets)
4 WW Points
443 Calories
12.5 oz can Kirkland Canned Chicken, drained
1 egg
65 grams 75% Reduced Fat Cabot Cheddar
1 tbsp grated parmesan
Seasoning of your choice, I used some spicy ranch seasoning.
Avocado Oil cooking spray
Preheat oven or airfryer to 400.
1. Mix all ingredients well, shape into nuggets (I got 12 out of this), place on pan spritzed with avocado oil cooking spray, then give them another quick spritz.
2. Air fry or bake 25 min or until golden and crispy, turning them over halfway through. I use the air fry function on my Ninja XL oven.
I enjoyed these with my favorite McDonald`s nugget sauce!
As a side note, the point/nutritional values will be different depending on the cheese you use.
#bigfatskinnyrecipes #eatgreatloseweight #weightlossjourney #healthyswaps
My daughter asked me to get her chicken McNuggets while I was out today.
Can I just say, going through the drive-thru when you`re hungry is hard. But I haven`t had McDonald`s (other than an Egg McMuffin a time or two) since 2019. And I wasn`t going to start today...although I do plan to try the strawberry shortcake McFlurry before it`s gone! But that`s another post!
I decided to ask for a few extra sauces (my favorite is Hot Mustard) and came home to make my own copycat nuggets.
I wish I could take the credit for this piece of culinary genius, but I found the recipe while scrolling Instagram--it was a reel, so I`m not sure who it was!
Copy Cat Chicken McNuggets
Serves 1 (12 nuggets)
4 WW Points
443 Calories
12.5 oz can Kirkland Canned Chicken, drained
1 egg
65 grams 75% Reduced Fat Cabot Cheddar
1 tbsp grated parmesan
Seasoning of your choice, I used some spicy ranch seasoning.
Avocado Oil cooking spray
Preheat oven or airfryer to 400.
1. Mix all ingredients well, shape into nuggets (I got 12 out of this), place on pan spritzed with avocado oil cooking spray, then give them another quick spritz.
2. Air fry or bake 25 min or until golden and crispy, turning them over halfway through. I use the air fry function on my Ninja XL oven.
I enjoyed these with my favorite McDonald`s nugget sauce!
As a side note, the point/nutritional values will be different depending on the cheese you use.
#bigfatskinnyrecipes #eatgreatloseweight #weightlossjourney #healthyswaps
I stumbled across an old journal entry from late 2020. And boy did I need the reminder.
I thought I`d share just in case any of you needed a reminder too:
"Transformation is a process. It takes time, and patience. Sometimes you`re gonna hit it on all cylinders, and sometimes you`re gonna struggle. In either case the requirement is to show up, and do the best that you can."
(December 13, 2020)
Don`t ever underestimate your own wisdom, because most times the only expert you need is looking back at you in the mirror.
xo-Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossjourney #bigfatskinnywisdom
I stumbled across an old journal entry from late 2020. And boy did I need the reminder.
I thought I`d share just in case any of you needed a reminder too:
"Transformation is a process. It takes time, and patience. Sometimes you`re gonna hit it on all cylinders, and sometimes you`re gonna struggle. In either case the requirement is to show up, and do the best that you can."
(December 13, 2020)
Don`t ever underestimate your own wisdom, because most times the only expert you need is looking back at you in the mirror.
xo-Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossjourney #bigfatskinnywisdom
I had a bad hair day..
I was letting my hair grow because, for like a minute I was loving it long--and then yesterday on a whim I decided that I didn`t.
I sent a quick text to @nikitajohns, the best hairstylist ever, and a few hours later my hair was four inches shorter, my bad hair day was over, and I was ready for spring!
The moral of the story is: making a change doesn`t require over thinking--just do it!
I had a bad hair day..
I was letting my hair grow because, for like a minute I was loving it long--and then yesterday on a whim I decided that I didn`t.
I sent a quick text to @nikitajohns, the best hairstylist ever, and a few hours later my hair was four inches shorter, my bad hair day was over, and I was ready for spring!
The moral of the story is: making a change doesn`t require over thinking--just do it!
My eyes have been bothering me off and on for a few days, I figured it was just a Sjogrens flare, until this morning when I woke up with sore, red, goopy eyes.
So I scheduled a quick video visit with my doctor...
and the winner is:
Bacterial Conjunctivitis (aka) Pink Eye!!
I`m getting some antibiotic drops, but spam me with your best home remedies to soothe sore, achey eyes 👀!
My eyes have been bothering me off and on for a few days, I figured it was just a Sjogrens flare, until this morning when I woke up with sore, red, goopy eyes.
So I scheduled a quick video visit with my doctor...
and the winner is:
Bacterial Conjunctivitis (aka) Pink Eye!!
I`m getting some antibiotic drops, but spam me with your best home remedies to soothe sore, achey eyes 👀!
Happy Sunday!
I don`t know about you, but this spring ahead thing has got me all messed up!
I mean, I know it`s only an hour but man I feel like I missed half the day!!! 😳
I will not be live on Facebook this evening as I`m getting ready for a quick trip tomorrow and Tuesday. BUT, I still wanted to share the recipe I talked about last week. It`s one of my faves and it comes together quickly!!
I especially love fennel and apples together, but it is equally delicious without the fennel. If you skip the fennel (which I do not recommend) just add an additional cup of broccoli slaw mix.
Apple Crunch Slaw
6 servings
1sp
75 calories
3 c broccoli slaw
1 c fennel sliced thin
2 apples julienned, shredded, or chopped
2 tsp Fruit Fresh (sprinkled on apples to keep them from browning)
DRESSING
1/2 c nonfat greek yogurt
2 tbsp Light mayo
1 tbsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 packets Truvia Sweetener
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp celery seed
Toss slaw and fennel together. Sprinkle apples with fruit fresh and toss together, add to slaw mix. Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth and uniform, pour over slaw and toss well until coated. #myww #weightlossjourney #wwcommunity #bigfatskinnysalads #eatmoresalad
Happy Sunday!
I don`t know about you, but this spring ahead thing has got me all messed up!
I mean, I know it`s only an hour but man I feel like I missed half the day!!! 😳
I will not be live on Facebook this evening as I`m getting ready for a quick trip tomorrow and Tuesday. BUT, I still wanted to share the recipe I talked about last week. It`s one of my faves and it comes together quickly!!
I especially love fennel and apples together, but it is equally delicious without the fennel. If you skip the fennel (which I do not recommend) just add an additional cup of broccoli slaw mix.
Apple Crunch Slaw
6 servings
1sp
75 calories
3 c broccoli slaw
1 c fennel sliced thin
2 apples julienned, shredded, or chopped
2 tsp Fruit Fresh (sprinkled on apples to keep them from browning)
DRESSING
1/2 c nonfat greek yogurt
2 tbsp Light mayo
1 tbsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 packets Truvia Sweetener
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp celery seed
Toss slaw and fennel together. Sprinkle apples with fruit fresh and toss together, add to slaw mix. Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth and uniform, pour over slaw and toss well until coated. #myww #weightlossjourney #wwcommunity #bigfatskinnysalads #eatmoresalad
Fresh hair day is my favorite! Disguising my wisdom!!!
#transformationtuesday
Happy FriYaY-Weigh! So far this month my weight has not budged--I`ve been maintaining, which is (arguably) good, but my goal is to lose.
And there it is, my weekly struggle between gratitude and disappointment.
With that said, I choose gratitude. These two pictures are almost four years apart. I`ve come an incredibly long way, and am proud of all that I`ve overcome.
I am well aware of the work that is yet to be done, but for today, I am choosing to celebrate where I am right now and the strength and courage it took to get here.
What wins are you celebrating today?
xo Lisa
#celebrateeverywin #weightlossjourney #consistency #eatmovetracksleep #drinkyourwater #bigfatskinnywisdom #facetofacefriday #Face2FaceFriday
Happy FriYaY-Weigh! So far this month my weight has not budged--I`ve been maintaining, which is (arguably) good, but my goal is to lose.
And there it is, my weekly struggle between gratitude and disappointment.
With that said, I choose gratitude. These two pictures are almost four years apart. I`ve come an incredibly long way, and am proud of all that I`ve overcome.
I am well aware of the work that is yet to be done, but for today, I am choosing to celebrate where I am right now and the strength and courage it took to get here.
What wins are you celebrating today?
xo Lisa
#celebrateeverywin #weightlossjourney #consistency #eatmovetracksleep #drinkyourwater #bigfatskinnywisdom #facetofacefriday #Face2FaceFriday
Taking care of others can be both challenging, and exhausting.
Which is why making my own care a priority is absolutely essential. You know, the put your own mask on first thing...and I wasn`t very good at it for more years than I can count.
I have always been a supplement skeptic, but have since learned that (much like in life), sometimes a little bit of support goes a really long way.
In addition to eating well, moving, tracking, drinking my daily water, and getting plenty of sleep, I take supplements for:
👉 Hormone and Mood Support
👉 Stress and Weight Management Support
👉 Gut Health Support
👉 Inflammation and Autoimmune Support
While I know that taking a few supplements will not solve all my health issues, or make me magically thinner, I do know what a difference they have made for me on my health journey.
Do you supplement?
#myweightlossjourney #weightlossjourney #consistency #eatmovetracksleep #drinkyourwater
Taking care of others can be both challenging, and exhausting.
Which is why making my own care a priority is absolutely essential. You know, the put your own mask on first thing...and I wasn`t very good at it for more years than I can count.
I have always been a supplement skeptic, but have since learned that (much like in life), sometimes a little bit of support goes a really long way.
In addition to eating well, moving, tracking, drinking my daily water, and getting plenty of sleep, I take supplements for:
👉 Hormone and Mood Support
👉 Stress and Weight Management Support
👉 Gut Health Support
👉 Inflammation and Autoimmune Support
While I know that taking a few supplements will not solve all my health issues, or make me magically thinner, I do know what a difference they have made for me on my health journey.
Do you supplement?
#myweightlossjourney #weightlossjourney #consistency #eatmovetracksleep #drinkyourwater
Lisa this sounds so good! I can’t wait to try it! Thank you so much.
I hope you enjoy it! It is one of my favorites!!