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
2 Comments
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The New Year has arrived, and with it that rush of urgency, most of us feel to get "it" done. I mean, I get it. It`s like the mother of all fresh starts.
BUT, that intensity in which we attack the New Year tends to fade quickly, and we eventually fall into the familiar pattern of starting tomorrow--every week--until the next New Year.
But what if this year you get "it"--whatever "it" may be for you--done one day at a time?
👉Practice consistency instead of intensity.
👉Treat each day as a fresh start.
👉 Every decision you make is an opportunity for self correction.
👉Celebrate your wins, and give yourself grace when you make mistakes.
👉Take a break, but don`t quit.
Most of all, remember that failure is not fatal, and success is never final; your journey is about progress, not perfection.
So, Happy New Day🎉
xo Lisa
The New Year has arrived, and with it that rush of urgency, most of us feel to get "it" done. I mean, I get it. It`s like the mother of all fresh starts.
BUT, that intensity in which we attack the New Year tends to fade quickly, and we eventually fall into the familiar pattern of starting tomorrow--every week--until the next New Year.
But what if this year you get "it"--whatever "it" may be for you--done one day at a time?
👉Practice consistency instead of intensity.
👉Treat each day as a fresh start.
👉 Every decision you make is an opportunity for self correction.
👉Celebrate your wins, and give yourself grace when you make mistakes.
👉Take a break, but don`t quit.
Most of all, remember that failure is not fatal, and success is never final; your journey is about progress, not perfection.
So, Happy New Day🎉
xo Lisa
Sunday, I enjoyed a few cookies during our family cookie bake.
Last night for dinner, I enjoyed half a turkey & cheese sub (from our favorite sub shop) and some seasoned waffle fries prepared in my air-fryer.
For breakfast today, I enjoyed mixed greens and a spicy feta mushroom omelet.
My point? Sometimes I choose the cookie, and sometimes I choose the salad.
See, our food choices aren`t the problem. Our mindset is. A few cookies don`t have the power to shove us off the proverbial wagon--that`s a mindset thing.
Embrace the joy of the season, and keep making progress one choice at a time!
xo Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossmotivation #trusttheprocess #bigfatskinnydish
Sunday, I enjoyed a few cookies during our family cookie bake.
Last night for dinner, I enjoyed half a turkey & cheese sub (from our favorite sub shop) and some seasoned waffle fries prepared in my air-fryer.
For breakfast today, I enjoyed mixed greens and a spicy feta mushroom omelet.
My point? Sometimes I choose the cookie, and sometimes I choose the salad.
See, our food choices aren`t the problem. Our mindset is. A few cookies don`t have the power to shove us off the proverbial wagon--that`s a mindset thing.
Embrace the joy of the season, and keep making progress one choice at a time!
xo Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossmotivation #trusttheprocess #bigfatskinnydish
Saturday shopping hits different in the fall. Don`t ya think?
#fallvibes #bigfatskinnydish #wegmanshaul #holidayseason
Saturday shopping hits different in the fall. Don`t ya think?
#fallvibes #bigfatskinnydish #wegmanshaul #holidayseason
The seasons in our lives serve us in many different ways--but very few had more of an impact on the trajectory of my life than my time in the United States Navy.
To serve was truly an honor, but for me, the experience of serving was a gift that helped shape the rest of my life.
So, to all who have served, and all who continue to make the choice to serve; thank you for your service.
Happy Veteran`s Day!
xo Lisa
#veteran #VeteransDay #givethanks #usnavy
The seasons in our lives serve us in many different ways--but very few had more of an impact on the trajectory of my life than my time in the United States Navy.
To serve was truly an honor, but for me, the experience of serving was a gift that helped shape the rest of my life.
So, to all who have served, and all who continue to make the choice to serve; thank you for your service.
Happy Veteran`s Day!
xo Lisa
#veteran #VeteransDay #givethanks #usnavy
Yesterday, I had wilty veggies in the produce drawer, leftover rotisserie chicken, and some frozen mini wontons; I turned it into lunch.
I did not follow a recipe, I used what I had, and mostly measured with my heart. But here`s what I do know:
3 (hearty) servings
3 WW points
24 mini wonton (got at Costco)
6 oz cooked chicken breast
4 c chicken broth
veggies (I used green beans, and boy choy, green & red pepper, jalapeno pepper)
about 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
about 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
Garlic powder
Sriracha Sauce
Dried soup greens
PS. I know to most of you it`s just a recipe for soup, but there was a lesson in it for me; start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can!
Have an awesome day!
xo Lisa
#bigfatskinnydish #bigfatskinnyrecipes #weightlossjourney #eatgreatloseweight #soupweather
Yesterday, I had wilty veggies in the produce drawer, leftover rotisserie chicken, and some frozen mini wontons; I turned it into lunch.
I did not follow a recipe, I used what I had, and mostly measured with my heart. But here`s what I do know:
3 (hearty) servings
3 WW points
24 mini wonton (got at Costco)
6 oz cooked chicken breast
4 c chicken broth
veggies (I used green beans, and boy choy, green & red pepper, jalapeno pepper)
about 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
about 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
Garlic powder
Sriracha Sauce
Dried soup greens
PS. I know to most of you it`s just a recipe for soup, but there was a lesson in it for me; start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can!
Have an awesome day!
xo Lisa
#bigfatskinnydish #bigfatskinnyrecipes #weightlossjourney #eatgreatloseweight #soupweather
"If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading." -Lao Tzu
Change is hard. I get that it`s unavoidable—but still, for me, it`s hard.
I like things the way they are. I like my routines, the way I take my coffee, and my side of the bed. I don`t want different; I want familiar and comfortable. Can you relate?
But here`s the thing, comfort is usually in direct opposition to growth. In order to grow, change is a necessity. Transformation starts with a change in thinking.
How we think spills into how we act, and even how we identify ourselves. As challenging as it is, I am continuing to learn to embrace change, not just in my actions--but also in how I think.
So, here`s to thinking differently, acting boldly, and becoming the best version of ourselves.
Change might be tough, but it`s where your personal journey of transformation will truly begin.
xo Lisa 💜
#transformationtuesday #ChangeYourMindset #mindsetmatters
#bigfatskinnydish
#bigfatskinnywisdom
"If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading." -Lao Tzu
Change is hard. I get that it`s unavoidable—but still, for me, it`s hard.
I like things the way they are. I like my routines, the way I take my coffee, and my side of the bed. I don`t want different; I want familiar and comfortable. Can you relate?
But here`s the thing, comfort is usually in direct opposition to growth. In order to grow, change is a necessity. Transformation starts with a change in thinking.
How we think spills into how we act, and even how we identify ourselves. As challenging as it is, I am continuing to learn to embrace change, not just in my actions--but also in how I think.
So, here`s to thinking differently, acting boldly, and becoming the best version of ourselves.
Change might be tough, but it`s where your personal journey of transformation will truly begin.
xo Lisa 💜
#transformationtuesday #ChangeYourMindset #mindsetmatters
#bigfatskinnydish
#bigfatskinnywisdom
#Saturdaysnack idea.
This is one from way back. Quick, easy and super delicious!
Crispy Fried Parmesan Zucchini served with my almost famous Mama Mia Marinara. (OR use your favorite marina sauce!)
Here`s how to make it.
1/2 small zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
9g Extra Crispy Shake `n Bake
2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 tsp farm dust
Avocado Oil cooking Spray
Slice zucchini into rounds, add farm dust (or salt) to beaten egg. Mix Shake `n Bake and cheese. Dip zucchini rounds into egg then coat with the Shake `n Bake mixture. Give a nice, healthy spritz of avocado oil cooking spray and air fry for 11 minutes at 390, flipping once halfway through. #notadiet #eatgreatloseweight #bigfatskinnysnacks #weightwatchers #wwcommunity
#Saturdaysnack idea.
This is one from way back. Quick, easy and super delicious!
Crispy Fried Parmesan Zucchini served with my almost famous Mama Mia Marinara. (OR use your favorite marina sauce!)
Here`s how to make it.
1/2 small zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
9g Extra Crispy Shake `n Bake
2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 tsp farm dust
Avocado Oil cooking Spray
Slice zucchini into rounds, add farm dust (or salt) to beaten egg. Mix Shake `n Bake and cheese. Dip zucchini rounds into egg then coat with the Shake `n Bake mixture. Give a nice, healthy spritz of avocado oil cooking spray and air fry for 11 minutes at 390, flipping once halfway through. #notadiet #eatgreatloseweight #bigfatskinnysnacks #weightwatchers #wwcommunity
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!!