Cooking with Applesauce

When I think of applesauce I think of a childhood memory. My mom used to buy the applesauce with cinnamon in it. Until I was a teen, I thought all applesauce was dark in color and had a cinnamon flavor. I still smile when I see the small servings of cinnamon flavored applesauce in the market, knowing that other moms are also giving their kids this yummy treat.

I love to use applesauce when cooking. I'll share a few recipes that I enjoy using applesauce:

Cookies Made with Applesauce

2 3/4 cups flour

1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed

3/4 cup applesauce

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 -3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1 small package chocolate chips (I always prefer milk chocolate)

2 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cloves

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Drop dough by level tablespoonfuls two inches apart on an un-greased baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees or until done.

And what about Applesauce Chicken?

1 fryer, cut up into 8 pieces

1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup cider vinegar

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook about 5 minutes. Onion should be soft. Add applesauce, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is slightly thickened.

Arrange chicken in casserole dish. Pour most of the sauce over the chicken leaving enough to baste once during cooking. Bake in 350 degree oven until chicken is done.

I love quick breads. These are loafs made in a loaf pan, without yeast. They are quick and easy to make and require no rising time.

Applesauce Bread

2 1/2 cups Bisquick

1 cup applesauce

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

Note: Try both sweetened and unsweetened applesauce. Try Splenda, instead of sugar. Try cinnamon applesauce and omit the teaspoon of cinnamon. If you like nuts, add some chopped up nuts to the recipe. There are so many variations on making this quick bread.

Mix all ingredients together. Beat well, medium speed about 2 minutes. Pour into loaf pan and cook about 55 minutes at 350 degrees. Insert toothpick into center of cake. Toothpick should come out clean.

Enjoy these 3 recipes, using applesauce as a main ingredient.

Bon Appetite!!