This past weekend promised the last semi-warm temperatures (and when I say semi-warm, I mean 50′s), so off to Emma Krumbees we went.
I had been hearing about this place ever since Haley was born. It did not disappoint! It’s a fantastic u-pick apple orchard and pumpkin patch, with a lot of extra activities, like a rope maze, tile maze, train ride, barnyard animals, playground, and the best-worst musical act ever. Plus a restaurant (sorry Emma, but your pie still ain’t got nothin’ on my Mom’s.)
If you aren’t in the Minneapolis area, I am certain such a place exists near you, and I highly recommend finding it. Especially if you have kids or grandkids.
First, we abused the General Store, making certain there was a bathroom, and ways to waste money on baked goods and unnecessary plastic objects.
Then it was off to play, look at the weird scarecrow displays, and let Haley sit on a pony (for an outrageous $5.)
The pumpkin patch was next. With itty-bitty pumpkins for my itty-bitty kids.
We saved the apple orchard for last. We walked around…
And picked…
And then it was time to go home. (Ya think?)
So I could make homemade applesauce in my slow cooker.
Well, what else are you going to do with 15 pounds of apples? (Besides apple crumb cake, apple spiced muffins, and apple pie…oh ya. All on my to-do list.)
Anyway, let me tell you about this applesauce – the aroma was absolutely intoxicating while they slow cooked for four hours. Then once the buzzer went off, all I did was take a potato masher to the soft mass (which had shrunk by half) and mashed away for a minute or so. Put a little on my spoon…applesauce has never tasted so good. Seriously. And I liked the warm factor. Who knew making this condiment at home was so easy? Now, all I need to do is figure out how to get my entire house to smell like slow cooked applesauce all the time.
Really great Fall day.
Slow Cooked Applesauce
Makes 4 cups
Prep time: 25 minutes
Slow Cooker time: 3-4 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low
Ingredients
• 8 apples, peeled, cored and diced
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker; stir to mix. Cover and cook on your preferred time setting.
When done, use a potato masher or immersion blender to the desired consistency.
(adapted from Mommy’s Kitchen)
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
It looks like you had an amazing trip to the apple orchard! That is definately one thing I truly miss about being in Massachusetts. Apple picking is so much fun. The kids are adorable!
My little one doesn’t eat applesauce (weird) but I want to try this for the auroma alone. Can’t wait to bulk up on apples.
I love apple picking. And pumpkin picking. I may in fact be a five year old at heart. You guys look like you had so much fun! I am so excited for all of your apple treats. They are my favorite fruit (I think I actually have eaten one a day for the past year…I start to crave them otherwise). That applesauce looks heavenly!
aww.. look at their happy and sleepy faces!
And the delicious apple sauce! I can see that in pies, cakes…etc endless!
I LOVE this post!
Looks like you had a great family day. I don’t have a slow cooker, but will try this by stove top.
There is nothing like homemade anything. Kids are adorable…..not that I’m the least bit prejudiced!
Those kids are so cute. Loved the end of the day
Mmm, slow cooker applesauce – delish! I want to try this one soon.
Pam – We never venture out far enough for him to fall asleep in the car, but this trip was sure worth it.
Kathleen – love the idea of adding other fruit…will try that next time.
Dani – your grandchildren are lucky!
Jude – it doesn’t get any easier. You can do this!
Dad – LOL. Actually they ride Paul all the time for free (if you don’t count their college tuition we keep saving for). He’s their human jungle gym.
I don’t know which is more delicious, Haley, Trevor, or the applesauce.
Meanwhile, the pony must be operated by Bay Area Rapid Transit which just goes to show that robbery knows no bounds, state-wise. Hell, they could have ridden Paul for half that.
What a fun outing, your kids are adorable! The apple sauce looks awesome!
Emma Krumbees is a MN institution for sure…but not for their pie. I’m thinking the $5 pony ride was worth it. Look at that smile.
What?! Only 4-steps in this recipe!? And I have a slow cooker I’ve never used and a fridge full of apples. I’m trying it!
Your children are sooo beautiful! It sounds like a really fun day. I make applesauce for my grandchildren quite often. Love the smell while it’s cooking!
MMM – I can smell the applesauce from here…
I love the time-elapsed photos of your son going from sleepy to ZZZ. That’s kind of how I feel right now, actually.
Seriously…your kids are some kinda cute! I make applesauce all the time…usually after we have been apple picking and I get out of control in the orchard. So easy and so yummy. I also mix it up by adding pears, cranberries, cinnamon, etc. Mmmmmmmmmmm. Thanks for the inspiration, and it just so happens that Annabelle’s class is on a trip to the orchard today. Pork and applesauce tonight!
It’s never occurred to me to make applesauce, but it does sound easy. Everything is easier in a slow cooker – I might need to try this for Thanksgiving (although I won’t be buying 15 pounds of apples!) Your kids are adorable.
Love this. Great way to take advantage of an Autumn day, with wonderful photos to showcase your trip. And the applesauce sounds absolutely amazing.
What a “fruitful” trip! Your two little tots are so adorable!!
Oh my goodness. That is one tired little sweetie!
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