Homemade Applesauce

makes about 5 cups

3 lbs organic apples (about 10 small apples)

1/2 cup hot water

juice from organic lemon

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon anise seeds

2 cinnamon sticks

1. Wash the apples. Core and quarter each apple. (You can also peel the apples if desired.) Place the diced apples in a 4 qt slow cooker bowl.

2. Pour in the water and lemon juice.

3. Add in the brown sugar, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, anise seeds, and cinnamon sticks. (Or season to your preference.)

4. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

5. Remove the cinnamon sticks. Use a food ricer or immersion blender to puree the applesauce to a smooth texture, or leave chunky.