Homemade Apple Sauce

What You Need:

• Apples
• Paring knife
• Cutting board
• Plastic knife
• Skillet
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Water

What You Do:

1. Wash the apples, then peel, quarter, and core them. While you work, discuss the different food groups with your child. What should she be eating for a healthy diet? Where do these apples fit into such a diet?
2. Once the apples are peeled, quartered and cored, your child can chop them up using the plastic knife and a cutting board. As she works, add the apples to the skillet.
3. Help your child add a small amount of water to the skillet and a shake each of nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. Remember: Just a little bit of these spices go a long way!
4. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, asking your child to occasionally stir it. How are the apples changing as they cook? When the apples are soft, take the skillet off the stove. Your family can eat the apple sauce chunky-style or mash it up with a potato masher.

Serve the apple sauce warm for a snack or save it for dinner time. This delicious fruit snack also makes a yummy topping for toast!