Apples!

Getting ready for Johnny Appleseed Day this Friday. I've really toned it down from years past . We were asked by our district and principals to get rid of a lot of the fluff in our curriculum so I don't do all I used to. I can't give up making 1st grade applesauce though. It's a tradition. My own children still ask for it. I ask all the kiddos to bring an apple from home that is washed, peeled, and sliced in a baggie. And of course I re-wash them before making the applesauce. They all feel like they are contributing and the different varieties of apples make it that much better. I use my great big crock pot and we get to smell it cooking all day. It's generally ready to eat in the afternoon after recess. I make a BIG deal about the secret ingredient. I let them all watch me put it in and we ohhh and ahhh as it turns reddish pink. Then I let them all have a little piece. It's cinnamon candy hearts! Here's my recipe:

1st Grade Applesauce

16-20 apples- any kind

1/2 to 3/4 cup cinnamon heart candies (the SECRET ingredient)

Wash, peel, and slice apples. Slice into small chunks. Place in a 5-6 qt. slow cooker. Cook on high for 5-6 hours. Stir occasionally. The last 30 minutes, mash with a potato masher. Then add candy. Stir and let cook 30 more minutes. Serve hot or cold. ENJOY! 

Most of the firsties love it but you will always have your picky ones. I serve it in insulated cups with spoons as we watch the movie Johnny Appleseed. Here's a picture from last year. Don't you just love the missing teeth?

I'll also be doing my graph of the week which just happens to be about APPLES. Click on the picture for a PDF.