How to Make Applesauce with Kids

Fall brings about apple dreams. Especially in New York, apple varieties abound. Every year, we get more apples in the classroom than the children seem to be able to eat. Here is my version of how to make applesauce with kids, that quickly uses up those extra apples. Because it is an individual activity, I have described how to do it with one child, but it is easily adapted for more children.

Materials Needed:

**One large apple
**3-4 ounces of water
**Apple corer
**Knife
**Cutting board
**Mini food processor
**Spoon

Work of the child:

1. Put on an apron.
2. Wash your hands.
3. Choose a large apple.
4. Wash the apple in cold water.
5. Use the apple corer to slice the apple.
6. Throw away the apple core and seeds.
7. Cut the apple slices into chunks.
8. Put the apple chunks into the mini food processor.
9. Pour a small amount of water, about three to four ounces, or a half cup, into the food processor.
10. Secure the lid on the food processor.
11. Push the button to blend the apple and the water.
12. Take off the lid to check the applesauce. Repeat the blending, if needed.
13. Serve the applesauce in a bowl. One large apple yields about one cup of applesauce.

Fun additions to applesauce:

Children may wish to add other items to their applesauce. When using berries, especially strawberries, reduce or eliminate the addition of water. Berries contain a lot of juice.

Experiment with other fruits, as seen in the commercial brands, such as mangoes. Allow the child to peel and slice the fruits as needed. Using a strawberry huller to remove stems and leaves is great exercise for those pincer grips. Peeling mangoes can also exercise muscles.

Some children like the flavor of cinnamon in their applesauce. Either mix it in from a shaker, or allow children to grate a cinnamon stick over their applesauce.