Homemade Apple Sauce

Since becoming a vegetarian, I have been looking for healthy fruit and veggie recipes. Applesauce seemed like an easy treat to make at home and has zero Weight Watchers points (if you use Splenda). Here is my recipe for fresh Organic applesauce (if you use Organic ingredients). I added pears and blueberries since they were ripe, but you don't have to. This recipe is for a medium sized batch. If you want to make a larger or smaller batch, the ratio is about 2 apples per pear. I use an immersion blender to puree the fruit but you can also use a blender or food processor. 

Ingredients
Apples - 5 medium
Pears - 2 (I use Bosc pears because they seem sweetest)
Blueberries - 1 cup (really just how many you want)
Juice from one lemon (essential so apples don't break down)
Brown Sugar - 1 heaping teaspoon
Sugar or Splenda to taste
Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon if you are NOT using Blueberries

Peel and core the apples and pears. Cut into about 1 inch cubes. Put in medium pot and add lemon juice. Add about 1/2 cup water, or just enough to cover the bottom of your pan. 

Cook on high heat until water boils, then cover pot and reduce to medium low. Cook for 20 minutes or until apples are tender. (The pears will not be tender, but they will be cooked. Just test the apples.) Add the blueberries, replace cover, and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Using a slotted spoon, move the fruit to a large mixing bowl (or blender or food processor). Add brown sugar. Blend until there are no chunks, but don't liquify it. Stir in sugar or Splenda to taste. (If you are not using blueberries you can stir in cinnamon now too).  Move to tupperware and refrigerate. I also like to have a serving when it's warm!

I have been tempted to go all Jessica Seinfeld on this recipe, but I haven't had the guts yet. Hope you like it!

Introducing The HamDogger

This is an invention born of desperation.  I wanted a hamburger but only had hot dog buns.  

Turns out the HamDogger is better than either a hamburger or a hot dog.

It's juicy and cheesy and wonderful.

Here is the recipe:

1/3 lbs. ground chuck

2 hot dog buns

cheddar cheese

Split the meat into two equal sized balls.  

Flatten each ball to about 1/4 inch thin. 

Put a couple strips of cheddar cheese in the middle of the meat like you were making a taco.

Roll the sides of the meat around the cheese for a hot dog shape.

Don't forget to seal up the ends too or the cheese will leak out.  

Repeat with the second ball of the meat.

Place on a hot grill and cook on medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes or until cooked through.

The result is a juicy burger with melty cheese inside.

Place onto the hot dog buns and put on your favorite hamburger sauces.  

I like a little mayo, lots of mustard and some lettuce.

Enjoy!

The HamDogger - Born of necessity.  Eaten by choice.