We went to the apple orchard a couple weeks ago and picked a ton of apples. Probably got a little too many if I am being honest, but when you are in the moment that just happens right. It is a fall tradition after all, so of course you for the largest bag! The kids have been snacking on them and I made an apple crisp, but we still had a LOT of apples left. So this week, I put them to use & I thought I would share a few ideas with you...ya know, in case you find yourself with 392 apples. 

1. Freeze apple crisp filling. I know that I have a couple pot lucks coming up, and apple crisp is a great fall dessert. I peeled and sliced up 6 large apples and placed them in a big bowl. Then I mixed 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl and combined it with the apples. Once the apples were nicely coated, I poured the mixture in a gallon freezer bag, and popped it in the freezer. When I need a quick dessert, I will get it out. Easy peasy! I feel like peeling and slicing is the most messy and time consuming part of this recipe, so I am grateful to have it done. 

2. Homemade applesauce. My kids love applesauce, and I used most of my remaining apples on this! It takes a lot of apples to get a good amount of applesauce, and I know it will be gone in no time. You can find my recipe here.

3. Apple Butter! This is the first time trying apple butter, but I will make it again for sure! My house smelled soooooo good. I found a recipe that made a whole bunch, but opted to make a smaller batch. It probably lasts about a week in the fridge so I didn't want a ton.  I will share the recipe below.

A P P L E    B U T T E R

6 medium apples chopped into small pieces. You do not need to peel them! 

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a crockpot. I used one of the small ones that you use for dip. Cook on low for 8 hours. Use an immersion blender to blend until liquid. Then cook an additional hour without the lid. Let it cool before you store it in a large glass jar. 

I hope that you can put some of these recipes to good use...especially if you find yourself with a surplus of the tasty fruit.