Crockpot Raspberry Applesauce and Apple Pickin' Pork Chops

I'm a HUGE fan of autumn which, incidentally, officially begins TODAY! That means its apple picking time again! We usually go 2-3 times each fall and that means lots of apple inspired recipes! My husband makes the world's best apple crisp. I'll have to get him to write a recipe for me so I can share it with you. It seems to be very free form though so I'm not sure he even knows any exact amounts.

Last night I opened my fridge and stared blankly at the sack of fresh picked apples...what to make? I had bought pork chops on sale yesterday and I love pork chops with applesauce so I decided to try my hand at some homemade applesauce! Upon further fridge digging I came across some raspberries that needed to be used up asap or they were on their way out so I took a chance and threw them in with the apples! Great risk...homemade raspberry applesauce is a WINNER, especially over pork chops!

Crockpot Raspberry Applesauce

(makes approx 5 cups of sauce)

Ingredients:

6 cups apples, washed, peeled, cored and cut into chunks (I used 2 large yellow delicious and 4 small macintosh)

2 cups raspberries, washed

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tsp. vanilla

2 Tsp. cinnamon

1/4 c. water

3 Tbsp. agave nectar (or sweetner of your choice)

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients except agave into crockpot. (If you are using sugar or brown sugar put it in now. I use agave because it is unrefined and low glycemic however when COOKED it loses those properties so I added it at the end.)

2. Cook on LOW for 5 hours.

3. Using a potato masher, mash until applesauce is the consistancy you like.

4. Let cool. Stir in agave nectar. Serve!

Apple Pickin' Pork Chops

(forgot to take a pic...sorry!)

Ingredients:

Pork chops (thick cut)

Salt

Pepper

Raspberry Applesauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat broiler.

2. Pat porkchops dry using a paper towel.

3. Salt and pepper both sides of pork chops.

4. Put chops on broiler pan and put in broiler.

5. Cook for 8 minutes.

6. Check to see if top of chops have browned. If so, flip and cook an additional 8 minutes.

7. Test internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Temp should be 155 degrees F.

8. When temp. has been reached, remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes.

9. Top with raspberry applesauce (or serve in a small bowl on the side). Serve!

I hope to use my remaining applesauce to make some muffins tomorrow so check back soon for that recipe! Also, don't forget last year's Apple Pickin' Chicken! That should give you 4 recipes for using those fresh picked apples so get pickin'!