How to Make Applesauce With Preschool Children

Incorporate apples into preschool learning with hands-on activities such as making applesauce.

Apples tend to come into discussion during preschool upon learning the letter "A" or reading about Johnny Appleseed. Children also enjoy helping parents in the kitchen with preparing meals and making snacks. Preschoolers learn the best from hands-on activities that facilitate cognitive development. Allowing preschoolers to participate encourages confidence and enhances capability.



Using simple tools suits young children most effectively. To avoid hot stoves, use a blender or food processor. Slow cookers serve as ideal cooking instruments in a school setting by simply plugging them into outlets. Bring tools to the height level of the children for ease of use.

Things You'll Need

• Knives (regular and plastic)
• Water
• Lemon juice
• Blender or food processor
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Disposable cups (optional)
• Slow cooker
• Masher

Instructions

Blender/Food Processor Method

1. Select apples suitable for making sauces. Macintosh, Rome and Courtland apples tend to work best when making applesauce because they have tender, soft flesh that cooks down easily. Fuji and Golden Delicious apples are naturally sweet in flavor, requiring little to no sugar during cooking.

2. Wash apples thoroughly before use if not using organic apples. Peel eight to 10 apples completely and submerge in water or toss with lemon juice to prevent browning until all are ready for use.

3. 

   Supervise and assist children while cutting the apples.

   Remove the core and seeds with a cutting knife and slice the apples. Supervise the children as they use plastic knives to cut the apples into cubes, roughly 1 inch in size to aid in ease of mashing -- the softer the apples, the better.

4. Place the chopped apples into the blender or food processor -- not filling completely and pour in approximately one-half to 1 cup of water. Add extras to taste -- sugar and cinnamon to sweeten or 1 tbsp. of lemon juice to even out the sweetness.

5. Blend until the apple chunks form the smooth texture of a sauce. If preparing in school, serve in disposable cups for easy cleanup.

Slow Cooker Method

1. Complete previous Steps 1 to 3 from the section above.

2. Place the prepared apples in a slow cooker and pour in 1 cup of water. Add one-third to one-half cup of sugar and a few tablespoons of cinnamon.

3. Cook the apples on a high temperature setting to quicken cooking time. Allow sauce to cook until apples become tender. Begin making the applesauce during the morning in order to allow adequate time to cook and be ready for an afternoon snack.

4. 

   Use a masher to break down the cooked apples.

   Allow the children to smash the cooked apples with a food masher to further sauce formation.

Tips & Warnings

• Encourage the preschooler to do as much as possible on his own while you supervise.

• Measurements will vary depending on the size of blender or crockpot and taste.

• Don't overfill the food processor or crockpot with apples. Condiments such as sugar and cinnamon can be gradually added to desired taste.

References

• Danville Public Schools: Making Applesauce
• KidsHealth: Applesauce Recipe
• Mrs. Nelson's Class: Apple Sauce Recipe
• Money Saving Mom: Homemade Crock Pot Pear Sauce (or Applesauce)