Crock Pot Winter Apple & Pear Sauce

Ingredients:

• Zest and juice of 2 large oranges

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 3 pounds sweet red apples (try Fuji or Gala) (8-9 apples)

• 3 pounds ripe pears (try d`anjou or concord varieties) (7-8 pears)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

Place the zest and juice of the oranges and lemon in a crock pot. Peel, quarter, and core the apples and pears and toss them in the juice. Add the cinnamon.  Cook on high for 4-6 hours until the apples and pears are tender. Mix with a whisk until the applesauce is smooth but still a little chunky. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes:

Pears and apples are fall and winter fruits whose flesh can be eaten raw or cooked. This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy them as a side dish or as dessert. The hint of citrus separates it from your common applesauce.