CRANBERRY APPLE BUTTER

This is good on toast or biscuits, as a pancake topping, and even as an ice cream or pound cake topping.

6 large apples, cored, peeled, thinly sliced
1 cup unsweetened apple juice
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1 tbsp grated lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Combine all the ingredients together in a slow cooker or crockpot; mix thoroughly.

Place lid on cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours (high half that long).

Stir the ingredients every couple of hours during the cooking process.  After the first 3 hours of cooking, remove the lid.  This will allow the steam to escape and the mixture to cook down.

Spoon the mixture into hot sterilized jars and seal with hot sterilized lids.  Process a few minutes in a hot water bath if jars do not seal immediately.  You will know jars have sealed if they make a popping sound and the lid indents slightly in the center.

 

Note: File Photo

HEALTHY CHUNKY VEGETABLE CHILI

2 cans (15-oz each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup frozen corn
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, diced
1 can (6-oz) tomato paste
1 can (4-oz) diced mild green chilies, undrained
1 large carrot, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1 cup water

In a slow cooker or crockpot combine the beans, corn, onion, celery, green chilies, carrot, garlic, chili powder, oregano, salt, and tomato paste.  Stir to combine well.  Add the water and stir in.  Place lid on cooker, turn setting to low and cook approximately 6 hours.
This is a healthy dish.  Serve with an assortment of whole-grain crackers to keep it healthy.

 

 File Photo