Cooking in the Classroom: Applesauce

Cooking in the classroom is such a fun activity for the students and is such a hit because, well, kids love food! Cooking applesauce in the classroom is so fun and yummy. Here are the steps to cook applesauce in the classroom and some apple stations you can do to have a successful apple-filled day!

Apple Stations

On the Friday of our Apple Week, we spend about an hour doing apple stations in the morning (10 minutes per station). I typically invite 2 or 3 room parents to come in and help with the stations, but students can do these independently as well. Each table has a different station activity and they rotate to a different table with their table group. These are the stations we do each year:

Applesauce prep- each group preps about three apples (complete apples “can, have, are” chart and look at core and seeds)
Counting to 10 apple math reader/coloring activity
Complete applesauce sequencing cut and paste activity
Torn paper apple craft– they make a torn paper apple craft based on their favorite apple color from this free apple taste test activity and graph (we do a writing activity with this craft later that day)
Apple labeling cut and paste activities

These activities may change, depending on the grade level, but we do these activities pretty much every year.

GATHER MATERIALS

The week before we make the applesauce, have parents donate materials. I typically have parents donate different color apples and then I bring the other materials. We use these apples for applesauce and for this free apple taste test and graphing activity.

Crockpot
Crockpot liner (optional)
Apple peeler/corer (these are great because students can turn the handle to safely peel the apples)
Spoons for kids
Bowls for kids
Ladle
Measuring cups and spoons
Apples (check out this free family letter)
Cinnamon (I usually add a little more than the recipe calls for)
Sugar (optional- I usually do a few tablespoons)
Water

PREP THE APPLES

To prep the apples, wash them ahead of time and put the clean, whole apples in a bowl or on a paper towel. Using an apple peeler and corer is honestly such a huge timesaver and it allows the students to safely help in the peeling process.

Once the apples are peeled and the core is removed, cut the apples (or gently pull into small sections if using the peeler/corer). This will help ensure that the apples cook quicker and that you have enough time for the students to eat the applesauce before the end of the day.

Make the applesauce

Once the apples are in the crockpot and the stations are complete, add in the remaining ingredients (cinnamon, sugar, water) and mix in front of the class. Cook on high for 4-5 hours and mix the apples about every hour or so.

Once the applesauce is at the desired softness, use the back of the ladle and “smash” the apples down to a smoother consistency. Serve when cool and enjoy!