I dipped into the deep well of my being....
And thoughts of apples with cinnamon drifted into my awareness. Ah... some fresh and wholesome applesauce, so simple and such a lovely treat. I gathered the apples, dates, lemon, cinnamon, and cashews, and put them out on the counter by the food processor and got the utensils—the knife, cutting board, and pretty bowls to put the finished applesauce in.

All the while, singing the song of life in my heart...
I began to wash the apples, rubbing them between my palms under the stream of cool water, making them clean, preparing them. I admired their blushing red, pale yellow, and soft green colors, and noticed the roundness of their shapes, the strength of the skins, and the way they each felt in my hands. Appreciation for the gifts they were giving spilled out of me, as the water flowed.

Cutting the apples revealed their core-stars, and I revelled in the delicate scent of the fruit which would make the main "melody" for the sauce. I chopped the apples into bite-size pieces, put these into the food processor, and began to pulse rhythmically until finely chopped. I rinsed the lemon, noting the sheer brilliance of color and the smell so sweet, like summer flowers. I cut the lemon in half, squeezed its juice to add the freshest of flavors—a bright "high note" to the apples. The machine whirred until the sauce was smooth.

The dates and cinnamon comprised the "bass notes", and would be added at the end, along with the cashews, while the cores were put outside for the birds to feast upon.

For countless gifts and untold blessings, I thank you, I see you, blessed ones who give their essence...
The finished applesauce was spooned into bowls, and toppings were added. We carried the bowls into the dining room where Rex and I ate, savoring the flavors, textures, and aromas, while feelings of gratitude from the life energy of this simple repast coursed through our beings.

Everyday Applesauce

This sauce is as fresh as it gets, unless you pick your apples right off the tree! The apples can oxidize quickly, even with lemon juice.

Ingredients: serves 2
Preparation time: 5 minutes!

2-3 sweet apples (use your favorite such as Fuji, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Gala)
2-3 Medjool dates
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Toppings: Chopped dates, 2 tablespoons raw cashews, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, or a dash of clove, allspice, or nutmeg

Directions

Rinse, peel (if necessary), core, and remove any bad spots from the apples, then cut into bite-size pieces and put into food processor.
Squeeze lemon juice over apples.
Pulse food processor until you have tiny pieces.
Add a tablespoon of water (or more) if necessary to keep the machine mixing.
Scrape sides as needed.
Scoop out applesauce and put into bowls.
Cut dates in half, and then into small pieces.
Add dates, cashews, and cinnamon to the sauce.
Serve immediately and enjoy!