My Mom bought me a wonderful Apple Peeler-Corer  (it slices too!) at William Sonoma last year.  It is a must have for any recipe involving apples!  It's a fun way to get the kids involved (with parent supervision- there are sharp pieces) with making an apple pie or apple crisp- or just a simple applesauce*.  It takes about 30 seconds to core, peel and slice an apple!   

*Lazy way to make apple sauce- I just throw a couple of apples, a little water and cinnamon and let cook until it smells good!