recipe apple butter

 Homemade Apple Butter Recipe

Yields: About 4 cups

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 2-3 hours

Ingredients:

 * 5 pounds apples (such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped

 * 1 cup granulated sugar

 * 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

 * 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

 * 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

 * 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

 * 1/4 teaspoon salt

 * 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice (optional)

Instructions:

 * Combine ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and apple cider or juice (if using).

 * Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the apples are very soft and the mixture has thickened.

 * Puree: Use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the apple mixture until smooth.

 * Continue cooking: Return the pureed mixture to the pot and continue to cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for another 30-60 minutes, or until the apple butter has reached a thick, spreadable consistency.

 * Sterilize jars (optional): If you plan to can the apple butter, sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes.

 * Jar apple butter (optional): Ladle the hot apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean. Seal with sterilized lids and rings.

 * Process jars (optional): If you plan to can the apple butter, process the jars in a water bath canner according to the manufacturer's instructions.

 * Cool and store: Let the jars cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place. Unopened jars of canned apple butter can be stored for up to 1 year. Refrigerate opened jars and use within 2-3 weeks.

Tips:

 * For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter or a splash of apple brandy to the apple butter.

 * You can adjust the amount of sugar to taste.

 * To make apple butter in a slow cooker, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the apples are very soft. Puree and continue to cook on low, uncovered, for another hour or two, or until thickened.

 * Apple butter makes a delicious topping for pancakes, waffles, toast, and biscuits. It can also be used as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Enjoy your homemade apple butter!