Apple Butter

 

Over the holidays, I gifted all my aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. with homemade apple butter.  In my opinion, food gifts are among the best things you could give someone.  Not only will it be used (or eaten), I’m 100% that they will love the work that you put into it.  Since I live in California, and fruit season is basically every season, the apple butter turned out delicious!

This recipe is insanely easy to do.  I really recommend using a mixture of apples for the best flavor.  I went to the supermarket and bought a mix of Fuji, Washington, Gala, Jonathan, and Granny Smith apples.  But it is really up to you on which apples you want to use.  To speed things up, you could even get one of those apple corer/peeler/slicer gadgets.  And best of all, you cook it all in a slow cooker!  Try resisting not getting a taste while it is cooking!

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 hours
Total time: 12 hours and 15 minutes
Yield: 7 – 8oz jars

Ingredients
– 15-18 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 tbs cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 tbs vanilla extract

Method
1. Put the apples in a large crock pot (I used a 5 qt one and it was filled to the brim).  In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the vanilla extract.  Sprinkle the mixture over the apples and using your hands or a spoon, make sure the apples are all well-coated.
2. Cook on low for 10 hours.  Add the vanilla extract and cook for another 2 hours. (You could give the apples a stir during the cooking process, although it is not necessary).
3. Transfer the apple butter into a blender and puree until smooth.  Transfer into glass jars and seal when it is at room temperature.  Serve immediately, or refrigerate/freeze until ready to use.

You could spread the apple butter on toast.  Or my personal favorite, with crackers & brie.  Or you could put a tablespoon in your next pork dish.  Or my cousin is going to make a bourbon pumpkin pie with apple butter!  This apple butter will keep pretty well.  In the fridge (in an airtight jar), they last up to 1 month.  If you put it in the freezer, they can last up to 3 months.  Enjoy!