Seasonal Deliciousness - Apple Butter

One of my favorite fall activities is picking apples off of the apple tree in my parents' back yard. While the apples taste great right off the tree, where they really shine is as the ingredient in recipes. 

A personal favorite of mine is Apple Butter, made in the crockpot. All you need to do is prep the apples, mix in the ingredients and set on low for @ 12 hours! Once it is complete, you can stir the apples to break them apart or put it in your blender to create even smoother butter.  

It holds up great in a mason jar, in the refrigerator (if you don't have canning equipment). This recipe makes about 4 pints, which for me is just enough for our family alone! 

Here is the official how-to: 

Ingredients

6.5 pounds of apples - peeled, cored & sliced

1 C granulated sugar

1 C brown sugar

1 T ground cinnamon

1/2 t nutmeg

1/4 t ground cloves

1/4 t salt

1 T pure vanilla extract

I recommend using apples from the farmers market or a variety of sweet apples from the grocery store.

Once you peel, core & slice all of the apples, put them in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients to the bowl of apples & mix thoroughly. 

Next, pour the apple mixture into your crock pot & set the temperature on low & your timer for 12 hours. I have let it cook longer than 12 hours before and all that happens is more moisture evaporates, to make a thicker butter. 

After the 12 hours is completed, if you want to smooth your butter, pour the warm mixture by batches, into your blender to smooth. I blend about 1/2 of my mixture & leave the rest slightly chunky for a great texture! 

*I have tried this recipe, leaving the peels on and the flavor is still great. It is only slightly more thick/chunky. 

My favorite ways to enjoy Apple butter:

• Give it as a gift 
• Spread onto toast or biscuits 
• Mix it into a steaming bowl of oatmeal
• Top your favorite ice cream with it (we use vanilla bean)
• You can spread it as a marinade/sauce on salmon before grilling/baking it; top with a little bit of herbs and sea salt too!
• You can incorporate it into your favorite cinnamon roll or quick bread recipe