Apple Butter: A Sweet and Savory Treat, Ready for Canning
Apple butter is a delicious and versatile condiment that's perfect for spreading on toast, topping pancakes, or adding a touch of sweetness to savory dishes. Made from slow-cooked apples, it's a delightful way to preserve the flavors of autumn. This recipe will guide you through making your own homemade apple butter and canning it for long-lasting enjoyment.
Ingredients:
- 12 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 8 pounds)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Equipment:
- Large stockpot
- Immersion blender
- Canning jars and lids
- Jar lifter
- Water bath canner
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Clean kitchen towels
Instructions:
1. Prepare the apples: Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces.
2. Cook the apples: Place the chopped apples, apple cider, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1-2 hours, or until the apples are very soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Blend the apples: Use an immersion blender to blend the apple mixture until smooth. Continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken the butter.
4. Prepare for canning: While the apple butter cooks, sterilize your canning jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes.
5. Fill and seal the jars: Ladle the hot apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, and seal with the lids and rings.
6. Process in a water bath: Place a rack in the bottom of a water bath canner and fill with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil. Carefully lower the jars into the boiling water, ensuring they are completely submerged. Process the jars for 20 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.
7. Cool and store: Remove the jars from the canner and place them on a clean towel to cool completely. You should hear a "pop" as the lids seal, indicating that the jars are properly sealed. Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place.
Tips:
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor.
- For a spicier apple butter, increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your taste.
- You can also add other spices, like ginger or cardamom, for additional flavor.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, you can blend the apples in a regular blender in batches.
Enjoy your homemade apple butter! It will last for up to a year in a cool, dark place.
