Apple Butter: A Sweet & Savory Tradition You Can Preserve
Apple butter is a delicious, versatile spread that can be enjoyed on toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats. It's a wonderful way to preserve the flavors of fall and enjoy them year-round. Making your own apple butter is a rewarding experience, and canning it allows you to savor the taste for months to come.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples: Choose apples that are high in pectin, such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Macintosh.
- Sugar: You can use white sugar, brown sugar, or a combination of both.
- Spices: Common spices used in apple butter include cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and ginger.
- Lemon Juice: This helps prevent browning and enhances the flavor.
- Water: Adds moisture and helps the apples cook down.
- Jars & Lids: Sterilize jars and lids before filling them.
Steps for Making Apple Butter:
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and chop the apples.
- Simmer & Cook: Combine the apples, sugar, spices, lemon juice, and water in a large pot. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples have broken down and the mixture is thick.
- Puree: Once the apples are cooked, use an immersion blender or food mill to puree the mixture until smooth.
- Continue Simmering: Return the pureed apple butter to the pot and simmer, stirring frequently, until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Canning: Ladle the hot apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal with sterilized lids.
- Process: Follow the recommended processing time for water bath canning according to your recipe. This ensures the apple butter is properly preserved and safe to eat.
Here’s a basic Apple Butter recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 cups chopped apples (about 8 pounds)
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-5 from the general recipe above.
- Process filled jars in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
Variations for your Apple Butter:
- Spiced: Experiment with different spice combinations like cardamom, star anise, or a touch of chili powder for a kick.
- Boozy: Add a shot of brandy, rum, or apple cider for a unique twist.
- Fruity: Incorporate other fruits like cranberries, blueberries, or pears to add more complexity.
Tips for Making Apple Butter:
- Use a slow cooker: This allows you to cook the apple butter slowly and evenly, reducing the chance of scorching.
- Don't overcook: Watch the apple butter closely, as overcooking can result in a burnt flavor.
- Chill before serving: Once canned, allow the apple butter to cool completely before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Enjoy your homemade apple butter! It's a delicious and satisfying way to taste the flavors of fall all year long.
