HOW TO CAN APPLE BUTTER RECIPES

Steps:

• Place apples in slow cooker in thirds, layering sugar between each layer.
• Add rest of ingredients on top and pack them down as well as you can.
• Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.
• Reduce heat to low. Open and give it a stir. Keep covered and cook 8 hours or until thick and dark brown, stirring occasionally. (You can do this overnight and can in the morning).
• Uncover and cook for the last hour on low.
• If a smoother apple butter is desired, you may puree in blender or food mill.
• Place in sterile jars with lids and process for 10 minutes in hot water bath or you can freeze.
• Note: For more information on canning, you can go to the "Canning Forum" on recipezaar for instructions or to have questions answered.

Steps:

• Wash, core and chop 5 pounds of your favorite apples, leaving the peels on. While a rough chop is all that’s needed, smaller pieces of apple will cook faster. To get a thicker butter in the shortest amount of time, chop pieces to about half the size pictured here.
• Add the remaining ingredients to a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker and toss to mix.
• Cover and cook apples on high for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally, until soft and cooked through. A good rule of thumb is to allow the apples to continue cooking for at least one hour after the liquid around the edges of the slow cooker has reached a strong, rolling simmer.
• When apples are completely soft, puree the apples with an immersion blender. Or carefully transfer the hot mixture in batches to an upright blender or food processor. Puree the apple mixture for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth, like a caramel sauce.
• Continue cooking, partially covered, on high for 30-60 minutes more or until the apple butter has reduced to your desired thickness. It will thicken even more as it cools.
• Refrigerate apple butter in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.