SOUTHERN APPLE BUTTER RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Wash the Apples in cool water.
• Slice apples into quarters or smaller pieces if using very large apples.
• Add 3 cups of Water to a large sauce pot, place on Medium-High Heat, bring to a rolling boil.
• Add Apple Cider Vinegar.
• Add the sliced apples.
• Cover pot, reduce heat and let apples simmer for about 30 minutes or until soft.
• Firmer apples will need more cooking time. Stir apples as needed as they cook down.
• Use a spoon to remove apples from liquid, place apples in a food mill or sieve.
• Force the pulp through sieve and place in separate bowl below.
• Measure the amount of puree you now have as you place it back into the sauce pot.
• Add ½ cup Sugar to each cup of apple puree, adjusting amount as needed… starting with ½ cup as Brown Sugar and the remainder as White Sugar. You’ll need 1/2 cup Sugar for each cup of puree.
• Stir sugar until it dissolves.
• Add Cinnamon
• Add Ground Cloves
• Add Ground Allspice
• Add Lemon, zest and juice only.
• Add Vanilla Extract
• Add pinch of Salt
• Stir well to incorporate all flavors.
• Place sauce pot over very low heat and let simmer for about 6 hours, stirring as needed to keep from burning. Mixture will thicken over time and splatter if not watched carefully.
• As it thickens, place a spoonful on a saucer that has been kept in the freezer.
• Swipe your finger through the butter to see if it will leave a trail or if it runs back together.
• When done, ladle into hot jars leaving ¼ inch headspace.
• Remove air bubbles, clean rim, apply lid, apply band, tighten finger tight.
• Process 10 minutes using the water bath method.

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.