WHAT TO USE APPLE BUTTER FOR 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:

• Core the apples. Cut into wedges and place the pieces in a medium saucepot. (No need to peel the apples.) Add apple cider vinegar, salt, and water. Set the pot over medium heat. Cover, leaving a little space open for the pot to vent, and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat when apples are extremely tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Place apple mash and liquid in a food mill set over a large bowl. Grind the apples into a fine sauce. Discard the peels. (Don’t have a food mill? Peel the apples before cooking, and then puree the apple mash in the blender!) Place apple sauce back into the original pot. Set back over medium heat and add sugar, spices, and vanilla. Simmer, stirring every couple minutes, until sauce thickens and turns dark brown, about 15 minutes. Cool, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or can for long-term storage. Makes 4 to 5 cups, depending on how much you cook it down.