Apple Butter

I have apples coming out of my ears! Some are really absolutely beautiful for which I save for my more showy recipes. However, what do you do with those apples that aren’t so pretty? You know, the ones that the birds, or worms get to first?  I just cut the spoiled parts off and save all the good parts and make apple butter! It’s the perfect addition to toast, English muffins, or crackers. Don’t forget to include it on your next charcuterie board. Since my apple trees only produce every other year, I make enough to last a while. Oh by the way, apple  butter makes an excellent little gift accompanying a fresh baked loaf of bread.  

INGREDIENTS:

• 10 Apples (approximately 5 pounds, Medium1/2 cup Brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp Cinnamon, ground
• 1/4 tsp Cloves, ground
• 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg, ground
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp VanillaPura sweet vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

-Add chopped apples to a crockpot.

-In a medium size bowl combine sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract.

-Pour the sugar mixture over the chopped apples in the crockpot and stir until well coated.

-Cover with lid and cook on low for 10 hours.

-Puree the apple mixture with an immersion blender or a in counter-top blender until smooth. 

Once the apple butter is smooth and cool, store in mason jars or an air tight jar. Store in refrigerator for up to one month or freezer for up to one year, or you can always use a water bath and bottle them up.