Simple Apple Butter
There are SO many great uses for apple butter. It’s got a naturally sweet taste, so it works really well as a topping for ice cream or filling for desserts. But it’s also really nice on more savory dishes like herbed chicken or pork. The sweet and savory contrast is incredible! Most commonly, apple butter is enjoyed as a spread on toast, biscuits, or scones.
Ingredients
- about 10 pounds apples cored
- 1 cup apple cider or orange juice
- 1 cup loosely packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- juice of half a lemon about 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Place the apples, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a large pot, and cook over medium-low heat, uncovered, (stirring occasionally) until the apples have become very soft (about 1 hour).
- Use a hand blender to puree the mixture (or ladle it into a regular blender or food processor in batches) until smooth.
- Place the puree back into the pot and continue to cook, uncovered, (stirring occasionally) until thick, velvety, and deep in color (about 1-2 hours).
Notes
*Apple butter can also be canned. Ladle into sterilized jars, wipe the rims clean, screw on fresh lids and pressure can at 10 pounds for 20 minutes OR submerge in boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Processed jars of apple butter will keep at room temperature for several months.