Golden leaves fall slowly to the ground on a bed of soft blown air. The smell of freshly, grated cinnamon greets me at the door as I return from the farm. Although, I know I’m tired, there is a bin full of apples calling my name. Like many people, I had no idea that apple butter doesn’t actually contain any butter. It’s simply a tasty spread that pairs well with pork, toast, or even a lovely fall addition to a vanilla milkshake!
Apple Butter
Ingredients:
6 apples (mix it up!)
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups natural apple cider
sea salt
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of ground nutmeg and clove
Instructions:
Core, peel, and chop a mix of apples into cubes. Place apples into a large pot on the stove top, add brown sugar and apple cider, then turn heat up to medium-high. Once the apple cider begins to boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. When you have 5 minutes left, preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
Add apple mixture and the rest of the ingredients in a blender. Blend into you reach a smooth consistency. Pour apple butter into a baking dish or large baking pot and place in the oven for about 3 hours. Stir the apple butter every 30 minutes to keep it from sticking. Baking time will depend on the apples you used. You want the apple mixture to turn from a light brown to a dark brown, which happens when the apples caramelize. When the apple butter is ready, take it out and let it cool. Store the apple butter in a sterilized, air tight jar in the refrigerator up to a couple weeks or can for longer storage.
