Fancy Friday: Apple Butter

Tis the season to stock up on all the goodness that autumn has to offer. The other day I bought a 10 pound bag of BC apples for $5.00. I love farmers markets. My husband suggested I try making apple butter. I did, and it turned out great. So great on home made toast or on a cracker with some soft cheese. Have a go, and let me know how yours turns out! 

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APPLE BUTTER

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2+ hours
Yield: 4 pint jars
Source: sinplyrecipes.com (modified)

Ingredients

4 lbs good cooking apples
1 C apple cider vinegar
2 C water
3 C sugar
2 tsp cinnamon 
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp allspice
1 lemon, zest and juice
Salt

Method

1. Wash and cut apples into quarters. Don't peel or core them. A lot of pectin is in the core, and there is much flavour in the peels. 

2. Put apples into a large pot, add vinegar and water, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Cook until apples are soft. 

3. Make an apple puree using a food mill or a chinois sieve (I used our Vitamix). 

4. Return apple puree to a large pot. Add sugar, spices, lemon juice and rind and a dash of salt.

5. Cook uncovered in a wide, thick bottomed pot on medium low heat, stirring often. Cook down until thick and smooth. This could take up to 3 hours depending on your stove and type of pot.