Apple season is approaching and apple butter is a great way to preserve some of that deliciousness for those cooler months.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 pounds apples (about 12 to 16 medium)
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
DIRECTIONS
To Prepare Pulp: Wash apples: remove stem and blossom ends; do not core or peel. Cut apples into small pieces. Add 2 cups water; cover; simmer until apples are soft. Press through sieve or food mill. (If you do not have either of those, you can use a immersion blender or a food processor.) Measure 2 quarts of apple pulp.
To Prepare Butter: Combine apple pulp, sugar, and spices in a large saucepot. Cook slowly until thick enough to round up on a spoon. As pulp thickens, stir frequently to prevent sticking. (If too thick, add a small amount of water or apple juice for desired consistency.) Ladle hot butter into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Adjust 2 piece caps. Process 10 minutes in a boiling water canner. Yield 5 pints.
Recipe from Ball blue book