Homesteading: A Woman's Journey

Canning: Apple Butter

One of my favorite memories growing up was a day when I had walked down to our Amish neighbor's home to buy eggs.  It was a crisp fall day and Katie (the Mom) was making Apple Butter.  I remember the smell of those apples and spices she had simmering on the cookstove.  There was also the scent of bread baking in the oven.  I love making apple butter.  It has always been hard though to find a recipe that resembled Katie's.  I finally found one quite a few years ago, recently found it again.  It is a "southern" style recipe, but the flavor is wonderful!  Best part is, if you are short on time (or fresh apples), you can make the apple butter using applesauce & simmer it in the slow cooker.

Here is the recipe:

Apple Butter Recipe (I double the recipe if I am making it on the stove.)  

7 cups applesauce, natural
2 cups apple cider
1 1/2 cups honey
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp allspice

In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 14 to 15 hours or until mixture is a deep brown. If using the stove, simmer at a low temperature being sure to stir it from time to time to prevent it from scorching.

Spoon hot apple butter into hot sterilized jars and seal, then process half-pints or pints 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. Make 4 pints or 8 half-pints.

I can't wait until Joe is home.  I plan to make this while he is here, complete with some fresh baked bread to serve it with.  There are many other fruit butters that you can make.  Check online and see what may interest you.  I know that many people enjoy Pear Butter, though I have never tried it.

Enjoy!

Memories

11:38, Thursday, July 26, 2007 .. Posted by blessingsbaound

Memories can be so precious can't they? I just love memories like this. Thank you for posting this, I want to save this to try sometime soon! I hope you have a very blessed day with your family!

Mmmmmm!

01:54, Saturday, July 28, 2007 .. Posted by imspecl

Oh, I can smell the apple butter already! I LOVE the stuff. I've an old (about 40yrs old to my knowledge) recipe I use that has vinegar in it. Gives it a little zip. I plan on giving yours a try tho. Thanks for sharing!

Michele