Apple butter

Ingredients

• 3 lbs apples (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Steps

1. 1

   1. Combine the chopped apples and apple cider in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are completely soft and mashable.

2. 2

   2. Use an immersion blender or transfer in batches to a blender and puree until completely smooth.

3. 3

   3. Return the puree to the pot and stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

4. 4

   4. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes, until the mixture darkens to a deep amber and thickens enough to hold a mound on a spoon.

5. 5

   5. Stir in the vanilla extract, then taste and adjust spices. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before spooning into sterilized jars.

6. 6

   6. Seal and refrigerate for up to three weeks, or process in a water bath canner for shelf-stable storage.