Simple Apple Butter Recipes

Steps:

• Combine Honeycrisp apples, Granny Smith apples, and apple cider in a large stainless steel or enamel-coated saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until mixture reduces by about half, about 20 minutes.
• Stir sugar and lemon juice into the apple mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking at a simmer until the mixture is very thick, about 25 minutes.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack apple butter into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Combine the apples, apple cider, brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, partially cover and cook until the apples are soft, about 20 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla and cloves. Puree the mixture in a blender in batches until smooth (or use an immersion blender).
• Return the mixture to the pot and bake, uncovered, stirring every 30 minutes, until thickened and deep amber, 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours (the timing will depend on the kind of apples you use). Remove from the oven and let cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Try it on: Pancakes, waffles, yogurt, oatmeal, grilled cheese, PB&J, biscuits, cornbread or pork chops

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low heat setting 8 to 10 hours or until apples are very tender.
• Mash apples with potato masher or large fork.
• Cook uncovered on low heat setting 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is very thick. Cool about 2 hours.
• Spoon apple butter into container. Cover and store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.

Steps:

• Cut biscuits crosswise in half. Spread apple butter over cut sides of biscuits. Replace tops. Cut each biscuit into quarters; arrange in a single layer in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with cheese, ham and parsley., In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper and mustard. Pour over biscuits. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Preheat oven to 325°. Remove strata from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, until puffed and edges are golden brown, 50-60 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Steps:

• In an 8- to 10-quart heavy kettle combine apples and cider.
• Bring to boiling and reduce heat.
• Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Press through a food mill or sieve until you have 8 1/2 cups.
• Return pulp to kettle.
• Stir in sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
• Bring to boiling and reduce heat.
• Cook, uncovered, over low heat 1 1/2 hours or until thick and mixture mounds on a spoon, stirring often.
• Boiling-Water Canning: Ladle hot apple butter into hot, sterilized half-pint canning jars heaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe jam jars and adjust lids. Process in a boiling water canner for 5 minutes (start timing when water returns to boil). Remove jars and cool on rack.
• Freezing: Place the kettle of apple butter in a sink filled with ice water. Stir mixture to cool. Ladle into half-pint wide-top freezer containers, leaving a 1/2 inch headspace. Seal and label and freeze up to 10 months. Apple butter may darken slightly on freezing.

Steps:

• In a microwave safe bowl, combine apples, maple syrup and cinnamon.
• Microwave on high for 15 minutes. Transfer mixture to a blender and process until smooth. Return mixture to bowl and microwave 5 minutes more. Cool and transfer to a jar. Store in refrigerator.