If you're looking for a delicious way to preserve the flavors of fall, try making your own apple butter. This easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, making it a perfect project for a lazy weekend afternoon.
To start, gather five pounds of your favorite apples - any variety will do, but we recommend using a mix for depth of flavor. Peel, core, and chop the apples into chunks, placing them in the slow cooker as you go. Add one cup of apple cider, one cup of brown sugar, and a tablespoon of cinnamon to the pot, stirring to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, until the apples are soft and the mixture has thickened. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth, then cook on high for an additional hour to thicken further. Pour the apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace, and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Allow the jars to cool before storing in a dark, cool place for up to one year. Enjoy your homemade apple butter on toast, with pancakes, or as a sweet addition to savory dishes.
Spiced Apple Pie Filling
To start, peel and core your apples of choice. Granny Smith apples work well for a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp apples will provide a sweeter taste. Slice your apples thinly and place them in a large saucepan with water, sugar, and a blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Simmer the mixture until the apples are tender and the flavors have melded together. Once the filling is ready, ladle it into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean before placing the lids on top and securing them with the bands.
Process the jars in a water bath canner for the recommended time based on your altitude. Once the jars have sealed properly, you can store them in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Use this spiced apple pie filling to make delicious pies, turnovers, or even as a topping for ice cream for a taste of autumn in every bite.
Cinnamon Applesauce Instructions
If you have an abundance of apples and are looking for a delicious way to preserve them, then making cinnamon applesauce is the perfect solution. Not only is it a great accompaniment to many dishes, but it also makes a fantastic gift for friends and family.
To start, gather your ingredients: apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water. Peel, core, and slice the apples, then place them in a large pot with the water and lemon juice. Cook the apples over medium heat until they are soft and starting to break down, stirring occasionally.
Once the apples are cooked, stir in the sugar and cinnamon, adjusting to taste as needed. Continue to cook the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother applesauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
Finally, ladle the hot applesauce into sterilized jars, leaving a half-inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, then seal with lids and process in a water bath canner for 20 minutes. Allow the jars to cool before storing in a cool, dark place. Enjoy your homemade cinnamon applesauce all year round!
Sweet Apple Jelly Guide
Making your own sweet apple jelly is a fun and rewarding way to preserve the delicious taste of apples all year round. Whether you have an abundance of apples from your own tree or picked up a bushel at the farmer's market, this simple recipe will have you enjoying the taste of fresh apples long after the season has ended.
To begin, gather your ingredients: apples, sugar, water, and pectin. You can use any variety of apple you prefer, but sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala work best for jelly. Wash and core the apples, then chop them into small pieces. Place the apples in a large pot with just enough water to cover them, then bring to a boil and simmer until the apples are soft.
Once the apples are soft, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or jelly bag to extract the juice. Measure the juice and return it to the pot, adding in sugar according to the recipe instructions. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then stir in the pectin and continue boiling for a few minutes more. Pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and let cool. Enjoy your homemade sweet apple jelly on toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for meats.
