Homemade apple butter makes great Holiday gifts!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 10 apples) Use Figi, McIntosh, or Golden delishes (use Golden delishes if available)
  • 2 1/4 cups apple cider
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves

DIRECTIONS:

Either peel by hand or use a apple peeler to peel 10 apples. Core the apples and slice. Place the apple slices and apple cider into a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Add in honey, brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Stir and continue to simmer for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the apples easily break down.

Puree using an immersion blender until smooth. Simmer on low for another 30-40 minutes to thicken up the apple butter.

Store in an airtight container (like a jar) for up to 2 months in the fridge.

OPTIONAL:

Use small jars, make a decorative lable and fill with apple butter. Make excellent gifts for any occassion.