Make your own apple butter with this simple recipe. Apple butter is a delicious alternative to peanut butter, and a great way to use fresh apples. There’s no need to peel the apples, but you can if you prefer.
See Best Cooking Apples and use the varieties you would use for applesauce.
Cortland apples work well because they don’t oxidize as rapidly when cut as do other varieties.
Ingredients
1/2 peck or 6 pounds mixed apples, cored and quarter
2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
zest and juice from 1 lemon
Instructions
In a pot over medium heat, cook apples until soft, adding enough cider to get them started without scorching. When apples are soft, push through a sieve into the pot. Add remaining ingredients and simmer over very low heat, uncovered, until desired thickness is reached. Stir often to avoid burning.
