Apple Butter

The aroma of apple butter cooking on the stove makes the whole house smell wonderful and full of happy memories and visions of family holidays. That same feeling returns every time you open a jar of this silky, lightly spiced butter. Cooking the apples in apple juice intensifies the apple flavor.

MAKES: About Five, 8- Ounce Jars

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 2 cups unsweetened apple juice or water
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. COOK THE APPLES

• In an 8-quart stainless steel stockpot, combine the apples, apple juice, and lemon juice.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
• Remove the pot from the heat.

2. PUREE THE APPLES

• Press the cooked apple mixture through a food mill or a fine-mesh sieve.
• Return the apple purée to the pot.

3. ADD SUGAR AND SPICES

• Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the apple butter is very thick and coats the back of a spoon, about 30 minutes.
• As the mixture thickens, stir constantly to prevent scorching.
• Remove the pot from the heat.

4. FILL THE JARS

• Ladle the butter into hot jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
• Remove any air bubbles.
• Wipe the jar rims and threads with a clean, damp paper towel.
• Apply hot lids and screw bands.

5. PROCESS AND STORE THE JARS

• Process 4-ounce, 8-ounce, and pint jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (see p. 34 for instructions).
• Remove from the water bath canner and let cool for 12 to 24 hours.
• Check the seals and remove the screw bands.
• Store jars in a cool, dry, dark place for up to 1 year

VARIATION: CARAMEL APPLE BUTTER

• Make Caramel Apple Butter by substituting 2½ cups firmly packed dark brown sugar for the granulated sugar.