Homemade Apple Butter

By Heather_D

This is a wonderful homemade recipe for Apple Butter. It is sooo good and it has a natural flavor, unlike the over sweetened store brands.

Ingredients

• 6 lbs. (12 - 14) large apples, cored and quartered
• 2 quarts apple juice
• 3 cups sugar
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
• 6 - 8 8 oz. jelly jars

Preparation

Step 1

In a Dutch oven pot, combine the apples and apple juice; Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to MEDIUM-LOW (#4 setting on the electric stoves), *cover*, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Press the apple mixture through a sieve or a food mill. Return the pulp to the Dutch oven pot. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer *UNcovered* for about 2 hours or until the apple butter is *VERY* thick, stirring often.

For Canning:
Spoon the hot apple butter into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4" head space. Add the lids and process the jars in a hot water bath for 5 minutes.