Apple Butter

By McLean

Ingredients

• 4 lbs. assorted apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of ground cloves

Details

Servings 2

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Combine the apples, apple cider, brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, partially cover and cook until the apples are soft, about 20 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla and cloves. Puree the mixture in a blender in batches until smooth (or use immersion blender).

Return the mixture to the pot and bake, uncovered, stirring every 30 minutes, until thickened and deep amber, 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 hours (the timing depends on the type apple used). Remove from the one and let cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days.