Mabon Countdown Day 16
Apple Butter
I don’t know about you but Apple Butter just screams ‘Mabon’ to me (as well as apple sauce).
This recipe can be used both on the stove and in a crockpot.
I know that not everyone needs a large batch so I have given the smaller recipe so that you are
Ingredients;
5-7 medium-sized apples of your choice
1/2 cup water or apple cider (not the vinegar)
if you are using the crockpot method this liquid is not needed
1/4 c granulated sugar
1/4 - 1/2 c brown sugar (this is to taste and depends on how sweet you want it and what apples you use)
2 Tbsp lemon juice (you may need less or more depends on the amount of apples you use)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (I like cinnamon you may want more or less depending on your preference)
pinch of salt
ground nutmeg (optional and to taste)
I love nutmeg so I will usually place a small pinch in my batches (a little goes a long way)
ground cloves (optional and to taste)
ground allspice (optional and to taste)
Method - Stove;
peel, cut, and core your apples
place the apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water or cider into your pot
bring ingredients to a simmer on medium heat in an uncovered pot
reduce heat and then over and cook apples for 20 to 25 minutes or until apples begin to soften and fall apart
remove from heat and blend softened apples in a food processor or using a hand blender until smooth
return mixture to the pan and cook on low to medium-low and add your brown sugar and spices to the pot
cook on low until the mixture is a caramel colour, stirring occasionally
keep refrigerated for no more than 2 weeks
Method - Crockpot;
peel, cut, and core your apples
place the apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water or cider into your pot
set crockpot on high
after an hour and a half (larger batches need longer) uncover, stir, and continue cooking without the lid
continue simmering until mixture is thickened, stir occasionally
continue to cook until liquid is gone, roughly 4-5 hours (more time for larger batches)
put the crockpot on low and blend softened apples in a food processor or using a hand blender until smooth
once blended leave mixture on low and cook until your desired thickness
still stirring occasionally to prevent burning
keep refrigerated for no more than 2 weeks