The Smell of Fall

Fall would be my favorite time if it weren't for the days getting shorter, but despite that there are many wonderful sensory pursuits to enjoy. Local apples are certainly one of my favorite things, and it is time to make apple butter from the surplus that I bought at Boyd's Orchard for Farm Day. These may not be the most apropos for apple butter (Golden Delicious plus some other variety I forgot), but I really don't think you can go too wrong with apples, sugar, cider, and spices.

The recipe below is SOOOO easy since all you do is quarter the apples leaving the skins on (remove seeds and pith), put in a slow cooker with apple cider and cook for ten hours, then add spices and cook for another hour. The aroma that's released throughout the house is better than ANY candle can provide, and I figure it will be a great way to welcome Paul home tonight!

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

4 lbs. cooking apples (NOTE: I think it would have been worthwhile to use cooking apples, as this apple butter didn't turn out as well as previous attempts)

2 cups cider

3 cups sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ground cloves, optional

1/8 tsp. allspice

1. 
   
   
   Stem, core, and quarter apples. Do not peel.



2. 
   
   
   Combine apples and cider in large slow cooker



3. 
   
   
   Cover. Cook on low for 10 hours.



4. 
   
   
   Stir in sugar and spices. Continue cooking 1 hour. Remove from heat and cool thoroughly. Blend to mix in skins.



5. 
   
   
   Freeze in pint containers, or pour into hot sterilized jars and seal.

Makes 4-5 pints apple butter.

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