There's something special about carrying on traditions and making apple butter with loved ones. The sweet, tangy flavor of the apples, mixed with the spices, is a taste that can't be beat. I’m sure some of you may remember the first time you made apple butter with your family, the smell of cinnamon and apples wafting through the air, the sound of laughter and chatter filling the room. Working together to peel and chop the apples, stir the pot, and add spices, it fills you with this sense of connection to your family’s history, reminding you of the generations before you who had done that very thing: preserving the apples and creating something delicious that you and your family could share with others.
The process was likely slow and steady, but well worth it. As the apple butter bubbled and thickened, an aroma grew stronger and more intoxicating throughout the entire kitchen. A smell that filled the house and brought everyone together. No matter, children or adults, everyone could hardly wait to taste the finished product. When it was finally done, how many of you gathered around the table, spreading the apple butter on warm, buttered toast? The taste, unlike anything you had ever experienced before, was the taste of tradition, of family, of love. Sweet and tangy, with a hint of cinnamon and spice.
Making apple butter with loved ones is more than just a simple act. It's a way to connect with our past, to create memories that will last a lifetime, and to share something special with those we care about. It's a reminder that the simplest things in life can often be the most meaningful.
From our family to yours, please enjoy this simple recipe for making apple butter:
Apple Butter
Ingredients:
5 lbs of apples
2 cups of apple cider vinegar
2 cups of granulated sugar
2 tsp of ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp of ground cloves
1/2 tsp of ground allspice
Directions:
1. Peel and core the apples and chop them into small pieces. 2. In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, apple cider vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. 4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. 5. When the mixture has thickened and turned a deep brown color, remove it from heat. 6. Use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the mixture until it's smooth. 7. Transfer the mixture to jars and let it cool to room temperature. 8. Store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy your homemade apple butter on toast, biscuits, or pancakes!