slow cooker apple butter for food gifts

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 10 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 8 half pint canning jars with lids and rings

Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 22 hrs

Ready Time: 22 hrs 20 mins


• cook apples in slow cooker on low until apples are very soft, about 18 hours.
• puree apples in a blender or food processor; return pureed apples to the slow cooker. stir sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg through the pureed apples.
• continue cooking on low until thick, about 4 hours.
• sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. pack the apple butter into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air . wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. top with lids, and screw on rings.
• place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. leave a 2-inch space between the jars. pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• remove the jars from the stockpot and place a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). store in a cool, dark area.