Apple Butter

Ingredients

• 10 pounds of apples, cored and sliced
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Tips:

• You can mix and match a variety of apples, depending on the flavor profile you prefer
• Note that softer apples cook down faster

Directions

A century ago, there were thousands of unique varieties of apples in the United States, but with the industrialization of our agriculture we have decided to only focus on a few varieties of apples. With the loss of biodiversity we have lost a lot of flavors, at least at the supermarket. The apple industry settled on a handful of varieties to promote and market. They became commercially extinct—but not quite biologically extinct. You can still find a good variety at the farmer's markets and your local orchards. 

How To

1. Core and slice apples
2. Toss with sugar and spices
3.  Cook on low for ~12 hours in the slow cooker
4.  Once the apples are soft, puree in batches in blender until smooth
5.  Place back in slow cooker for a few more hours to let flavors caramelize
6.  Apple butter will keep in the refrigerator for a month, and you can also can or freeze some to enjoy throughout the year.

Makes 6 to 8 pint jars