I can't believe it's not...oh wait it is.
We used Labor Day weekend to get caught up on some of our canning. You'll be hearing more about it in the next week or so whether you like it or not. So let's make it easy on everyone and just like it.
Last night we wrapped up the canning weekend by making some apple butter. I wasn't aware that this deliciousness even existed until last year when Mrs. K's sister gave us some that they made. We ran out of it pretty quickly, so this year we decided to make a little for ourselves.
First step is to get some apples. You'd think this would have been the easy part, and it should have been. We were planning to pick apples from Mrs. K's grandmother's apple tree. Simple enough, right? Well, we were so busy canning that before we knew it, it was dark out. You've heard of midnight golf or midnight bowling? We did some midnight apple picking. It's actually pretty fun. I'd like to tell you what kind of apples we have, but I have no idea.
Once you have your apples you have to peel and core them. One of those fancy torture-looking handle things is probably good for this, but we used the old-fashioned peeler and knife. After coring and peeling just throw them in the crock pot on high. Mix your sugars and spices in a bowl and add them to the pot. Then after an hour turn the crock pot down to low and let it sit for nine hours. We stirred it occasionally. I took a hand mixer to it at the end of the nine hours and, after splattering myself and 1/4 of the kitchen, decided to switch to a whisk.
Then it's just your basic canning that's left. They only need to be processed for five minutes and BAM you have a semi-healthy suit (or dress) to put on your toast.
Here's the recipe...
Here's the recipe...
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
30 small-medium apples - I'm going to say it was one full standard issue sized crock pot
Note: We haven't sampled our apple butter so until I give you the go-ahead, proceed at your own risk. It does smell fantastic though.
What did you do on your Labor Day weekend?
Note: We haven't sampled our apple butter so until I give you the go-ahead, proceed at your own risk. It does smell fantastic though.
What did you do on your Labor Day weekend?
Oh man, that looks so tasty. I have always wanted to try canning but so far I haven't yet. My boyfriend and I headed to a friend's for a birthday party; it was Mexican themed and was pretty fun!!
ReplyDeleteWe've just started branching out with our canning. It was only pickles until this year. Themed parties always sound like a good time.
DeleteThat looks amazing, maybe we'll have to try it if there are any apples at the in-laws. Hoping to make some salsa this year, we'll see if there's time now that I'm officially back to work. This is great now that grocery prices have seemed to skyrocket!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear there's someone else doing apple shopping at the in-laws. Salsa is something we've always thought of doing but haven't tackled it yet. Welcome back to the daily grind.
DeleteI love apple butter.. We didn't get any apples on our trees this year- maybe next year!
ReplyDeleteSo jealous, I wish we had apple trees. Someday, someday.
DeleteVery timely! I'm looking forward to apple season. Might have to try this recipe out.
ReplyDeleteWe tried some and it's pretty tasty. We just started the next batch and increased the cinnamon by 1 teaspoon and cloves by 1/4 teaspoon.
DeleteThis is a nice idea versus all the apple crisp that I usually make with my apples. This will keep much longer! We had an amazing time camping at a campground we probably won't go back to. It was my daughter's birthday. :)
ReplyDeleteHmm, we might have to make some apple crisp next. Happy birthday to your daughter!
Delete