Delicious and Easy Canning Recipes for Apple Butter
Apple butter is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed on toast, pancakes, waffles, or even as a glaze for meats. Making your own apple butter is easy and rewarding, allowing you to control the ingredients and sweetness. Here are a few canning recipes to get you started:
Classic Apple Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 pounds of apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust to your desired sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
- Cook the Apples: Combine the chopped apples and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the apples are very soft.
- Mash the Apples: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the cooked apples into a smooth puree.
- Add Spices and Sugar: Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apple butter thickens.
- Can the Apple Butter: Ladle the hot apple butter into sterilized pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place lids and bands on tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
Spiced Apple Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 pounds of apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
- Cook the Apples: Combine the chopped apples and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the apples are very soft.
- Mash the Apples: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the cooked apples into a smooth puree.
- Add Spices and Sweeteners: Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, ginger, allspice, and cardamom. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apple butter thickens.
- Can the Apple Butter: Ladle the hot apple butter into sterilized pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place lids and bands on tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
Tips for Canning Apple Butter:
- Use firm, ripe apples: Choose apples that are firm and ripe, but not overripe.
- Don't overcook the apple butter: Overcooked apple butter will be too thick and may lose some of its flavor.
- Sterilize your jars: To ensure your apple butter is safe to eat, it's important to sterilize your jars and lids before canning.
- Use a boiling water bath: A boiling water bath is the safest way to can apple butter.
Enjoy your homemade apple butter! It makes a great gift for friends and family, and it's sure to be a hit at any gathering.
