Pumpkin Butter: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Canning
Pumpkin butter is a sweet and savory spread that is perfect for enjoying on toast, crackers, or even as a topping for ice cream. It's also a great way to preserve the delicious flavors of fall. Making your own pumpkin butter is surprisingly easy, and the process of canning ensures that you can enjoy it all year long.
Here is a simple and delicious recipe for pumpkin butter that you can easily can at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups peeled, seeded, and cubed pumpkin
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Wash and peel your pumpkins.
- Remove the seeds and cut the flesh into cubes.
2. Cook the Pumpkin:
- Place the pumpkin cubes in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add the brown sugar, apple cider, lemon juice, and spices.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin is soft and the mixture has thickened.
3. Process the Pumpkin Butter:
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- Return the pumpkin butter to the pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Can the Pumpkin Butter:
- Sterilize your canning jars and lids.
- Fill the hot jars with the hot pumpkin butter, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
- Wipe the jar rims clean, place lids and bands, and tighten the bands.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes (adjust processing time according to your altitude).
5. Cool and Store:
- Carefully remove jars from the water bath and let cool completely.
- Check for seals by pressing the center of the lid. If the lid doesn't depress, the jar is sealed.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Success:
- Use a good quality pumpkin: Choose a pumpkin that is firm and has a deep orange color.
- Don't overcook the pumpkin: The pumpkin should be soft but not mushy.
- Use a good quality apple cider: Look for a cider that is unsweetened and has a good flavor.
- Adjust spices to your taste: Experiment with different combinations of spices to find what you like best.
Enjoy your homemade pumpkin butter on toast, crackers, or even as a topping for ice cream. It's a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of fall!
