apple butter, baked apples, apples!

We went apple picking over the weekend and have more apples. I have been getting apples in batches of 20-30# so that I can do a bit at a time. We have been making applesauce, apple butter, baked apples, pie fillings, and more. With the cool weather also comes the return of bread baking - I seem to fizzle out when the heat peaks, but happily return to the smell of bread baking in the house as the nights get colder. And with freshly baked sunflower millet whole wheat bread you need fresh apple butter to top it with, of course.



apple butter

5-1/2 pounds apples, peeled and sliced/chopped (= about 15-18 med. sized apples)
2 cups sugar (I like to use maple syrup or honey)
1/4 - 1/2 cup apple cider
2-3 tsp cinnamon, or 3 whole cinnamon sticks
1/4 tsp ground allspice or nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Place apples in a slow cooker. Add all of the ingredients and mix well. Put on lid and cook on high for 1 hour (stir a few times). Reduce the heat to low. Cover again and cook on low for 9-12 hours - or until it is thick and dark brown. Stir occasionally. Uncover and cook for one more hour. Remove cinnamon if you used whole sticks. If you like a smoother apple butter, you can run it through a food mill or use a stick blender. You can process for canning, freeze, or refrigerate and eat within a few weeks!