FOOD - APPLE BUTTER

This year was going to be my first year (finally) going apple picking.  I was SO excited, but then I found out that the apple harvest this year wasn't good enough to pick, and I was devastated.  I had been looking forward to homemade apple pies and apple butter all summer long, so I decided I wouldn't let a lack of apples get me down so I making apple butter any way!  Since I couldn't use apples picked by myself, I bought the apples and cider at the Union Square Farmers Market! (I was even lucky enough to score some free apple cider doughnuts!!!)

What you'll need:
- 5 or 6 large apples (if using smaller apples add a few more, I also like to use a variety of apples), peeled, cored and cut into medium sized pieces
- 1 cup of apple cider
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- Half a lemon juiced
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- a big pinch of fresh nutmeg
- a big pinch of ground ginger

Turn on your slow cooker to high while prepping the apples.  Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir a little so that all the spices are distributed evenly.

Put the lid on and cook for 1 1/2 hrs or until the mixture is bubbling vigorously.  Mix a few times so it doesn't burn.  Change to the low setting and cook for another 7 hours with the lid slightly ajar.  At this time the apple butter should be a delicious dark brown, if its not, turn the heat back to high and cook another hour.  Jar and process to keep your apple butter delicious for a while or keep refrigerated up to 3 weeks.

Makes 5 to 6 4 oz jars.

Slightly adapted recipe from Martha Stewart.  Watch her helpful video here!

Enjoy!

PS. Latter this week I will be making an apple butter pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving!

Earl Grey was really excited for apple butter too!