FOOD FRIDAY

First let me say, that I'm not going to promise a Food Friday Entry every week. I actually have something else up my sleeve regarding recipes but am still working on that. Meanwhile, it's fall and I've decided to share once again this wonderfully easy recipe that anybody can make if they have a crock pot.

CROCK POT APPLE BUTTER

crock pot full of apples, peeled, cored and quartered

2 cups cider or apple juice

2 cups of granulated sugar (I've not tried Splenda or Stevia but I bet they'd work)

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1. fill crock pot to 1 inch over the rim with prepared apples (they will cook down-I promise)

2. add cider and put on lid and cook on low for 12 hours (I used to turn it on in the morning just before I left for work)

3. after 12 hours, stir and add rest of ingredients, stirring well. Leave crock pot on low, put lid back on with vent open (or ajar if your pot has no vent). Continue to cook for 12 to 24 hours on low, stirring occasionally until proper consistency. (To test for proper consistency, put some on a plate...liquid should not accumulate more than 1/4 inch around the edge of apple butter on plate when done.)

4. apple butter should be a rich dark brown color. Pour into hot sterilized jars, put on lids and seal in a 10-15 minute water bath. This apple butter can also be frozen.

This recipe makes about 4 pints. I know it's time consuming but the end result will be worth it. I have found that whether you buy or gather the apples, it's best not to use all of the same kind. It's better if you have a mixture of apple flavors.