Apple-Pumpkin Butter

This yummy, thick apple spread has a slight hint of autumn spice from the pumpkin.

Step: 1

Peel, core, and chop apples; set apple chunks aside, reserving peels and cores. Combine peels, cores, and 2 cups apple cider in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.

Step: 2

Meanwhile, combine chopped apples, sugar, remaining cider, and cinnamon stick in a large, non-aluminum saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until apples begin to fall apart, 20 to 40 minutes.

Step: 3

Press peel-core mixture through a food mill or sieve placed over a bowl to catch juice. Reserve juice and discard peels and cores. Add juice to cooked apples in the saucepan and return mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until thick, 40 to 60 minutes. Remove and discard cinnamon stick. Stir in pumpkin.

Step: 4

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

Step: 5

Pour apple-pumpkin mixture into a large, shallow roasting pan.

Step: 6

Place roasting pan into the preheated oven, leaving door slightly ajar. Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until thick enough to spread, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Step: 7

Inspect 6 half-pint jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until apple-pumpkin butter is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.

Step: 8

Spoon apple-pumpkin butter into sterilized jars leaving 1/2-inch head space. Wipe rims and threads clean; top with hot lids and screw bands on firmly.

Step: 9

Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 5 minutes.

Step: 10

Remove the jars from the stockpot and let rest, several inches apart, for 12 to 24 hours. Press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.

Per Serving: 197 calories; protein 0.7g; carbohydrates 50.8g; fat 0.3g; sodium 93mg.

The most clear way to pick a side dish is to look at your main dish (pasta, chicken, seared tofu) and pick something different. If you’re making pasta, go for a simple healthy dish . Making steak? Go for something light. If you’re making stir-fry with rice, it must not a best idea to also make a rice salad.

One make sure is also can apply to cooking method . You don’t want to overcommit your oven by scheduling three dishes at once in there, or be rounding four pans on the stovetop . But often you can made a dish do double-duty .