Slow Cooker Apple Butter for Food Gifts

After trying a few different recipes and methods for gifts this year, I finally found one that worked well in the kitchen and in the jar! Everyone thought this one was perfect - not too sweet, but just right! Serve immediately, can into sterilized jars and process, or cool and freeze.

Step: 1

Cook apples in slow cooker on Low until apples are very soft, about 18 hours.

Step: 2

Puree apples in a blender or food processor; return pureed apples to the slow cooker. Stir sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg through the pureed apples.

Step: 3

Continue cooking on Low until thick, about 4 hours.

Step: 4

Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the apple butter into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.

Step: 5

Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.

Step: 6

Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

Per Serving: 24 calories; protein 0.1g; carbohydrates 6.2g; sodium 0.3mg.

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

This also can apply to cooking process . You don’t want to push more often your oven by making to do list three dishes at once in there, or be rounding four pans on the stovetop . But sometimes you can made a dish do double-duty .