New England Apple Butter
"Apple butter is a tasty treat that can be smeared on toast, added to sandwiches with peanut butter, turkey, pork etc., smeared on crackers, topped over waffles, pancakes, and served in combination with many meals (and desert for that matter). This recipe combines sweet and tart apples to balance out the flavor, but you can use what you have on hand."
Original is 20 servings
Ingredients
Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (161 g)
- Calories 85.9
- Total Fat - 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat - 0 g
- Cholesterol - 0 mg
- Sodium - 0 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 22.8 g
- Dietary Fiber - 2.1 g
- Sugars - 18.5 g
- Protein - 0.4 g
- Calcium - 8.6 mg
- Iron - 0.1 mg
- Vitamin C - 6.3 mg
- Thiamin - 0 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Peel, core and cut each apple into eight wedges.
Step 2
Combine the apple wedges in a large pot (with a heavy bottom. Refer to Notes 1 and 2) with the remaining ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat and simmer until the apples are very soft, about 20 minutes.
Step 3
Put the apples through a food mill or ricer.
Step 4
Place the apple mixture and all the liquid back in a pot and return to a low simmer (Refer to Notes 1 and 2 below). Reduce by two-thirds or until the apple butter is thick and medium brown in color; this will take several hours.
Step 5
When finished, the apple butter can either be canned or refrigerated.
NOTE 1: This recipe can vary as the time it will take to cook. If cooking on really low heat it can take much longer, but the flavors will develop really nicely. You will ned to stir it occassionally to prevent it from burning and forming a crust at the bottom. If cooking at a higher temperature, you will need to stir constantly to prevent from burning. Scrape the bottome of the pot while you stir to make sure a crust is not forming at the bottom. Test for doneness by placing a small bit on a plate that has been chiled in the freezer. The apple butter should be thick but not runny.
NOTE 2: The wider the pan the better, as there is more surface for evaporation.
Tips
No special items needed.
Editorial Notes
The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.
- When selecting apples, try to find a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor balance.
- When selecting apple cider, try to find one that is unfiltered and unpasteurized for the best flavor.
- Replace the apples with pears: Pears have a slightly different flavor than apples, but they can be used to make a delicious apple butter. The benefit of this substitution is that it adds a subtle flavor and texture to the apple butter, while still preserving the overall flavor profile.
- Replace the apple cider with orange juice: Orange juice has a sweet and tart flavor that can be used to replace the apple cider in this recipe. The benefit of this substitution is that it adds a bright citrus flavor to the apple butter, while still preserving the overall flavor profile.
Cranberry Apple Butter Replace 8 cups of apple cider with 8 cups of cranberry juice. In addition, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the pot when adding the apples and other ingredients.
Baked Brie with Apple Butter - Baked Brie with Apple Butter is a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. The creamy, melted brie pairs perfectly with the tart and sweet apple butter, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. The combination of the two is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a delicious and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with Baked Brie with Apple Butter. The salty bacon and sweet apple butter combine to create a flavor profile that is sure to please any palate. The roasted Brussels sprouts provide a crunchy texture that complements the creamy brie and sweet apple butter. Together, these two dishes make a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors.
FAQ
Q: How do I prevent the apple butter from burning?
A: Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from burning and forming a crust at the bottom. If cooking at a higher temperature, you will need to stir constantly. Scrape the bottom of the pot while you stir to make sure a crust is not forming at the bottom.
Q: Can I make apple butter without sugar?
A: Yes, you can make apple butter without sugar. You can use honey or maple syrup to sweeten the apple butter, or leave it unsweetened if desired.
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Fun facts:
Fun Fact 1: Apple butter has been a popular condiment in New England since the colonial era. In fact, it was a favorite of George Washington, who used it to flavor his famous apple pies.
Fun Fact 2: Apple butter is also popular in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, where it is served with traditional dishes such as scrapple and pork and sauerkraut. It is also used to make the popular Pennsylvania Dutch treat, Shoo-fly Pie.