Apple butter, the easy way

I'm not a big fan of apple butter, but Cliff loves it.  And since I've been buying apples by the bushel lately, what better time to try my hand at making it?  I've had a crockpot apple butter recipe around for years, thinking I'd use it someday. 

I made it, I've sampled it (as have the granddaughters) and, by george, I think we're onto something.

I realized a few minutes ago that I forgot to put the cloves in, but it still tastes like apple butter to me.  I saw lots different of recipes on the Internet, some starting with applesauce instead of apples, some using red hots for flavoring; so you don't have to stick with this recipe.  Just do a google. 

I thought perhaps some of you might want to try it.  It makes the kitchen smell heavenly.

Crockpot Apple Butter 

makes 4 pints

5 1/2  lbs apples, peeled and finely chopped (I used Jonathons)
4  cups sugar
2-3  teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4  teaspoon ground cloves
1/4  teaspoon salt

   1. Place apples in a large bowl.
   2. Combine sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt.
   3. Pour over apples and mix well.
   4. Place in crockpot, cover and cook on high for 1 hour.
   5. Decrease heat to low; cover and cook on low for 9-11 hours or until thickened and dark brown.
   6. Stir occasionally.
   7. Uncover and cook on low for 1 hour longer.
   8. If desired, whisk until smooth.
   9. Spoon into freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
  10. Cover and freeze.

I cooked mine several hours longer than the suggested 9-11 hours, to get the consistency right.