Canned Apple Butter — The All-Day Simmer

One of the most iconic Amish foods — traditionally made communally in copper kettles over outdoor fires, now easy in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 6 lbs apples, cored and quartered, unpeeled (about 2.5kg)
• 2 cups sugar or honey (about 400g)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60ml)

Method

1. Combine everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low with the lid propped open slightly for 10 to 12 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. The apples will break down into a thick, dark, caramelized spread. Blend smooth with an immersion blender.
3. Ladle into sterilized half-pint jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

A batch makes ten to twelve jars — apple butter on fresh sourdough bread is one of the true pleasures of homestead life.

Love this one? Get all 20 in our 20 Amish Preservation Favorites Cookbook.