How to Make Apple Butter

Apple Butter is a tasty and healthier alternative to butter, and can be used in combination with or in place of regular butter in a variety of recipes. It's also delicious on toast or in a variety of baked goods.

It all starts with freshly pressed apple juice, and here's how we do it:

Prep Time: Under 15 min
Cook Time: About 25 min
Makes: About 2 cups

Ingredients:
4 pounds of tart/sweet apples (think Granny Smith)
1/3 cup fresh pressed apple juice or cider 2/3 cup maple syrup (or use dark brown sugar)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or any other spices you like (to taste)

Instructions:
Begin by peeling and coarsely chopping the apples. You can also use a fruit crusher to mince them to the perfect size. Place all the ingredients in a large heavy bottom pot with a tight lid. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently and being sure not to burn the bottom of the pot.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the apples soft and mashable--approximately 15-20 minutes.

Remove the apple mixture from the heat and puree with an immersion blender or with gentle pulses from a food processor.

Store it in the fridge in an air-tight container and use in within 2-3 weeks. It won't take that long. It is delicious on toast, muffins, pancakes or in a variety of dishes. Enjoy!