Old Time Apple Butter Recipe: A Timeless Delight
Guide or Summary：IngredientsInstructionsOld Time Apple Butter UsesWhen it comes to comfort food, few things can compare to a warm, rich, and creamy apple bu……
Guide or Summary：
When it comes to comfort food, few things can compare to a warm, rich, and creamy apple butter. This age-old recipe takes us back to simpler times, when the kitchen was filled with the sweet, spicy aroma of simmering apples. Today, we'll share with you an old-time apple butter recipe that's sure to become a family favorite. Not only is it a delicious spread for toast and crackers, but it's also an excellent topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or even ice cream.
Ingredients
- 8 large apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions
1. **Preparation**: Start by peeling and coring the apples. If you're using a food processor, you can chop the apples into small pieces. If not, you can slice the apples thinly.
2. **Cooking**: In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
3. **Simmering**: Let the mixture simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the apples are soft and mostly broken down. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. **Seasoning**: After the apples have cooked down, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to puree until smooth. Taste the apple butter and adjust the seasoning with more sugar or spices as needed.
5. **Finishing Touches**: Once the apple butter is smooth and seasoned to your liking, stir in the lemon juice. This will help to preserve the flavor and prevent the butter from turning brown.
6. **Cooling and Storing**: Allow the apple butter to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for longer-term storage.
Old Time Apple Butter Uses
Now that you have this delicious old-time apple butter recipe, there are countless ways to enjoy it. Here are a few ideas:
- **Toast and Crackers**: Spread a generous amount of apple butter on your favorite toast or crackers for a warm and comforting breakfast or snack.
- **Oatmeal**: Top a bowl of oatmeal with a dollop of apple butter for a sweet and satisfying breakfast.
- **Yogurt**: Mix in a spoonful of apple butter into your morning or evening yogurt for a creamy and flavorful treat.
- **Ice Cream**: Spoon some apple butter over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert that's surprisingly easy to make.
- **Bread and Jam**: Use this homemade apple butter as a spread on sandwiches or as a filling for cinnamon rolls.
In conclusion, this old-time apple butter recipe is a delightful and easy-to-follow recipe that takes us back to simpler times. It's a versatile spread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making it a must-have for any home cook. Whether you're looking for a sweet breakfast treat or a warming comfort food, this recipe is sure to please. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make some delicious apple butter today!