Our Apple Butter

Ingredients

• 5.5 pounds McIntosh apples , peeled, cored, and chopped
• 0.75 cups white sugar
• 0.75 cups dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract , Optional
• 2.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons ground ginger

Instructions

1. 1

   Place apples, in batches, into a blender; blend until no large chunks remain. Transfer to a slow cooker.

2. 2

   Add white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger to the slow cooker; stir to combine.

3. 3

   Cook, uncovered, on High for 1 hour. Cover slow cooker; cook on High until smooth, 6 to 8 hours, stirring twice per hour. Uncover; cook and stir until thick and spreadable, 2 to 4 hours more.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, inspect eleven 4-ounce jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until apple butter is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.

5. 5

   Spoon apple butter into sterilized jars, filling to within 1 inch of the top; seal and freeze.