I've almost made it to the last of my free apples! A reader suggested I make crock pot apple butter, so I searched for a yummy looking recipe and found a few. I liked this one here and here. Each had elements I liked, but wasn't quite what I was looking for, so I came up with my own.I admit- some of my creations are more edible than others! Over the years though, I have to say I've gotten pretty good at creating my own recipes. {I think my husband would agree!} This one was a home run. Pumpkin Apple Butter. I literally wanted to sit and eat it with a spoon! I refrained however and instead, toasted some zucchini bread and was in heaven. Cooking it long and slow made the flavors meld and the consistency really is just like butter. It's incredible!
Pumpkin Apple Butter
5.5 lbs apples {I used about 22 small apples}
1 fifteen oz can pumpkin puree
3 cups brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
Peel and slice apples. Go here to read tips on how to do this faster. Mix remaining ingredients and pour in crock pot, over apples. Stir to blend. Cook on medium 8-10 hours, stirring every 3 hours or so. Turn heat to low and cook an additional 4-5 hours. Yes, it takes all day long!
Turn it off and remove the lid, so it cools. After it's sufficiently cool, blend in a food processor or blender until smooth.
Enjoy over toast, on crepes, waffles, pancakes, or whatever you'd like!
I have some in a jar for now and froze the rest for later. We'll see how long it lasts!
