This recipe came by way of my sister-in-law Jade, who comes from a long line of incredibly sweet and hilariously entertaining women. When you get them all together, a party spontaneously combusts! Her Granny Beck has made this apple butter for as long as Jade can remember. If folks are at her table—whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—there’s a little crock of this sweet apple spread on the table. It’s as if it’s just waiting to hop on a biscuit! Jade and my brother, Josh, have a little girl of their own. In my family, we seem to have a knack for making adorable baby girls, if I do say so myself!
Makes about 8 cups
6 POUNDS APPLES (ABOUT 16 MEDIUM), WASHED, UNPEELED, QUARTERED, AND CORED
1 CUP APPLE CIDER
1 CUP WATER
5 CUPS SUGAR
1 TABLESPOON GROUND CINNAMON
1 TEASPOON GROUND CLOVES
½ TEASPOON GROUND ALLSPICE
1. Place the apples in a large pot with the cider and water and place over low heat. Let the apples simmer uncovered until they begin to break down and soften, about 30 minutes. Use a potato masher to help break them down as they cook. Pass the apples through a coarse sieve. Discard the solids.
2. Pour the apple mixture back into the pot and mix in the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Let the mixture simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring frequently, until it turns a deep caramel color, about 2 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on the variety of apples you use. Store apple butter in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
SOUTHERN SIMPLE: Make a batch of this to serve with Maw Maw’s Biscuits. I also love this on a piece of leftover cornbread.
SOUTHERN SIMPLE: Apple butter is wonderful spread on a grilled pork chop or turkey tenderloin, too . . .
Or try the apple butter on a sharp Cheddar grilled cheese or as an addition to the Maple Monte Cristo Sandwich.
SOUTHERN MOTHER: Joshua and Jade did the sweetest thing at their wedding. Each guest received a little Mason jar of Granny Beck’s Apple Butter with this recipe attached. So cute and creative!