The tradition of making apple butter has long been a symbol of fall. The methods and tastes are as varied as the cooks themselves. Nothing can beat tender flaky biscuits hot from the oven slathered with freshly made apple butter.
8 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
1 cup apple juice
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
In a Dutch oven over medium heat cook the diced apples and apple juice for 30 minutes or until the apples are tender. Stir until the apples are mashed. Stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Preheat the oven to 275°. Pour the apple mixture into a lightly greased 11 × 7-inch baking dish. Bake the apple butter for 4½ hours, stirring every hour, or until of a spreading consistency. Cover and chill.
Hint: For spicy apple butter, increase the cinnamon to 2 teaspoons and add ½ teaspoon ground cloves and ¼ teaspoon ground allspice.
YIELD: 3 CUPS