Apple Butter

Nothing says the beginning of fall like homemade Apple Butter.

Yield: 4 pints; 16 servings per pint

Ingredients

• 5 1/2 pounds apples, peeled and finely chopped
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

Instructions

1. Place apples into a slow cooker.
2. Combine sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt; pour over apples and mix well. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour.
3. Reduce heat to LOW; cover and cook for 9 to 11 hours or until thickened and dark brown, stirring occasionally (stir more frequently as it thickens to prevent sticking).
4. Uncover and cook on LOW 1 hour longer.
5. If desired, stir with a wire whisk until smooth.
6. Spoon into freezer containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
7. Cover and refrigerate or freeze.