How to Create and Can Homemade Apple Butter- A Step-by-Step Guide_1
How to Make Apple Butter to Can: A Step-by-Step Guide
Apple butter is a delightful spread that can be enjoyed on toast, crackers, or even as a topping for ice cream. Not only is it delicious, but it also makes a great gift for friends and family. If you’re looking to preserve this tasty treat for longer periods, canning apple butter is the way to go. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making and canning apple butter, ensuring that you have a delicious, homemade spread at your fingertips whenever you need it.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
– 8 pounds of apples (any variety will work, but a mix of tart and sweet apples is recommended)
– 1 cup of water
– 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 cup of lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
Equipment
To make and can apple butter, you’ll need the following equipment:
– A large pot
– A food processor or blender
– A canning jar or jars
– A canning funnel
– A ladle
– A jar lifter
– A canning rack
– A pot for boiling water
– A jar sealer and lids
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples. You can leave the skins on if you prefer. Place the sliced apples in a large pot and add the water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the apples are soft and falling apart. This process should take about 20-30 minutes.
Step 2: Puree the Apples
Once the apples are soft, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly. Transfer the apples to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave some of the apple pieces intact.
Step 3: Add Sweeteners and Spices
In a separate pot, combine the pureed apples with the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apple butter should thicken as it cooks.
Step 4: Can the Apple Butter
While the apple butter is still hot, prepare your canning jars and lids. Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then rinse them thoroughly. Place the jars in a pot of boiling water and let them simmer for about 10 minutes to sterilize them.
Using a jar lifter, remove the jars from the water and place them on a towel. Fill the jars with the hot apple butter, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rim of each jar with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
Place the lids on the jars and secure them with the jar sealer. Return the jars to the boiling water and process for 10 minutes. After processing, remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a towel. Once the jars are cool, check the seals by pressing on the center of the lids. If they are not sealed, you may need to process the jars again.
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
Once the jars have sealed properly, they are ready to be stored. Place the jars in a cool, dark place and enjoy your homemade apple butter for up to one year. Simply open a jar and spread it on your favorite bread or use it as a delightful topping for your favorite desserts.
By following these simple steps, you can make and can your own apple butter, ensuring that you have a delicious, homemade spread at your fingertips whenever you need it. Happy canning!