Fresh Apple Butter

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. sweet apples (about 8 medium apples, select at least two different varieties for a better flavor)
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Directions:

1. Begin by coring and peeling your apples. Cut into 1 inch chunks.
2. In a Dutch oven over high heat, add apples, cider and 1/2 cup sugar. Bring to a rolling boil. Lightly cover the pot, allowing some steam to escape and boil for approximately 20 minutes, stirring often until the apples are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
3. Next, use an immersion blender and process until mixture is smooth (or carefully place hot apple mixture into a blender, half-full). Repeat as needed to process all of the hot apple mixture.
4. Return mixture to the pot and stir in cinnamon, cloves, and the remaining sugar. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-20 minutes until thickened. Let it cool before placing in an air tight container. (If it seems runny, the mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.)
5. Once the apple butter has cooled, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months. (It can also be frozen as well for even longer storage!)