Spiced Apple Butter

Celebrate the flavours of fall with a delectable Spiced Apple Butter! This spreadable, buttery preserve is made from apples that are slow-cooked in a crockpot with our warm chai spices until they reach a smooth, velvety consistency. There is no actual butter in apple butter, it is the soft consistency of the apples once they are cooked that gives it the name ‘apple butter.’ This delicious preserve offers a rich, caramelized flavour that’s perfect for toast, scones or muffins and is a delicious ingredient to add to your favourite recipes. The deep, warm flavour and luscious texture of this spiced apple butter make it a classic autumn treat that captures the essence of the harvest season! 🍎🍎🍎

Spiced Apple Butter in the Slow-Cooker

Makes 6 half pint (8 oz.) jars or containers
Equipment:needed: Slow-cooker/crockpot

INGREDIENTS
• 4 lbs. of applesauce apples (apple varieties that break down easily) peeled, cored, and cut into small cubes
• 1 cup of sweet apple cider
• 1 cup of raw sugar or brown sugar
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon of Ground Chai Spice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: ½ of a fresh vanilla bean

HOW TO
1. Put the cubed apples in the slow cooker. Add the sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, chai spice, and salt. Pour in the apple cider and mix until everything well combined.
2 .Cover and cook on high for 4 – 6 hours or low for 8 – 10 hours (stir occasionally) or until the apples are tender enough to easily mash with a fork. If using a vanilla bean, add it halfway through the cooking process
3. Near the end of the cook time if the apples are too wet, remove the lid and continue cooking until liquid is reduced
4. Mash the apple mixture or puree with an immersion blender until desired consistency is achieved
5. Ladle the apple butter into clean jars or containers, cover and refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to 6 months

WAYS TO ENJOY APPLE BUTTER
• Enjoy apple butter with scones, muffins, toast or spoon over yogurt or oatmeal
• Apple Butter is delicious served with pork, poultry, or roasted winter squash
• Substitute with apple butter instead of applesauce in your favourite recipes
• For a delectable sweet spread to serve with charcuterie and fruit slices:
– Whip Apple Butter into room temperature cream cheese. Add a splash of heavy cream if needed (to achieve desired consistency).Delicious!