CROCKPOT APPLE BUTTER*

4 1/2 lbs. apples, peeled and cut into chunks
(we used Granny Smith apples)
4 c. sugar
1/3 c. apple cider
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

STEP 1

Peel and cut up 3 quarts of apples (we used about a bag and a half of 3 lb. bags). If you don't have a measuring cup that indicates quarts, use a quart-size canning jar.

STEP 2

Place the chopped apples in the crockpot. Add the sugar, about a cup at a time, and stir to mix. Slowly pour the apple cider in the crockpot, distributing throughout the pot, to prevent the apples from initially sticking to the bottom. 

Add the cinnamon and stir to combine.

Cover and cook on high for about 3 hours. Turn back the heat, and cook on low for about 8-10 hours. The apples should be very soft and there will be a substantial amount of juice.

STEP 3

Using a soup ladle, place some of the apples and juices in a blender or food processor. Don't fill more than half. Process apples until smooth, allowing for steam to escape while processing. Continue blending until all apples have been processed, placing the smooth mix in a bowl in the meantime.

STEP 4

Return the mixture to the crockpot. Cook uncovered on high until the apple butter is as think as desired, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Place hot in canning jars if desired, or distribute in smaller containers to give away if you don't want to go the canning route. Enjoy!

*We started this at night and let it simmer on low overnight so we were able to finish the process the next day.