How do you make apple butter in the oven?

Oven-Baked Apple Butter: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Yields: 6 cups

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 4-6 hours

Ingredients:

* 6 pounds apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)

* 1 cup apple cider (or water)

* 1/2 cup brown sugar

* 1/4 cup lemon juice

* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Equipment:

* Large pot

* Oven-safe Dutch oven or large pot with lid

* Immersion blender or food processor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the apples: Wash and peel the apples. Core and chop into 1-inch pieces.

2. Combine ingredients: Place chopped apples, cider (or water), brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in the Dutch oven or large pot. Stir well to combine.

3. Bake: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and bake for 4-6 hours, stirring every hour, until apples are very soft and mushy. The longer you bake, the richer and deeper the flavor will be.

4. Puree: Once apples are softened, use an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor and blend until smooth.

5. Strain (optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the apple butter through a fine-mesh sieve.

6. Cool and store: Let the apple butter cool completely before transferring to sterilized jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Tips:

* Flavor variations: Experiment with different spices like ginger, cardamom, or allspice for a unique flavor profile.

* Sweetness adjustment: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your desired sweetness level.

* Thickness: For a thicker apple butter, simmer the pureed mixture over low heat for a few minutes after blending.

* Serving suggestions: Enjoy apple butter on toast, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, or use it as a glaze for roasted meats or chicken.

Enjoy your homemade apple butter!