By Lexi Guttormson, 2018 University of Minnesota Dietetic Intern
Photo Credit: Whitney/Flickr
Have you ever returned from the apple orchard only to wonder how on earth you’ll ever use up all those apples? Try your hand at preparing some delicious apple butter for an easy way to use lots of apples!
Apple butter is a yummy and versatile topping. Try using it on toast for breakfast, as a substitute in baking, on a baked sweet potato, in a sandwich, with pork chops…the list is endless. Plus, we personally think this is the best benefit to making apple butter: it will make your house smell amazing.
APPLE BUTTER
Recipe from Life as a Strawberry
Makes 2 cups
INGREDIENTS:
- 5 medium-sized apples, cored and sliced (peel left on is okay)
Tip: Use McIntosh, Fuji, Red Delicious, Crispin or Golden Delicious apples. You can even try a combination of these apples! - 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
DIRECTIONS:
- Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized pot and stir. Cook the apple mixture on low heat, making sure to stir on occasion, for about 2 hours.
- Remove the pot from the stove, and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes. Use a blender, food processor or immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth.
- For a thicker apple butter, reheat the apple butter mixture on low for an additional 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, to your desired thickness.
- Remove the pot from heat once you’ve achieved your desired consistency and enjoy!
Tip: The apple butter will be delicious warm. Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
For 1 tablespoon: 19 calories; 5 g carbohydrate; 0 g fat; 0 g protein; 1 g fiber
