Apple Butter

Today I comfortably snuggled into the acceptance that fall is among us.

Last night we turned on the furnace for the first time in months after Vern almost lost me in a pile of blankets,sweatshirts and thick socks.

 I watched it rain outside the window,even the dogs refused to go out..it was wet and cold.

 I headed out for a motivational latte and a trip through Grocery Outlet for some chocolate chips. That latte worked..it motivated to buy lots of things besides the one thing I needed! Oh Grocery Outlet,you got me again!

When I came home I realized I could no longer ignore the pile of fruit on the verge of mush on my counter. Whatta waste I thought...I don't make pies..or jam...or anything with apples,pears or bananas! I can't freeze them..but I just can't sit here and watch them spoil! The idea hit me and I was shocked at my stroke of brilliance...APPLE BUTTER...wait even better...APPLE BUTTER IN THE CROCK POT! I think I saw this online somewhere....Oh and those bananas,I remembered I CAN freeze them and did so immediately.

After a few hours of peeling,coring and chopping pounds of tiny apples,big apples and pears I had a large crock pot full! I combined a few recipes I liked and added a few twists of my own-to my surprise there is o actual butter in apple butter...good thing I read the recipe!

Cara's Apple Butter
3-5 pounds of apples,peeled,cored,sliced or grated (or in my case,throw in a few pears)
1 Tbs of vanilla
1 Tbs cinnamon
3/4 cup brown sugar (more or less on the sugar depending on what you like)
1/2 cup white sugar (some people said it was great with no sugar)
1 packet of dry apple cider drink mix(this was my idea he he)

*Most recipes I saw called for allspice and cloves. I did not add these because I do not like the taste of them  and had none in my cupboards.

Turn large crock pot on low and add apples and then vanilla. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add to apples. Stir until apple pieces look coated with sweet goodness. Put the lid on the crock pot and stir every 2-3 hours. After approximately 8 hours,mash the tender apples with a mash potato masher or hand mixer and let cook on low an additional 6-8 hours. Let cool and if needed puree in food processor to consistency you prefer. If you know how to can well...good for you. ha I have no idea how to can but if you do...can it. For those who are not quite that ambitious or domestic you can also freeze it for later use. My house has smelt AMAZING all day and I am hoping the apple butter is as delicious as it smells!

Wow,I feel so domestic! What a great way to kick of the new season of celebrating!