62 days?!? How about some Apple Butter?

62 days? How on earth has 62 days come and gone without so much as a hint at my blog?

It has been a busy fall at our house. Thankfully, it has also calmed down a great deal. I was tutoring in the evenings twice a week. While the money was nice (really nice, in fact) - I can see now that it just wasn't worth it. My kids still ask me, daily, if when I pick them up we're going home or to meet Dad so I can go tutor. I tell them - EVERY DAY - Mommy isn't tutoring any more. It's like they're traumatized. They jump up and down, whooping their arms, when I announce that Mommy is taking them home. Causes a little bit of remorse, you know?

The children aren't the only one showing signs of neglect. For the first week or so after tutoring ended, my husband told me several times each night: "I'm happy that my wife is back, I was tired of spaghetti." Okay...okay...I get it. Mommy doesn't get to work additional hours. It may not be a "woman's" place - but the home is certainly MY place. Don't get me wrong, I love teaching - and it enriches my daytime. It's just that half the reason that I got into teaching was the schedule. I had forgotten that motivation, and got a little greedy. It's not all bad though - I socked enough money away to get family annual passes to Universal Studios!

Whatever the fall was like, winter is looking better. My house is clean, I'm caught up in my classroom, and I'm finding time back in the kitchen again. Upon urging from my husband, and a few loyal, neglected, readers, I thought I should return here as well. Refreshed, renewed, and ready for THE season!

I have some goodies coming in the weeks ahead - my annual fudge, bar cookies, and this year I will be trying peppermint sticks! I have some tried and true recipes, a few new finds, and some carrots screaming to be made into a cake. But this is all "planned" not created. In other words, there are no drool-worthy photos or treats to share...today.

What I DO have, friends, is apple butter. Yummy, yummy, apple butter - made easy. In a crock pot. Now, the downside is that you do have to devote the day to apple butter making. But, it's low mess, low energy, and high YUM factor!
Got this here.

5 1/2 pounds Granny smith apples
4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ginger

First, prepare the apples. Loyal readers will remember my list from awhile back. I got an item on my list early - in preparation for Thanksgiving pie making. The peeler/slicer/corer made quick work of most of the apples. I just had to run a knife through the slices for a good chop. It was a pretty rough cut, I didn't take too much time chopping the slices - and they were not in pretty, uniform pieces.

Then, in a BIG bowl, mix everything above together. I found two clean hands worked best for this job.

In a crock pot (no small ones, a medium to large), set on high for one hour. Then on low for 9 - 11 hours. Stir occasionally, more as the apples break down. Over time, you will see the mixture go from apple pieces, to a sauce, to a smooth apple sauce. Use a whisk to assist in this process of making things smooth and spreadable. Then, as you cook it longer it will turn that lovely brown, apple butter color. Might I suggest that you consider tasting it once the apples break down into a smooth sauce. I really thought this apple butter needed a bit more spice. If you like it more apple-like, then this will be just fine.

It makes a real lot, so canning, gifting, or freezing will likely be in order. Unless you have a big family, or REALLY like your apple butter!

Consider serving with french bread, either warm and fresh, or day old and toasted with butter. It's perfect either way!