Recipe: Apple Butter

APPLE BUTTER

4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Winesap)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup water
1/8 cup raisins
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
Dash ground cloves
Dash ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Peel, core and slice apples. Combine apples, juice, 1/4 cup water and raisins. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until apples are softened (about 1 1/2 hours).

Process in a blender or food processor until smooth and return to the saucepan.

Continue to simmer on very low heat. Add remaining ingredients and cook another 30 minutes until very thick and a nice dark brown.

To Microwave (for 650 watt oven):
Combine apples, juice, water and raisins in casserole dish. Microwave on high (100%), covered, for 10 minutes. Stir halfway through. Process until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and microwave on medium (50%), covered, another 10 minutes. Stir halfway through. Uncover and cook on medium another 3 minutes or until it has thickened to your liking.

Source: Graham Kerr