>Apple season is on the way! I found the original version of this recipe on Crockpot365 last year. As usual (you know me) I made a few small changes. Important tip: adjust sugar based on tartness of the apples. Sounds obvious, right? Well, maybe. I bought some early Dutch apples, and they were very tart, so I used the full amount of sugar.

It’s a two part process. I chose to do both in one day; when school starts, it’ll be a two day deal. Here goes!

part I:

Ingredients

Apples, 12-14 medium or 10-12 large (fill crockpot about 3/4 full)
1 Tablespoon vanilla

Directions

Peel, core, and quarter apples. The option exists to take out the peels later, after cooking, but I had a hard time doing that because the finished product was so thick.
Place apples and vanilla in crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until apples are very soft.

After cooking, mash apples with fork or potato masher.

Part II:

Ingredients
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 Tablespoon molasses (optional)
Directions

Cover again and cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you like your apple butter smooth (I do), blend with an immersion blender.

This was very thick and flavorful. Serve on bread, graham crackers, or in place of the jelly on a PBJ. More ideas? Add comments, please! I’d love to hear them.