HOMEMADE APPLE BUTTER

Ingredients......3 kg of Fuji, Jonathon or Red Delicious apples, 625 ml of apple cider, 1 kg of granulated sugar, 1 tbs of ground cinnamon, 1 tbs of grated lemon rind, 1 dsp of ground cloves, 1/2 tsp of salt. Cut the UNPEELED apples into quarters and remove the cores. Place in a large heavy stock pot, add the apple cider, cook on a high heat and bring to the boil. Then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and puffy, about 2 hours. Process the apple mixture in a food processor or blender until smooth. This should give you 6-7 cups of pulp. Transfer the apple mixture to the stockpot along with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, lemon rind, salt and mix well to combine. Place over a medium heat. Bring to the boil, stirring. Reduce the heat and let the apple mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about an hour. Spoon into hot sterilised 250 ml jars, seal and store in the pantry. Store in the refrigerator once opened. Fruit/sultana bread becomes something special when spread with apple butter.