It’s amazing the difference a day can make.
Last week, while better than the previous week, was still a tad overwhelming.
School is BUSY
Puppies are EVERYWHERE
House is a MESS
Mom is a bit CRAZY
Then, Ian suggests getting out of town for a day.
Not anything huge, just a beautiful afternoon in the mountains.
Deep breath.
Sigh
Amazing what an afternoon with family can do for your spirit.
I returned with a renewed energy.
Sunday saw the laundry battle won!
Bedrooms are tidy.
Puppies happily played outside all afternoon.
School bags got organized, and even with warmer temperatures, I feel that fall is in the air.
I spent the rest of my Sunday making apple butter, which is something that I have wanted to try for a LONG time.
There is something almost therapeutic about taking a few simple ingredients, simmering, stirring, creating.
The house smelled like fall, and I felt like a new person.
For the apple butter:
4 lbs of granny smith apples
3 cup of apple cider
1 tsp of cinnamon
juice of 1/2 lemon
quarter apples (leave core and seeds)
place in a large pot and cover with the cider
bring to t boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the apples are VERY soft – about 30 minutes
press through a sieve (or food mill)
put the apple pulp back into the pot
add the cinnamon and lemon juice
cook stirring often over med-low until the mixture is reduced by at least 1/2
this took me exactly 3 hours
make sure that you stir to prevent the bottom from burning and sticking
store in an air-tight jar with lid
It does take some time, but the results were SO worth every minute.
Enjoy!
About Heather @French Press
Great and healthier option than full-on butter!
I was AMAZED at how delicious it was. I haven’t had apple butter in a LONG time.
I cannot wait to get up the hill this year for apples. Last year they were all gone and rotted by mid-October!! I’m loving this recipe.
My grandmother used to make homemade apple butter when I was young. It used to be my very favorite! I wouldn’t use any other jellies or jams, only this awesome stuff! thanks for the recipe! I look forward to giving it a try!
<3 Bethany
(come and check me out??)
TheSepiaPuppy.blogspot.com
I really love apple butter–one of my favorite treats on biscuits–and I’ve been wanting to make some homemade for a while! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I don’t think many people make this from scratch!
Yum!
Blessings,
Leslie
Heather, this looks incredible! Can you believe I’ve only had apple butter once? This homemade version looks well worth the effort and I definitely want to try it:)
Mmmm. I love apple butter!
My 6 year old grandson is an apple butter freak, he eats it on almost everything. I can’t wait to have me make a batch of apple butter with me.
Yay…now I can make Apple Butter! Thanks for sharing! I saw your yummy link at the Cast Link Party/Lady Behind the Curtain. Pinning it!
I love Apple Butter- so good!
I’d love for you to link up to Wonderful Food Wednesday. We’re only in our 2nd week, but off to a strong start. Hope to see you there.
Jessica @ At Home Take 2
http://www.athometake2.com
Hi! This looks amazing! I found you on Lil’ Luna’s Link party and I would love it if you would share it at my link party at http://mommyssweetconfessions.blogspot.com/2012/09/sweet-confessions-sunday-link-party-6.html and any other of your great links you would like to. See you at the party!
Looks great! Pinned and making this weekend!
I do want to make apple butter. I’m going to make it in a slow cooker, though.
yours looks so delicious!
how much does this recipe make? and how long can you store it? looks amazing, i’m definitely going to try it! =)