Apple Pear Butter

 

This year I made 24 jars of Apple Pear Butter for neighbors, teachers, and friends.  I started with this recipe for 24-hour Crock Pot Apple Butter from Daring Gourmet, then made a few changes like reducing the sugar and adding nutmeg.  Next time I might try adding allspice, too.

 

Ingredients

- 3 pounds apples, stemmed, cored, cut into quarters (but leave the peels on)

- 3 pounds pears, stemmed, cored, cut into quarters (but leave the peels on)

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 1 cup white sugar

- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 2 1/2 cups apple cider

- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

 

Instructions

1. Put the apples and pears into a large crock pot, then top with the remaining ingredients and stir.

2. Cook on low for 20 hours, covered, stirring occasionally.

3. Use an immersion blender or other appliance to puree the apple butter to desired consistency.

4. Cook for another 4 hours on low, uncovered, or until at desired thickness.

5. Can in a water bath according to standard canning practices, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

 

Makes about 5 pints.