Apple Butter

So let's say you're at the grocery store and you see that 3lb bags of organic apples are on stupid-sale and you can't resist getting a couple bags.

What on EARTH do you do with 6lbs of apples?!

Make apple butter.

Apple Butter
Recipe adapted from AllRecipes.com
Prep time: 5 minutes (this does NOT include apple prep time)   Cook time: 12 hours

5 1/2 lbs apples, peeled and diced [NOTE: do this ahead of time and soak in salt water to prevent browning]
2 to 2 1/2 cups honey [NOTE: exact measurement will vary depending on how tart your apples are]
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt

1.  Place the apples in a slow cooker. In a medium bowl, mix the honey, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Pour the mixture over the apples in the slow cooker and mix well.

Can you tell I chopped these the night before?  Hurray for a quick salt bath!!

 
2.  Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour.

I could just snack on this.

 
3.  Reduce heat to LOW and cook 9 to 11 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and dark brown.

Yes, my house smelled AMAZING.

 
4.  Stir the mixture; if the apples haven't broken down enough, blend the butter using a food processor or immersion blender until smooth.  Feel free to freeze or can the apple butter to preserve it longer.

Too tired to blend it right away?  No problem!  Just store it until you're ready.

Just an FYI, this is awesome on pancakes or some simple leftover bread.  Or you could just pretend it's applesauce and eat it with a spoon.  We don't judge here.