Apple Butter with Maple Syrup

Move over, apple sauce. Apple butter is basically a spreadable apple pie filling, only better. Though cooking time is long, it's super easy and pretty hands-free. Pair it with some sharp Cheddar on a cheese plate, or slather it onto cheesy biscuits. Other approved uses include spreading between the layers of a spice cake, filling seasonably appropriate thumbprint cookies, on toast, on waffles, mixed with yogurt, drizzled over ice cream, on a grilled cheese (YUM), on cornbread, or served with pork.

3 lbs crisp sweet apples, such as; Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady (about 7 medium apples)
3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
pinch kosher salt

Peel and core the apples and cut them into a rough ¾-1" dice. Place in the bottom of a 5 qt or larger slow cooker, then top with maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 8-10 hours, stirring once halfway through, until the apples are very tender and brown.

With an immersion blender, puree the apples until the apple butter reaches your desired consistency (I like mine fairly smooth). If you do not have an immersion blender, transfer the apples to a blender or food processor in batches and blend until smooth, then return to the slow cooker.

Turn the slow cooker to high and let the apple butter continue to cook, uncovered, for 2 additional hours or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Taste and add additional maple syrup as desired. Spoon into jars or another airtight container.

Makes 2 cups.

Cook's Notes:

• This apple butter will tastes even better the next day once it has rested in the refrigerator and the flavours are blended.
• Store leftover apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for several months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• The amount of maple syrup you need will vary based on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference. Taste and adjust as needed. If you prefer to make a no-sugar apple butter, you can simply omit it.