Hi everyone and welcome to our culinary corner, the EZ Gluten® Test Kitchen where we create gluten free versions of everyday meals, drinks, and other treats you can safely savor.  Today, we’re diving into the sweet, spiced world of fall with gluten-free spiced apple butter.  Whether you’re a seasoned gluten-free foodie or simply curious about new culinary adventures, apple butter offers a versatile and delicious addition to your pantry.  Get ready to discover the comforting aromas and flavors that make this gluten-free delight a must-have for any kitchen.  Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into your morning oatmeal, or use it as a secret ingredient in your baking, gluten-free apple butter is here to add a touch of sweetness to your life.

Join us as we savor the season with this delectable, naturally gluten-free spread that celebrates the crisp, juicy goodness of apples.  Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!  Feel free to leave a comment or post a picture!  Questions about this or other recipes, email us at ezglutentestkitchen@elisa-tek.com.

 

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Spiced Apple Butter

Prep time: 30 Minutes Cook time: 12 hours

Makes 6 to 8 cups

Ingredients

• 6 pounds mixed apples (see notes)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Large mixing spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Immersion blender or potato-masher

 

Directions

Start by washing your apples well. You can use a baking soda or white vinegar mixed with water to help remove any wax, dirt, or anything else from your apples.

Once clean we can move on to coring and dicing the apples.  There is no need to remove the skin of the apples as they will cook down and blend in.  Just remember to remove any seeds and stems.

Once cored and diced add them to a 6-quart slow cooker pot along with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Give it all a good mix.  There is no need to add any water to this, the juices of the apples are sufficient.

Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally to help the apples cook evenly and prevent potential burning.

Once your apples have cooked for 8-10 hours, take the lid off the pot and add the vanilla extract and use an immersion blender to blend the apples well.  Once well blended to your liking continue cooking the apples for another 2 hours without the lid until they become thick and dark.

How do you know when it is done? Easy, scoop and small spoonful of the butter and turn the spoon over.  If it holds, it’s ready. If it drips off right away, it’s not thick enough.

Let the apple butter cool for 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 1-2 weeks.

 

Tips

For a more robust and balanced flavor of apple butter, we suggest using a mixture of apple varieties as well as sweetness and tartness.

Any apple can be used to make apple butter, but generally the soft fleshed apples break down the best.

Softer apples such as:

• Fuji
• Golden Delicious
• McIntosh
• Braeburn
• Cortland
• Idared

If you do not have an immersion blender, no worries.  You can use a potato-masher to mash them instead.

Can you freeze the apple butter, yes you can.

To freeze: pour apple butter into a freezer-safe bag or glass container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

To thaw: Thaw frozen apple butter in the fridge overnight.  Stir well before use.

 

 

EZGluten® Test Kitchen
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