Apple Butter in the Oven

Ingredients and Weight:

• Apples (Cortland, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp): 10 lbs
• Brown sugar: 1 cup
• Apple cider vinegar: 1 cup
• Cinnamon sticks: 4
• Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
• Allspice: 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

4-6 hours

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples.
3. Combine the apples, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in a large bowl.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
5. Bake for 4-6 hours, or until the apples are soft and caramelized.
6. Remove the cinnamon sticks and puree the apple mixture using an immersion blender or regular blender.
7. Serve warm or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutritional Information:

Per 2-tablespoon serving:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 26 grams
• Sugar: 23 grams
• Protein: 1 gram

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich, flavorful, and slightly spicy.
• Pairs well with toast, pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
• Can be used as a marinade for pork or chicken.

User Comments:

• "This apple butter is so delicious! It's the perfect balance of sweet and spicy."
• "I love the way the cinnamon and nutmeg give it a warm fall flavor."
• "It's so easy to make and can be used in so many different ways."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use ripe, fresh apples for the best flavor.
• If you don't have an immersion blender, let the apple mixture cool slightly before pureeing it in a regular blender.
• Add extra brown sugar or apple cider vinegar to taste, if desired.
• Apple butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.