APPLE BUTTER [www.QinSen.com]
[www.QinSen.com]
10 pints apples, peeled and slice (20 cups?) [www.QinSen.com]
1 quart apple cider or juice [www.QinSen.com]
5 cups brown sugar (this is a lot -- adjust to suit your taste) [www.QinSen.com]
1 T ground cinnamon [www.QinSen.com]
1 tsp ground cloves [www.QinSen.com]
1 tsp ground allspice [www.QinSen.com]
lemon juice & grated lemon peel to taste (my suggestion -- gives it a
little tang)

Combine apples and cider in a large kettle, bring to boil, and simmer,
covered, until apples are soft. Pass through a food mill or puree in
a blender or food processor.

Combine strained applesauce with remaining ingredients in kettle. Bring
to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

Cook gently, uncovered, until mixture becomes quite thick, at least 2 1/2
hours, Stir often. Pour into hot sterilized jars and seal. Process in a
boiling water bath for 15 minutes. (You could also freeze in small portions
and store what you are currently using in the refrigerator.)

Yield: about 2 quarts (8 cups is a lot of apple butter, you could cut the
recipe down or give away as gifts.)

Another suggestion: buy unsweetened apple sauce and add sugar and spices
and cook til very thick for semi-homemade apple butter.

Also, substitute ripe pears for apples or use a combination.