Let It Burn

Approximately 3 lb. apples ( I actually just filled the crockpot, which might've been closer to 10lbs or more) peeled, cored, and sliced. You can also just quarter them if you'd like. My Pampered Chef peeler/corer/slicer does it all for me :) 3 cups sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. allspice 1/2 tsp. cloves Dash of salt Peel, core, and slice apples (sweet or tart, doesn't matter!). Break them in pieces with your hands and place the apples in a slow cooker.  In a medium bowl, mix the sugar and other seasonings. Pour the mixture over the apples in the slow cooker and mix around a bit as you can. Heat on low for about 12 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and dark brown. Uncover and continue cooking on low 1 hour. Stir with a whisk, if desired, to increase smoothness. If apple butter has too much liquid, cook on high until thickened (uncovered). Stir often as butter thickens to prevent scorching. Store in refrigerator for u...

I have been pondering canning for a while now and have wanted to do it but the need for jars, lids, ingredients, etc. has held me back. We have several great apple trees on our farm and the boys have been picking for me. I've been slowly collecting quart jars at Goodwill and borrowed my moms canner and rack today for  hot water bath canning . I have had a fear of it but yet wanted to conquer it! I decided to make apple pie filling since it's something we can use and also give away as gifts. I found a recipe on Allrecipes.com and realized I needed a couple more things so off to Goodwill we went. I found the 2 more jars I needed and Craig found a Pampered Chef  apple peeler/corer  for $2.99! We also found a separate apple slicer and corer for 69 cents. We had an incredible steak dinner and then went to work on our first canning mission. The girls were asleep for the night so it was just Craig, Jacob, and me. Jacob manned the peeler and Craig used the corer/cutter. We could ...