Homemade apple butter makes the best gift. It is easy to make, and has less sugar than jam.

Ingredients

• 10lbs (6kg) of apples (at least)
• Honey or sugar
• Cinnamon

Steps

1. Peel and core the apples. Peeling is not required so if you run out of time, skip it.
2. Grate the apples. If you have a powerful blender you could blend them with water or apple juice.
3. Put the apple purée in the crockpot.
4. Add 1/2-1 cups of honey or sugar, depending on how sour your apples are, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
5. Cook on high for 12 hours stirring every hour or two.
6. When brown and thick, pour into sterile jars and seal just as you would jam.

Tips

• Freeze cut up bits of apples that the kids leave uneaten until there is enough.
• The sweetest apples don't need any sugar at all but very sour apples need more.
• Different kinds of apples can be mixed together for a good flavor.

Warnings

• If it is not properly bottled it must be refrigerated.
• It is almost impossible to burn, but it might if you leave it on then go on vacation.

Things You'll Need

• Crockpot
• Sterile jars