Mmmm...Monday: Caramel Apple Butter

This is actually an adapted version of another recipe.  What can I say, I like to put my own twist on things.  There's actually no caramel in it, but the brown sugar combined with the slow-cooking process creates a subtle caramel flavor.  Oh so yummy!   

Ingredients:
• 8 c apples--peeled, cored & sliced
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 1/2 c white sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 T water

Directions:
Place apples in slow cooker.  Top with remaining ingredients; stir to combine.  Cover & cook on high 1.5 hours.  Reduce heat to low & cook another 9-11 hours.  (I actually spread the cooking over a few days since I started it at night...just put the mixture in the fridge when you go to bed & continue slow cooking the next day.)  Once apples have cooked down, puree in a blender or food processor.  Return to slow cooker & cook uncovered for 1 more hour, or until it reaches desired consistency & color.  Spoon mixture into sterile containers & cover.  Refrigerate.  Makes about 2 cups apple butter.

A few notes: It could easily be doubled or tripled, depending on how big your slow cooker is. You may even want to cut back on the sugar, depending on how sweet your apples are. I used Granny Smith, since that's what we had in our yard.

I'm also including some labels I made...free for you to use...and space on the bottom to write your own date.

Wide Mouth Jar Labels--these are 2" around & can be cut out with a 2" circle punch
Regular Jar Labels--these are 2.5" around