AUNT RUBY’S APPLE BUTTER

Ingredients:

3 pounds apples, a mixture of sweet and tart

2 cups sugar

1/3 cup water

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Directions:

Trim off stem and blossom ends of apples but leave skin and core intact.  Thinly slice the apples and place in a non-reactive pot with 1/2 cup sugar and water.  Cook slowly, covered, until the apples are tender.  Stir occasionally to make sure there is no sticking.

Put the apples through a food mill and return to the pot.  Stir in the seasonings and remaining sugar. Cover, bring to a simmer and cook slowly, stirring often until the apple butter is thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon.

Fill hot sterile jars to within 1/8” of the top.  Wipe the lip clean and cover with a new, sterile, heat-sealing gasket.  Screw on the cap and quickly invert the jar for 15 seconds.  Turn upright and cool on a rack.