Apple Buttery Goodness

This holiday I'm going to try to make as many homemade gifts as I possibly can. Which realistically means, gifts for adults. Kids will still get toys, but like I said earlier, better toys.

The first idea isn't actually something I've done but a gift that reader (and friend) Jessica does and I just really liked it.

You may have noticed that we really love apples around here and right now there are lots of apples to be found. Heck there's probably lots of apples to be found where ever you live right now seeing as it's apple season!

So onto Jessica's gift. What she makes with her family to give is apple butter. I love apple butter, I love it almost as much as I love pumpkin butter which I may just have to find a recipe for.

Anyways, the recipe doesn't look too hard and it sounds really good so here it is:

2 quarts apple pieces, peeled
1 quart apple cider
3 cups sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp ground cloves

In a large non-reactive pot, add the apples and apple cider. Cook until the apples are tender. Press through a sieve or pass through a food mill. Add sugar and spices to the pureed mixture. Return the mixture to the pot and continue to cook until thick, stirring constantly. Pour into hot, sterilized jars and seal.

Jessica says that the recipe makes 3 cups so you may need to make a few batches if you've got a lot of family.

There's also a really easy apple butter in the oven recipe over at Making Love in the Kitchen.

To make it feel a little extra special give it with your favorite bread or crackers.

This would also make a great hostess gift for holiday parties or even for Thanksgiving.

There are lots of food type items you can give for Christmas; the ingredients for your famous chocolate chip cookies, some fantastic fudge or crushed up candy cane peppermint bark. Whatever you do as long as it's from you, they'll love it.

If you decide to make the apple butter let me know how it goes.

Like I said, we love our apples!