TASTES OF THE SEASON

While we are in the midst of pumpkin season we are also right smack in the middle of apple season.  Below I have posted a very easy recipe for a yummy delicious moist Apple Butter, along with a very   simple but satisfying recipe for Apple Cake.  At this time of the year not only are there many different varieties of apples available, they are also an incredible bargain.

APPLE BUTTER

Ingredients:

2 pounds McIntosh apples, peeled and cored (6 large apples)

2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored (4 large apples)

1 cup apple cider

2 cups granulated sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions:

Cut McIntosh apples into 1-inch pieces. Cut Granny Smith apples into smaller dice.

Combine apples and cider in a very large stainless steel or enamel saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and boil gently for 20 minutes or until mixture is reduced by half.

Stir in sugar and lemon juice. Return to a boil, reduce heat, and boil gently for about 25 minutes or until mixture is very thick. There should still be some tender apple chunks remaining. Remove from heat.

Ladle into sterilized jars and process as you would for canning fruits.

Spiced Apple Butter

Add 2 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/2 tsp each ground cloves and allspice with the sugar.

Kitchen Tips:

This recipe uses a mix of two varieties of apples for greater flavor.  If these types are not available in your area, go for what's fresh and local.  This sweet spread does not need to be processed as long as a relish or pickle recipe (I am planning a post on canned next week).  The sugar does most of the preserving you just need to briefly boil the jars to kill off any contaminants that might have gotten in during filling.

APPLE CAKE

Ingredients:

½ CUP (1STICK UNSALTED BUTTER, MELTED PLUS MORE FOR PAN

2 CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR (SPOONED AND LEVELED)

1 CUP GRANULATED SUGAR

½ CUP PACKED LIGHT BROWN SUGAR

1 ¼ TEASPOONS BAKING SODA

½ TEASPOON SALT

2 TEASPOONS GROUND CINNAMON

1 ½ TEASPOONS GROUND GINGER

¼ TEASPOON GROUND NUTMEG

1 ½ POUNDS APPLE’S PEELED, CORED, AND CUT INTO 1 INCH CHUNKS

½ CUP CHOPPED WALNUTS

2 LARGE EGGS, LIGHTLY BEATEN

CONFECTIONERS SUGAR FOR DUSTING

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

Butter a 9 by 13 inch baking pan; set aside in a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Add the apples, walnuts, butter, and eggs; stir just until combined.

Spoon into pan; smooth with a spatula.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 

Cool in pan. Dust with confectioner’s sugar to serve.