Apple butter is a traditional sweet with its roots in the colonial cuisine of North America, particularly in the United States and Mexico. Its origin dates back to the need to preserve apples for long periods, using slow cooking to transform the fruit into a thick and flavorful paste. In Latin America, this preparation can vary by region and country; for example, in Mexico and Central America, it is also known as "ate de manzana," although the term "ate" more commonly refers to preparations made with quince. In countries like Argentina and Chile, apple butter is less common but can be found in some homemade recipes under the name "dulce de manzana." This preparation is valued for its versatility and concentrated flavor, which combines sweetness with a touch of aromatic spices, making it perfect for spreading on bread, accompanying desserts, or even as an ingredient for baking.
Apple butter II
How to Prepare Apple Butter II
To make this apple butter, it is important to use thick-skinned apples, especially those harvested in late summer and fall, as they produce a grainier texture that is ideal for applesauce.
Begin by stirring together the unsweetened applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar along with the apple cider. Cook this mixture in a slow oven for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add the spices: nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon. These will provide a special aroma and a deep flavor to the butter.
Return the mixture to the oven and cook for 1 more hour, always keeping the heat low so the preparation reaches the desired consistency.
Remember that apple butter requires long, slow cooking to achieve the thick texture and concentrated flavor that characterize it.
Ingredients:
Unsweetened applesauce,
granulated sugar,
brown sugar,
apple cider,
nutmeg,
allspice,
cloves, and
cinnamon.
Ingredients (8)
- Unsweetened Applesauce
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Apple Cider
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
Instructions (11 steps)
- 1 Thick-skinned apples
- 2 from late summer and fall
- 3 produce a grainier texture that is better for applesauce
- 4 Stir the applesauce
- 5 sugars
- 6 and cider together and cook in a slow oven for 3 hours
- 7 stirring occasionally
- 8 Add spices
- 9 Return to the oven and cook for 1 more hour
- 10 Apple butter requires long
- 11 slow cooking