Perfect spread on biscuits added to charcuterie boards or swirled into cakes and bread, apple butter is a delight this time of year. There’s just something so mesmerizing about its gentle flavors of apple, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar, that you will likely find yourself wanting to put it on everything. Instead of spending your hard-earned cash on pricey pre-packaged apple butter, make it at home with your pressure cooker for a fraction of the price! Here is a delicious recipe to try.
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds Gala apples
• 2 pounds Honeycrisp apples
• Water, for soaking apples
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice, plus more for soaking apples
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon apple pie spice, or pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider, optional
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Peel, core, and dice the apples, adding them to a bowl of lemon water to prevent browning.
2. Drain the apples well, then transfer to a dry large bowl and add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice, salt, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, apple cider (if using), and vanilla and toss to coat well.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to a 6-quart (or larger) pressure cooker, seal the valve, and set it to manual high-pressure cook for 15 minutes.
4. Once the cycle is complete, allow for immediate release. Remove the lid and use an immersion blender or standard blender to purée the apple mixture until smooth.
5. Reset the pressure cooker, then set to sear/sauté on medium. Cook the apple butter, stirring every 5 minutes or so until reduced to your desired consistency, about 35 minutes total. If the apple butter gets very hot and starts to splatter, cover the pot with the lid, keeping slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Reduce the heat if needed while stirring to avoid burning yourself.
6. Let the apple butter cool for about 1 hour. Transfer to a 16-ounce glass jar and continue cooling to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to use. The apple butter will keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 weeks.
Shake up your household menu – and put your fully equipped kitchen to use – with this easy-to-follow recipe, courtesy of Oxford at Sonterra Apartments in San Antonio, Texas.