Are you looking for a delicious and unique recipe to use up your apple harvest? Look no further than this smoked apple butter recipe. Apple butter is a sweet and tangy spread that is perfect on toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats. And when you add a smoky twist to it, you take it to a whole new level of flavor.
What is Apple Butter?
Apple butter is a thick and smooth spread made by slowly cooking pureed apples. The sugars in the apples caramelize as they cook, giving the apple butter its rich and sweet flavor. Despite its name, there is no actual butter in apple butter. The name comes from its creamy and buttery texture.
To make this smoked apple butter, you will need:
- 10 pounds of apples, cored and quartered
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of cloves
- 1 teaspoon of allspice
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Wood chips for smoking
How to Make Smoked Apple Butter
Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and soak your wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Place the quartered apples in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and easily mashed.
Step 3: Use a food mill or blender to puree the cooked apples, discarding the cores and peels.
Step 4: Return the apple puree to the pot and add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and lemon juice. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 hours or until the mixture thickens.
Step 5: While the apple butter is cooking, prepare your smoker. Drain the soaked wood chips and place them in a smoker box or directly on the coals. Place the box or coals in the smoker and close the lid.
Step 6: Once the smoker is ready, transfer the partially cooked apple butter to a heat-resistant container and place it in the smoker. Smoke the apple butter for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: After the desired smoky flavor is achieved, remove the apple butter from the smoker and let it cool completely.
Step 8: Transfer the smoked apple butter to sterilized jars and seal them tightly. Store the jars in a cool, dark place.
Does Apple Butter Need to be Sealed?
Yes, apple butter needs to be properly sealed to ensure its freshness and longevity. After transferring the smoked apple butter to sterilized jars, make sure to seal them tightly. This will prevent any air from getting in and causing spoilage. Sealed homemade apple butter can last for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place.
Why is My Homemade Apple Butter Runny?
If your homemade apple butter turns out runny, it can be due to a few reasons:
- Not cooking the apple butter for long enough: Apple butter needs to be cooked for a sufficient amount of time to thicken properly. Make sure to cook it over low heat for at least 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Using apples with high water content: Some apple varieties have a higher water content, which can result in a runnier apple butter. Try using apples with a lower water content, such as Granny Smith or Jonathan apples.
- Not using enough sugar or pectin: Sugar helps to thicken the apple butter, while pectin adds body to the spread. Make sure to follow the recipe and use the recommended amounts of sugar and pectin.
By following this smoked apple butter recipe and taking note of these tips, you can create a delicious and perfectly thick apple butter that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the smoky-sweet flavors on your morning toast or as a glaze for your favorite meats. Happy cooking!
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