Masło Jabłkowe (Apple Butter)

Masło jabłkowe, or apple butter, is a rich and flavorful spread made by slow-cooking apples to enhance their natural sweetness and spices. Unlike traditional butter, it contains no dairy but offers a creamy texture that is perfect for spreading on toast, adding to oatmeal, or even using as a glaze for meats. This recipe is not only simple but also a fantastic way to savor the essence of fall.

Ingredients:
1.5 kg of apples (choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Gala and Granny Smith)
250 ml apple cider or water
200 g sugar (adjust to taste, depending on apple sweetness)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. You can leave the skin on as it will break down during cooking.
Cook the Apples: In a large pot, combine the apples and apple cider (or water). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften (about 20-30 minutes).
Blend into Purée: Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to purée the cooked apples until smooth. Return the mixture to the pot.
Add Sweeteners and Spices: Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and lemon juice.
Slow Cook: Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The mixture will thicken and darken as it cooks.
Test the Consistency: The apple butter is ready when it holds its shape on a spoon and no liquid pools around the edges.
Cool and Store: Allow the apple butter to cool before transferring it to sterilized jars for storage.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, or use as a topping for pancakes. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or cheese platters.