Spiced Apple Butter

Smokey, Spicy, Sweet, and Crunchy!  This will satisfy YOU when you have the MUNCHIES?
Warm, toasty turkey sandwich with ooey, gooey melted pepper jack cheese, and crunchy salty bacon.  Combine these ingredients, with this homemade version of spiced apple butter and you will have a winner.  Nothing spells "Fall" like what you are about to sink your teeth into.

Yes, you can purchase store-bought apple butter and it will do just fine.  For me, I like being creative and putting little spins, on my recipes.  When I think of "Fall", I think about all those "Fall time" spices.  What better way to use them but in a whole different recipe, than what we are used to.

What is Apple Butter?  Believe it or not, it does not contain any butter at all.  Apples are cooked down, pretty much like apple sauce, but longer.  It is simmered slow and long until the liquids are cooked out, creating a caramelization.  Can you taste it?  Now, go fill your kitchen with the aroma of this very versatile recipe.  Spread on a sandwich, crackers, or even your favorite meat for dinner.  It is worth every minute, making this recipe.


Turkey Apple Butter Sandwich

Ingredients:
4 slices Three Bakers Rye Bread
4 slices smoked turkey breast, thick
2 slices spicy pepper jack cheese
2 slices fried bacon, crispy
1 TBS homemade spiced apple butter, see recipe below

Directions:
1.  Assemble sandwich to your liking.  Toast your bread or press for the best results.


Spiced Apple Butter Ingredients:
6 Fuji apples, peeled and sliced (discard peels and cores)
2 cups water
3 TBS cider vinegar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla ( I used Madagascar vanilla)
1 piloncillo cone, or 1/3-1/2 cup brown sugar (piloncillo is unrefined sugar found in the spice section)
1-star anise or 1/2 tsp Chinese 5 spice powder
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Directions:
1.  Add all ingredients to a large nonstick saucepan.  Cook on med/high heat until boils.  Reduce and simmer for approx. 90 mins, stirring every 10-15 mins.
2.  Remove cinnamon stick and star anise.  Puree with blender or food processor, until smooth.  Return to heat and simmer for an additional 30, stirring every 5-8 mins.  Apple butter will caramelize and turn a dark brown color.  Do not allow apple butter to stick or burn.
3.  Add apple butter to 3 (8 ozs) sterilized jars.  Store in refrigerator.  Jars can also be stored on the shelf by using the "Hot Water Bath" method.


Note:  This recipe can also be made in a crockpot or slow cooker.  See the manual for usage.