Are you looking to enjoy the flavors of fall in a unique and delicious way? Look no further than our recipe for Fermented Spiced Apple Butter. This rich and flavorful spread combines the sweetness of apples with a hint of warming spices, resulting in a delightful condiment that will add a touch of coziness to your meals. Perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into yogurt, or gifting to friends and family, this Fermented Spiced Apple Butter is a must-try recipe for the autumn season.
**Fermented Spiced Apple Butter**
**Ingredients:**
– 5 pounds of apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 cup of whey (strained from plain yogurt) or 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Stir well to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spices.
2. Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 8-12 hours, allowing the apples to release their juices.
3. After the resting period, cook the apple mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and easily mashed. This should take about 1.5-2 hours.
4. Once the apples are soft, use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth and no large chunks remain.
5. Let the apple butter cool slightly before stirring in the whey or apple cider vinegar. This will kickstart the fermentation process.
6. Transfer the apple butter to clean, sterilized jars, leaving some space at the top for expansion during fermentation.
7. Cover the jars loosely with lids or a clean cloth and let them sit at room temperature for 2-3 days to ferment. Remember to stir the mixture once a day to ensure even fermentation.
8. After the fermentation period, store the apple butter in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to slow down the fermentation process and allow the flavors to develop further.
9. Enjoy your Fermented Spiced Apple Butter on toast, muffins, pancakes, or as a sweet accompaniment to savory dishes. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
Creating your own Fermented Spiced Apple Butter is a wonderful way to embrace the flavors of fall and enjoy the process of fermentation in your own kitchen. This cozy and aromatic spread will add a touch of warmth to your meals and bring joy to those who get to taste it. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start cooking. Happy fermenting!
