Sunday, April 13, 2008

Golden Delicious Apples ~ Apple Butter

My son is in the fourth grade. He is studying West Virginia history. It has becomes family fun and family food!
The Golden Delicious Apple was a chance seedling found on Mullins' farm in Clay County, West Virginia in the year 1905. The Mullins Family called it an Annit apple. This apple went on to become an international favorite. This apple is grown on every continent. In 1972 West Virginia made this delightful homegrown favorite its state fruit. Sweeter than Granny Smith apples, The Golden Delicious is a favorite for salads, applesauce and apple butter.Clay County hosts a fair every year to honor The Golden Delicious Apple! Throughout the Autumn West Virginia hosts a variety of fairs featuring apple butter. Tucked in cookbooks modified for taste here's two recipes for you to try.
Southern Apple Butter
Aprox. 2 cups of water. A half cup of apple cider replacing a half cup of the water adds a bit of twang.
4 lbs. Apples (Cored and quartered with skins on)
4 c Sugar
4 ts Cinnamon
1/4 ts Cloves
1/4 ts Salt
Cook apples and water on high in 8 quart pan til boiling; reduce heat to simmering. Cook aproximately 20 minutes until soft. Remove from heat. Pour apples through sieve. Return the apples to the pan and add the remaining ingredients,stir. Cook on medium heat, stirring continually to prevent burning. Scrape the bottom of the pan while you stir to make sure a crust is not forming at the bottom. Cook until thick and smooth. Apple butter test: spoon a tad onto a cold plate and allowed to cool, taste. Cooking time about 1 and an half hours. You can cook the butter on low heat, stirring only occasionally, but this will take longer as stirring and the higher heat helps with evaporation. Near abouts 3 pints! Perfect for canning or freezing!
Low on time? Throw this in the slow cooker before work! Stop at the bakery after work for fresh homemade bread!
A special added treat for the dinner table!
Cheater Apple Butter
1 cup applesauce1/2 cup sugar1 teaspoon cinnamon
Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on low 8-10 hours. Remove lid and cook on high until thickened.

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