Apple Butter
“Leave that thar dog on the porch, Rhianna Jo. She don’t belong in my kitchen,” scolded Momaw. As if the dog would dare walk across Momaw’s threshold. “Something smells mighty good in here,” said Levi as he kissed
both women on the top of the head and sat down. “Do you need us to do anything, Momaw?”
“Shore, you can set the table. Levi James, put the bacon and the biscuits right thar. And grab the apple butter from the fridge in case you’uns want some on your biscuits instead of gravy.”
- The Piper & The Prophecy
For the next section of the book we’re moving into Appalachian country. And we’re going to cook our way through it!
We’re starting with a classic mountain breakfast made for one of our heroines Rhianna Jo: Apple butter, biscuits, and chocolate gravy.
First, the apple butter. This recipe comes from our matriarch Mona, or Monie to her grandkids. Every year we looked forward to her canned tomato juice in the summer and her jars of apple butter in the fall.
This is made just like Monie liked, with cinnamon, but absolutely no nutmeg or cloves. Swipe to see a picture of her and that’s actually her tartan she got from our trip to Scotland thirty years ago.
To make;
Apple Butter
makes 3 pints
5 lbs apples (a mix of sweet and tart is lovely)
1 cup apple cider or water
Peels and cores reserved in a cheesecloth bag
1-2 cups sugar, to taste
1-2 teaspoons cinnamon
I. Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place the peels and cores in a double layer of cheesecloth and tie securely.
II. Put the apples, cider, and cheesecloth bag into a large pot.
III. Simmer, covered, for 45-60 minutes until the apples are very soft.
IV. Remove the bag and press it gently to release the pectin-rich liquid back into the pot.
V. Puree the apples in a blender.
VI. Stir in the sugar and cinnamon.
VII. Cook uncovered over very low heat, stirring often, until the mixture becomes deep brown and thick enough to mound on a spoon. This can take 2-4 hours depending on the moisture content.
VIII. Ladle into jars and refrigerate, freeze, or process for canning according to safe canning guidelines.
~ from the table of Summer crosby hennessy of acorn moon mercantile ~