Best apples for apple butter???
What are the best kind of apples to use in making apple butter? I haven't made it before, and my mom just uses whatever she has around, so her apple butter is kind of hit-or-miss.
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4 Comments:
I use a mix of Granny Smith and something sweeter .. red delicious, Gala.. hit or miss just like your Mom.
goodcooker at 5:34PM on 06/25/09
The best apple butter is a combination of tart and sweet apples.
We like to use a mixture of Granny Smith, Johnathans, Roma, and Red Delicious. It's all to your taste, of course.........and which varities are available in your area.
Also, the blend of spices you use makes a difference too. Keeping each jar tasting the same is important. Kroger has a store-blend of apple pie spice which is very good. Or you can mix your own using 3/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp allspice, 1/4 tsp cloves, and 1 Tablespoon cinnamon. Once again, it is up to your taste.
When you have the rigiht mix of apples, and the right mix of spices to suit your family's taste, be sure to write it down !!
I prefer cooking my apple butter in the crock pot. It smells sooooo good !
Besides, it is easier to let the ingredients cook on their own, than worry about having to stir continuously or risk scorching or burning it.
Good Luck
Kudzu
Kudzu at 5:40PM on 06/25/09
When I made apple butter last fall, I was lucky enough to simply ask a large apple stand at the farmers' market for the best blend for apple butter. It was a combo of several kinds, all local and at peak freshness. If you have access, give that a try.
July at 7:01PM on 06/25/09
I really love MacIntosh apples for apple butter. They melt wonderfully when the heat hits them and they always have that apple flavor we crave. Firm apples, while they can provide additional flavor profiles, never seem to soften up enough, even when cooked down. I've always found the Mac to have the perfect texture.
-Dawn
WickedGoodDinner at 12:54PM on 06/26/09