12 to 14 cooking apples (about 16 c.)
5 c. cider or water
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves (optional)
1/4 tsp. allspice (optional)

Peel, core, chop apples and add to cider in a large pan on stove. Cook like applesauce (until they become mushy). Pour apple sauce into slow cooking crock pot with lid cracked open using wooden spoon. Cook on low for 12 hours. Stir every 2 hours. During last hour of cooking add sugar and then stir every 10 minutes. During last 1/2 hour of cooking add spices. Will keep several weeks in refrigerator.

This apple butter may also be canned. Ladle into clean jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Adjust two piece lid. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

May also be frozen.

Makes 5 to 8 cups of apple butter.