Apple Butter

Well, I did it. At least I think I did it. I made a few little jars of apple butter. One of my main goals when I found out we were moving up here was to:
1. Go apple picking
2. Make something with those apples. Apple butter was at the top of the list
I can mark both those things off my list!
I started out at the store to buy jars and whatever else I may need. I found the food mill I wanted at Bed Bath and Beyond over the weekend so I had that covered already.
I got home and set it all up. Well, at least I thought I had it all set up.
My husband bought this cool little gadget for me so I could peel, core and slice the apples all at once.

I, however, could not get said gadget to work. Everytime I would crank the apple up toward the blade, the apple would fall off. I got frustrated finally and did this.

And this

Yes, I realize it's not on there straight and half the apple is sliced smaller than the other half. Baby steps, people, baby steps.

I consult my instructions (the TWO sources I had found)

Yes, I was checking both the internet and the handy book I bought today.  I also assembled the cookware I would need. Big pot to boil the jars, and another pot to cook the apples. (right about here Alex needed to be taken to football practice)

Once I had the apples in pieces in the front pot, I was ready to pour the water and sugar in. The recipe said 4 cups of sugar and I didn't read ahead enough to realize the sugar goes in AFTER the apples are cooked and smashed until pulp. Guess what? I had only 2 cups of sugar in the house. So, I turned everything off and drove down to the store for sugar. I picked up a bottle of wine while I was there. Clearly I would need it before the day was over.
Now, I'm back home, dump the four cups of sugar and two cups of water in and crank that bad boy up on high. Oops, this is where I realize I am not supposed to cook the apples in the sugar. Oh well, how bad can it be?
I forgot to get a shot of the apples cooking. I think I checked my facebook at about that time.
Apples cooked and food mill assembled. Here we go!

Lovely!
Apples are now pulp and ready to go back in the pot to be seasoned with sugar (already done) cinnamon and cloves. I cooked that until it was very thick. Meanwhile my little jars and lids are bubbling away in their jacuzzi bath getting all sterile.

Time to pour the now thick and seasoned apple pulp into the hot jars.

See how smart I am? I used a funnel and everything! The filled jars now go back into their jacuzzi bath to "process"  It is my understanding that after this is finished, the jars will seal and be ready to store in a pantry and not the fridge. I'm hoping so. I would hate to give someone food poisoning!

Here they are after boiling for ten minutes and being set out to cool.

I rejoiced in every "ping" the lids made as the jars sealed. I think I've done it! I've made apple butter! I left a little aside in the refrigerator to have with breakfast. That will be the true test. The taste test! I think biscuits for breakfast are in order.

I am now sitting in my comfy living room chair with that well deserved glass of wine. My family is fed and the kitchen is clean.. AGAIN.  I may have a second glass of wine tonight. I am feeling very productive.
I am ready to try jelly or some other way to preserve these apples. My seven little jars today barely put a dent in my supply. Looks like another trip to Walmart for jars.