2kilosCox, Sundowner, or GrannySmith applesCored and cut into small cubes
1cupDark brown sugar
1/2cup Grade B Maple Syrup (the best you can find)
2tspCinnamon
1/2tspGround chipotle or smoked paprika
1/2tspFreshly grated nutmeg
1tspAllspice
1thumb-sized pieceGingerFiinely chopped
1/4tspGround cloves
1tspSalt
1/4cup Spiced rum or Bourbon
*Optional: 1 whole plump vanilla bean
Instructions
Core, and chop the apples into a small dice.
In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, syrup, spices, ginger, and salt. Combine all of the ingredients with the apples in the slow cooker and stir well.
If using a vanilla bean. Slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add the seeds along with the whole vanilla pod.
Cook on high for 5 hours, stirring every hour or so.
Take out the whole vanilla pod and puree the apples with an immersion blender until completely smooth.
Add Spiced rum or Bourbon.
Cook another 2 hours, or until thickened to your liking.
Pour the apple butter into canning jars and process according to your canner’s directions. Or pack in clean sterilized jars and refrigerate and advise the beneficiary to store in the refrigerator and eat within a month.