Prepare to indulge your taste buds with a culinary journey into the realm of apple butter. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a flavor-filled adventure, exploring the delectable wonders of Chef John's apple butter. From selecting the perfect apples to mastering the art of slow-simmering, we will delve into the secrets behind this tantalizing treat. Whether you're an experienced chef or a novice cook eager to impress, join us as we unveil the best recipes for crafting Chef John's apple butter, transforming ordinary apples into an extraordinary spread that will elevate your culinary creations to new heights.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CHEF JOHN'S APPLE BUTTER
Move over, apple sauce. Apple butter is basically a spreadable apple pie filling, only better. Though cooking time is long, it's super easy and pretty hands-free. Pair it with some sharp Cheddar on a cheese plate, or slather it onto cheesy biscuits (see footnote). Other approved uses include spreading between the layers of a spice cake, filling seasonably appropriate thumbprint cookies, or even as a condiment for pork chops.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Canning and Preserving Recipes Fruit Butter Recipes
Time 10h15m
Yield 32
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place apple pieces into a large slow cooker. Add white sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vinegar. Add a splash of water and mix well.
- Cover and cook on High until apples are starting to soften and release liquid, 1 to 2 hours. Reduce heat to Low and cook, uncovered, until all the apple flesh is dissolved, 5 to 6 hours. Stir occasionally.
- Puree using an immersion blender until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until darkened and thick, about 4 hours more. Pass apple butter through a strainer if desired. Seal in a glass container and refrigerate until cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 81.8 calories, Carbohydrate 21.8 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 0.2 g, Sodium 74.5 mg, Sugar 20 g
CHEF JOHN'S APPLE BUTTER
Move over, apple sauce. Apple butter is basically a spreadable apple pie filling, only better. Though cooking time is long, it's super easy and pretty hands-free. Pair it with some sharp Cheddar on a cheese plate, or slather it onto cheesy biscuits (see footnote). Other approved uses include spreading between the layers of a spice cake, filling seasonably appropriate thumbprint cookies, or even as a condiment for pork chops.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Canning and Preserving Recipes Fruit Butter Recipes
Time 10h15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place apple pieces into a large slow cooker. Add white sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vinegar. Add a splash of water and mix well.
- Cover and cook on High until apples are starting to soften and release liquid, 1 to 2 hours. Reduce heat to Low and cook, uncovered, until all the apple flesh is dissolved, 5 to 6 hours. Stir occasionally.
- Puree using an immersion blender until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until darkened and thick, about 4 hours more. Pass apple butter through a strainer if desired. Seal in a glass container and refrigerate until cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 81.8 calories, Carbohydrate 21.8 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 0.2 g, Sodium 74.5 mg, Sugar 20 g
CHEF JOHN'S APPLE FRITTERS
I didn't think I liked apple fritters, but turns out I just don't like chunks of almost raw apple, surrounded by a doughnut. Maybe I've just been going to the wrong shops, but I've never enjoyed the texture, and always wanted to try them with cooked apples.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Bread Quick Bread Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Melt butter over medium-high heat and cook until it turns golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add apples and cook over medium-high heat until apples just begin to soften around the edges, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon sugar and continue cooking another 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Drain in a strainer; let cool to room temperature.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg together in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Whisk egg, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter together in a separate mixing bowl. Add cooled apple pieces and sparkling apple cider; add the flour mixture. Stir just until flour is incorporated.
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spoon about 2 tablespoons batter per fritter, into hot oil, slightly flattening them out. Cook in batches. Fry on one side until small bubbles appear on the surface, about 2 minutes. Carefully flip fritters over and fry the other side until richly browned, about 2 more minutes.
- Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain grease. Cool slightly before glazing.
- Whisk powdered sugar and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Add enough apple cider, 1 teaspoon at a time, to form a smooth glaze that is just runny enough to drizzle over fritters.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 247.8 calories, Carbohydrate 39.6 g, Cholesterol 30.9 mg, Fat 9.2 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 243.4 mg, Sugar 22.9 g
Tips:
- Choose ripe, flavorful apples. This will ensure that your apple butter has the best possible flavor.
- Peel and core your apples. This will help to remove any unwanted bitterness from the apple butter.
- Use a variety of apples. This will give your apple butter a more complex flavor.
- Add spices to taste. Common spices used in apple butter include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cook the apple butter until it is thick and spreadable. This can take several hours, so be patient.
- Can or freeze your apple butter for later use. Apple butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Conclusion:
Apple butter is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be spread on toast, muffins, or pancakes, used as a filling for pies and pastries, or added to oatmeal or yogurt. Apple butter is also a great way to use up leftover apples. With a little time and effort, you can easily make your own apple butter at home. So next time you have a few extra apples on hand, give this recipe a try!
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