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The best apples for apple picking and making apple butter are typically tart and firm varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples hold up well when cooked and provide a balance of sweet and tart flavors in the apple butter.
Apples are typically ready to be picked when they are fully ripe and have a deep, rich color. You can also gently twist the apple and if it easily comes off the tree, it is ready to be picked.
To make apple butter, you will need a large pot or slow cooker, a food processor or blender, and jars for storing the apple butter. You may also need a canning kit if you plan on canning the apple butter for long-term storage.
To make apple butter in a slow cooker, start by peeling and coring the apples and placing them in the slow cooker with some sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook on low for 10-12 hours, then use a food processor or blender to puree the mixture. Continue cooking on low for another 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apple butter is thick and dark in color.
Besides spreading apple butter on toast or pancakes, there are many other ways to use it. You can swirl it into oatmeal or yogurt, use it as a glaze for meats, mix it into baked goods like muffins or bread, or even use it as a filling for hand pies or turnovers.