Fall Goodies

Since my break from exams ended on Wednesday I've been cooking up a storm in the kitchen as well as studying in between. Don't worry I haven't lost all motivation. Last weekend when my Mom and sister were down (more on the reason why hopefully next week!) and they brought me a HUGE bag of apples. Plus, when I was at my friend Lynnette's house the other day she sent me home with some zucchini from her garden. So I have been on an apple and zucchini baking binge since early Thursday morning.

 

So far I've canned some applesauce, made the most delicious apple crisp, made two loaves of zucchini bread - one for the neighbor and one for the freezer to have at a later time, apple butter and zucchini muffins!

 

The apple butter and zucchini muffins were a first for me and I just so happened to take pictures for you! Let's talk apple butter first.

 

APPLE BUTTER

 

What you'll need...

 

1 dozen apples, peeled, cored and cubed

1/2 cup of water

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon all spice

 

Okay...this is so easy it just takes a while.

 

First, get your apples ready. I only used about 9 apples and still got two pint mason jars out of the whole thing. I also used the canning process so I don't have to eat it all today. Which could happen very easily.

 

 

Then mix the brown sugar, cinnamon and allspice and throw it in with apples. After you stir it up, throw it into the crockpot with the water and cover.

 

I cooked mine on low for about 10 hours - this is what I mean that it just takes a long time. Some people want their apple butter smooth, some people like me thinks this is good enough. So cook the apples down until your little heart's desire and call it a day.

 

I ended up canning my apple butter meaning I just sterilized the jars/lids first and then once the jars were filled with the butter (with the lids on:), I threw them back in the boiling water for about 20 minutes. I'm not sure how long apple butter lasts like this but I would think maybe a year??

 

I'll share the zucchini muffin recipe with you next time. I have to run out the door to babysit for a couple hours this afternoon. Have a great Friday!!