Apple Butter (Crockpot)

When life hands you mushy apples, make apple butter!  One of my favorite things about making this apple butter was the amazing fall scent in my home all day as it cooked.  When I put the chopped apples in my 3-quart slow cooker it was filled almost to the top, but this cooks down a lot.  Next time I make this I might cut the recipe in half and watch it carefully as it might not take as long to cook using less apples.  This is a fun and easy way to make the most of apple season.

Apple Butter (Crockpot)
Note: If you want your apple butter a bit sweeter or are using tart apples, you can increase the sugar and brown sugar to 1/2 cup each.  I used Gala apples, but I think different varieties should work fine too.
Ingredients:
6 medium/large apples, cored, peeled and thinly sliced
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
Pinch cloves
Dash salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
1. Place the chopped apples in the crockpot.  In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt.  Sprinkle over the apples and stir to evenly distribute the spices.

2. Cook on low for 10 hours.  After 10 hours remove the lid and blend the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth.

3. Cook, uncovered, for an additional 1-2 hours until thickened to desired consistency.  Store, covered, in the refrigerated for up to two weeks.

Source: slightly adapted from www.aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com