When is apple butter done

Qweaver · November 10, 2018, 03:28:14 PM

We are doing our annual apple butter cook today and we can not agree on when it is finished. We definitely got it under done last year. When is it done?

Quinton

thecfarm · November 10, 2018, 05:01:12 PM

Brenda says it can not come off the spoon. Has to stick to the spoon. Kinda almost like peanut butter,but not as thick. ??? ;D Takes HOURS to make.
She has a Instant Pot,made some pumpkin butter in 3 minutes.

Just like the apple butter she has made. Thick and good!!!
She will gladly show you how to make pumpkin butter in her Instant Pot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd0KRjgGq60

Roxie · November 10, 2018, 05:08:11 PM

When it thickens to the consistency that you like it. Once it's browned and broken down, adding more sugar speeds up the thickening.

timberlinetree · November 12, 2018, 05:53:08 AM

Not sure what apple butter is, but sounds real good!

47sawdust · November 12, 2018, 06:20:06 AM

Apple butter is real good.The church I belonged to as a kid has made apple butter for close to 100 years.Every October.It is an all day affair.Large copper kettles over an open fire.
We just received this years allotment of 4 qts. from my sister who is still involved in the process.It is delicious on pancakes ,biscuits,pancakes,etc.
Come over for breakfast and I'll make some waffles.

Don P · November 12, 2018, 06:26:57 AM

I think it was old Kenny Runion who described it by saying if you put a dollop on your forehead your tongue will slap your brains out trying to get at it :D.

The one observation I can make is that the cooks often seem to become numb to the cinnamon while they are cooking and as it cooks down it can easily become overpowering, go easy on the spice.

Another good apple thing we've made is apple syrup. Slow cook cider until it makes a concentrated syrup, yummy on a pork roast.

timberlinetree · November 13, 2018, 06:24:31 AM

Waffles sound nice with this apple butter! It would be worth the 18hr drive! :D

Weekend_Sawyer · November 13, 2018, 08:25:04 AM

Uncle Harold was one of the most kind and gentle giant's I have ever known.
6'4 and in the neighborhood of 250lbs with a heart of gold.

He and his wife made the best apple butter I have ever had.
They made it in one of those huge copper pots with a wooden paddle.

I remember him saying about cutting up the apples.
"You cut em in half, then quarters then eights then snits."
"Ya cut em till ya can't give a snit."

Fond memories.
Jon

kantuckid · January 17, 2020, 01:07:31 PM

The best apple butter uses apple cider into the mix! The store bought stuff must be made by water removal as it lacks the kettle cook down flavors. We always make it but were given some from Cracker Barrel, which isOK but we wish it was gone so we can get back on the homemade. Apple choice maters in a huge way aside from how thick it might be.

sawguy21 · January 17, 2020, 01:14:17 PM

Quote from: timberlinetree on November 12, 2018, 05:53:08 AM
Not sure what apple butter is, but sounds real good!

I have never had it either but sounds interesting.

james · January 17, 2020, 06:00:00 PM

with me its done when the jar is empty ;D
james

florida · January 17, 2020, 07:47:12 PM

Kenny Runion? Foxfires Kenny Runion?

randy d · January 17, 2020, 08:04:29 PM

Love good apple butter and my daughter in law makes the very best I have ever had. Randy

Don P · January 18, 2020, 03:49:50 PM

Quote from: florida on January 17, 2020, 07:47:12 PM
Kenny Runion? Foxfires Kenny Runion?

That's him, I remembered that quote from him when the topic of apple butter came up, it made me laugh the first time I read it.

Jeff · January 18, 2020, 04:10:42 PM

It's done for me when i see mold in the jar and its then free game to throw out. Tammy says she loves it, me, nope. I dont understand if she loves it so much that when she gets it, she only eats about a third of a jar before its lost in the condiment forest until it goes to seed

47sawdust · January 18, 2020, 07:47:58 PM

Jeff,We have a refrigerator that looks like that at times.When neither one of us knows what it is,it's time to go.
When I ask if it's okay to throw this out,she who must be obeyed says,"No,I'll eat that later".
Gotta choose your battles....and I can never load the dishwasher right!

sawguy21 · January 18, 2020, 08:08:14 PM

:D :D :D Must be an acquired taste like marrmite.

Don P · January 18, 2020, 09:44:40 PM

Sounds like another grits thing :D

gspren · January 19, 2020, 09:31:23 AM

For many years our church made apple butter the old fashion way as a fund raiser, 200 +/- gallons per year. Taste will vary with the apples and the people adding sugar and cinnamon, even the weather as it's harder to boil away the excess moisture on a drizzly day and a windy day adds some wood ashes that I don't mind.

Raider Bill · January 19, 2020, 10:32:48 AM

I agree with James!!
My Dad made it. DELISH!
I bet it would make even grits taste good.

Nebraska · January 19, 2020, 12:37:24 PM

Fyi wild plums make a similar butter that is amazing.

curved-wood · January 19, 2020, 07:40:24 PM

After reading that post I decide to make a try on apple butter with our last apples. It is really good. My wife is surprised to see me cooking and getting recipes from a sawmill forum! Very special place indeed. Thanks you guys

js2743 · February 04, 2020, 06:32:16 AM

my great grandmother was as religious as anyone ever, she said it was done when it bubbled and made lil a$$holes. thats how everyone in the family makes it and its just right to spread on bread. some like it a lil thicker till you almost have to cut it.