Apple Butter Neighbor Gifts!

All Day Apple Butter

 This is an amazing and fun recipe for a great treat and /or Neighbor gift!  I was trying to think of what to do this Christmas for neighbors.  It is always a big decision because as much as I love the wonderful treats that come to my doorstep this time of year, it sometimes gets a little overwhelming when most of it is very, very sweet.  I like to find something to give that departs somewhat from the usual and this is the wonderful recipe I found on All recipes    here   ! It has been slightly adapted by me.  This year I am going to send (shhh!  don't tell my neighbors - it's a secret!)  par-baked dinner rolls(so they can finish baking them at home and have hot fresh rolls) accompanied by spicy, delicious apple butter.  I have heard about it for years and it was so easy to do I think I will be doing it every year now.  First....

Wash 5 1/2 lbs. of apples (I used Gala)

Then peel, core, and slice them. (I used my pampered Chef apple peeler, it cuts the time down a lot)

Then dice them into very small chunks.  I do love my Vidalia Chop Wizard! But you can certainly just chop with a knife or chopper.

Place apples in a slow cooker.  Notice how small the pieces are.  They will cook faster.

In a medium bowl, mix in the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.  Pour the mixture over the apples and mix well.

Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.

Reduce heat to low and cook for 9-18 hours. Stir occasionally.  When apples are soft and a deep brown, uncover the cooker and cook on low for 1 more hour to reduce the liquid.  Then  carefully scoop out a few cups at a time and put in the blender.

 Keep blender lid on and be careful not to get burned, the apples will come up higher in the blender and burn if too much is added at once.  Pour pureed apple butter into a bowl and repeat with the rest of the batch.  Test to see if it is done by taking some on a spoon.  If liquid doesn't separate from it you are good to go!  Pour into sterile containers and cover and refrigerate or freeze. I found some cute red and white tiny plastic containers at the dollar store that have snap on lids to use.  I can't wait to give them to neighbors with some dinner rolls! Be sure to check out my next blog for some fantastic rolls that melt in your mouth! Hope you like this recipe too! 

All day Apple Butter

5 1/2 lbs apples cored, peeled, finely diced

4 cups white sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

Place the apples in a slow cooker.  In a medium bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt.  Pour the mixture over the apples in the slow cooker and mix well.

Cover and cook on high 1 hour.

Reduce heat to low and cook 9 to 18 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and dark brown.

Uncover and continue cooking on low 1 hour to reduce the liquid and thicken the apple butter.  Scoop into the blender a little at a time and puree.  Refrigerate or freeze in sterile containers.

Can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks and frozen for up to 6 months!
Makes about 4 pints.

More about Pork

Italian Style Pork Chops

I have spent many hours searching for a pork chop recipe that has great flavor.  Many I have tried just don't make the cut.  They turn out dry or the flavor just overwhelms the meat.  Finally, I found this recipe that is just plain great every time.  It is also simple to prepare.  It is best just as it comes out of the oven when the breading is crispy and hot.  It is still good the next day or after being frozen but loses the crispness that is soooo good!

 This recipe began it's life on All Recipes but I read the comments and tried and tested and made a lot of changes for the better!  

Ingredients:
1 cup crushed saltine crackers
1 Tblspn. Italian-style seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese (Bottled kind)
1/4 teas. garlic pdr.
5 Tblspn. butter, melted
6 bone-in Pork Chops

Directions:

     Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed saltines, Parmesan cheese, Italian-style seasoning and garlic powder and mix together well.  Dip the chops in the melted butter and then dredge each chop in the cracker mixture, coating all sides thoroughly.  Place the chops in a 9x13 baking dish.  Bake at 425 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.  (I check after 25 min. with a thermometer and by cutting in to them to see if the juices are clear.  Please don't let them get over done and dry!)

Favorite Pork Chop Recipes

I have had a special request for some good pork chop recipes.  I have to admit that it has taken some time to get this done but when you taste these you will know they are worth the wait!  The first is a family recipe we have enjoyed for years and are my oldest son's favorite meal.  The second one, (that will be in the next post), came from All Recipes and has wonderful flavor and both are very easy to make.  These are for you Brittani!

  Tender Pork Chops in Mushroom  Soup

(catchy name huh?)

Ingredients:

6 bone-in pork chops
2 Tbls. cooking oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 26 oz. can mushroom soup
1/2 soup can milk

In a large fry pan, brown chops in oil on med high heat.

  Salt and pepper them to taste. Remove chops and place in a single layer in a 13x9 (Mine is actually larger about 15x 10 and holds 6 chops very nicely) baking pan. 

 Meanwhile, combine soup and milk in a medium microwaveable bowl.  Warm mixture and then whisk until smooth and blended.  Pour over pork chops and place in oven.  

I cover mine with a heavy cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 for 1 hour.  Serve with rice.