Crock Pot Apple Butter

My mother made apple butter every year. My dad made her a special wooden stirrer with a LONG handle as the apple butter splattered everywhere. The kitchen was covered in newspaper. It was a mess but it was also so good! Now you can make a great apple butter in your crock pot. This is also a great gift to give with a loaf of homemade bread..even it its the type you defrost and bake or simple buy a great one at the bakery.

NEED:
7 cups of unsweetened applesauce
2 cups cider or natural apple juice
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon all spice
4 cinnamon sticks ( or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or to taste) *
* I like to use the cinnamon sticks. You get a much nicer taste and slightly lighter color for the apple butter.
Place all ingredients in the crock pot and stir to mix. Cook on low for 14 hours. Remove lid. Remove cinnamon sticks. Stir...if not thick enough...set lid on crock pot..slightly tipped and allow to cook another 2 hours. ( Keep in mind that the apple butter should be thick but will also thicken when cooled)
You will need a dozen small jelly jars with lids. You can buy them at most grocery stores, some hardware stores and places like WalMart. Rinse well . The jars and lids will need to be hot when used. You can do this by placing the lids in a bath of hot water and removing with tongs when ready to add to the jar. Keep jars in a large pot of hot water and remove with tongs, hold with towel while filling. Carefully fill to within a quarter inch of top with hot mixture. Top with flat lid and twist ring on tightly. Place on wire rack to cool. You will hear a "pop" when the jar seals as it cools.

Enjoy!