Apple Butter, or in my World, Applesauce

I haven't really figured out why apple butter is called apple butter. Isn't it really just applesauce??? Either way, I made some Chunky Spiced Applesauce, er, I mean Apple Butter the other day in preparation for Natalie's Pre-Made, Our Way Challenge over at Oven Love, and again, I was surprised at how easy it was to make something like this. The PopTarts (for the PMOW challenge) only used up a tiny portion of this, so we've been using it on toast, and it sure is tasty! I think that next time, if I wasn't going to use it as a filling for something, I might cut back on the cinnamon just a touch, but otherwise, this is a great recipe. It calls for some bigger chunks of apples mixed with smaller ones, which results in a chunkier sauce, but if you'd like it smoother, just dice all of the apples.

Chunky Spiced Apple Butter
adapted from Epicurious

1 pound (about 2 large apples) Honey Crunch apples, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
1 pound (about 2 large apples) Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
1/2 cup apple cider
1 cup granulated sugar
1 Tbl lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp allspice

Combine apples and cider in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and boil gently for 20 minutes or until mixture is reduced by half.

Stir in sugar, spices, and lemon juice. Return to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 25 minutes or until mixture is very thick. There should still be some tender apple chunks remaining. Remove from heat. Makes about 2 cups.

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