What do two country gals do at the end of summer when they're cooped up inside? Why, they can something!
My Mom was over recently on a rainy weekend and we have both been wanting to try a recipe in the Ball Blue Book
. I just happened to have picked up some apples at the Farmer's Market so we gave it a go. Here's the recipe, straight out of the BBB:
. I just happened to have picked up some apples at the Farmer's Market so we gave it a go. Here's the recipe, straight out of the BBB: |
| Note: We cut the sugar back to 5 cups and it was plenty sweet. |
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| In the beginning |
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| Near the end |
Aside from the maple syrup, the ingredients in this are very similar to Apple Butter and we really expected it to cook down and be more like a maple-flavored apple butter. We used Macintosh apples which we thought would cook down fairly well, but it remained pretty chunky. I took the potato masher to it to break up the apple chunks a little better. It definitely looks and feels like a jam rather than a butter.
The recipe calls for 6 lbs of apples. We didn't measure the apples exactly, but guessed that we had close to the 6 lbs needed. The yield is stated as 8 half-pints, but we ended up with 12. Woo hoo! Enough for us and enough to share. My little spider monkey nephew was super happy to get a jar. He'll eat it with a spoon if no one's watching!
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| The finished product! |
Overall, this jam turned out really well. We used a good maple syrup which I think makes a difference. I definitely wouldn't skimp on the syrup. We used an organic Grade B
that Hubz and I order from Amazon. Whether you use organic, grade A or B, definitely use a real maple syrup.
that Hubz and I order from Amazon. Whether you use organic, grade A or B, definitely use a real maple syrup. The flavor reminds me of apple pie. To Hubz's disappointment, I haven't made any fresh biscuits to try it on, but it's been good on toast and crackers. Hubz thinks it would be excellent warmed up and served over ice cream. We'll find out soon if he's right!
Hope you're having a super late summer weekend. If you remember, take a moment to offer up a prayer for all 9/11 victims and their families tomorrow.
This post was shared as part of the Homestead Barn Hop hosted at The Prairie Homestead.
....just when I posted I was done canning. Might have to make an exception :-)
ReplyDeleteDr Momi - You should make the exception. It's totally worth it! :)
ReplyDeleteIt has been a while since I've made apple butter. Thanks for the reminder. It is something I enjoy. Will have to plan to make some. The maple syrup sounds like a yummy addition!
ReplyDeletekateri @ http://dandelionhaven.blogspot.com/
Hi, Carrie, that sure does look good! I haven't done any canning this year :( This just might put me in the mood!
ReplyDeleteThis looks very good, I love maple and apples, I will have to give this recipe a try!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stoppin gby my blog,funny thing is we r both in INDIANA and I am SouthEast.I am close to Shelbyville and Greenfield,where r u located(if u don't mind to share)?
ReplyDeleteThe apple butter looks great I need to hit the Apple Orchard again,real soon!!!
Blessings~
Vicki - Thanks for stopping by. If you decide to do some canning this year, I hope this one gets on your list. :)
ReplyDeleteKateri & April - Thanks for stopping by our homestead! If you decide to try this recipe, stop back by and let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteJamie - Hello fellow Hoosier! Thanks for dropping by. I am a little farther south than you - closer to Greensburg and Batesville.
ReplyDeleteHi. I found your blog through the Homestead Barn Hop. What a delightful recipe. Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteMrs B
That looks so yummy! I'm certainly going to have to give this a try.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great. Our apples are ready but we haven't harvested any yet. I was thinking about trying jelly this year, just because I'm sick of doing the same old apple pies and apple butters.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and can't wait to read the past posts, I am now following you! Please stop by and visit me!
ReplyDeleteMichelle at Simple Pleasures
I just stumbled across this recipe and made it tonight. I like it, but I don't think it has a very strong maple flavor. Any idea if it would be safe to use more maple syrup and less regular sugar? I used grade B syrup....
ReplyDelete