Nannie's Famous Apple Butter

When I found out my grandmother would not be well enough to attend my wedding, I knew I wanted to find a way to honor her in some way.  Then it dawned on me, I had been wanting to make her apple butter recipe for awhile and I figured, why not use the recipe to make homemade favors for my wedding.  It was something she used to make and hand out to our family every Christmas for as long as I can remember.  I must admit, it wasn't as easy to make as I thought it would be and took some time to perfect.  I'd like to think of it as she was holding on to me somehow and wasn't ready to let go just yet.  But then it happened, I took my time and followed the directions step by step without trying to change anything and it finally came out just the way I had remembered it.  Although she won't be there at my wedding on Saturday, I am glad I was able to find a way to connect with her in the best way I knew how.  I hope you enjoy it at as much as I do!

Apple butter is delicious on toast, in a PB & J, over vanilla ice cream or use a spoonful to jazz up sauteed apples to serve with pork chops, just to name a few.

Ingredients:
- 5lbs macintosh apples
- 4 cups water
- 6 cups sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp allspice
-1 packet Sure Jell

Directions:
- Core and cut apples, but do not peel.  Put in saucepan and pour water over.  Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes
- Crush with masher and simmer 5 minutes more
- Place a colander inside a large mixing bowl and drain apple mash through, use a large spoon to help press it out (or you could alternatively use a food mill)
- Use just 5 cups apple mash (make sure to measure exactly) and return to saucepan.  Stir in Sure Jell and bring to a full rolling boil, stirring
- Add sugar and spices all at once, stir until combined and bring to a full rolling boil.  Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly
- Remover from heat, skim off foam and immediately put into hot mason jars
- Fill jars, leaving 1/4" on top.  Cover immediately and place on wire rack to cool overnight.
- Check jars to make sure they are sealed by pressing down on the top.  If sealed, jars do not need to be refrigerated and will stay shelf stable until opened.