Spiced Cider Apple Butter

Spiced Apple and Cider butter
5 1/2 cups cider (the close to vinegar it is the better)
1/2 pounds apples use a variety for better taste and texture
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Sugar (measurements to follow)
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
pinch of clove


Peel, core and slice and dice your apples the smaller you cut them the better they will cook down.  Zest and juice your lemons. 

In a large pot boil the cider vigorously for 15 minutes until reduced by half.  Add the apples, zest and juice cook for 30-40 minutes until its mushy.  Make sure you mash the apples and stir frequently so you can break up the pieces. 
Pour this into your food processor (you may need to do this in several batches) and pulse till smooth.
Measuring into a pan:
3/4 cups sugar for every 1 1/2 cups of pured apples.  Then add your cinnamon and nutmeg.  Stir over a warm heat until sugar is dissolved.  Then boil it gently for  40-50 minutes or until it gets very thick like sour cream. 

Spoon into warm jars cover and seal.

Let it rest for a few days before serving.

Raspberries Preserves

RASPBERRY PRESERVES
Growing and preserving food is one of my favorite things to do. I am blessed with raspberries. As many as I need. The first thing I make with my harvest is Jams and Jellies. It is everyone's favorite and you can do more than just spread it on toast. Try adding a spoon full to Oat Meal or Cream of Wheat. Delicious on turkey sandwich as well.
The recipe I use is in side the Certo Sure Jell Premium Liquid Fruit Pectin box. It provides several methods for different fruits. I have been preserving food since I was a child. Helping my grandmother, mother and Aunt. The caner I have was my Mothers. One tip I have is make sure your water bath is as hot as what you are putting in the Jars, do not let the jars cool or they will burst in the bath. Also use fresh Pectin throw out what you don't use in a season. It doe's age and all your hard work will be for not.Most important make sure you have a little helper with you. Not only doe's it make it fun but you will be passing on a wonderful gift.