467810 Sun Dec 09 08:41:56 -0800 2007 11 31 Home Cooking 0 3192421 I haven't made it in years but I was thinking it would be a fun thing to make with seasonally available produce and give as Christmas gifts. Do you think people would like to receive it? Or maybe something with quinces _ a little more exotic. Sun Dec 09 08:41:56 -0800 2007 126235 NYCkaren 1 3192437 Perssoanlly, I love it, especially if it's spread on raison toast:-} Sun Dec 09 08:49:51 -0800 2007 3192421 20921 Tay 1 3192576 Quinces are much more time-consuming to prep than apples, (skins like iron cladding-- DO NOT put them in the garbage disposal) ;-) but the flavor would be more subtle and richly floral. Your house would smell divine! I think it is very easy to over-spice apple butter. I'd use whole spices rather than powders for a fresher flavor. You want to use a powerfully floral apple. Not something bland. Actually a mix if you can get some nice heirlooms. I've used Pink Ladys and Braeburn and Fugi together for a nice mix. Maybe make a hybrid by putting another fruit in with? Maybe candied ginger lumps, or pineapple? A few loose cloves and a nub of cinnamon stick are pretty garnishes, but if you do, cut down on the overall spicing. For jars, Cost Plus has these French bail-lid jars, http://www.villagekitchen.com/mfg/arc/luminarc/jars/canning_jar_triomphe/triomphe_canning_jars.html and Williams Sonoma carries the Weck canning jars with flat glass clamp-on lids that look a bit more sophisticated than Kerr or Ball two-piece lidded jars. http://www.weckcanning.com/docs/canning_spotlight.htm Maybe include a tag that shows unusual wasy to use it (stuffed french toast and the like) Sun Dec 09 09:57:51 -0800 2007 3192421 11234 toodie jane 2 3192634 Those Weck jars are good looking - thanks for the link :) Sun Dec 09 10:25:18 -0800 2007 3192576 138472 maplesugar 3 3192640 I love Weck jars - especially the round fat ones. Sun Dec 09 10:28:58 -0800 2007 3192634 10985 MMRuth 1 3192625 I love apple butter on top of cottage cheese. I personally would love to get a gift of homemade apple butter. Sun Dec 09 10:22:21 -0800 2007 3192421 136893 Springhaze2 1 3192681 I would absolutely love it if someone gave me homemade apple butter! My mom used to make it when I was a kid, and I would eat jars of it by the spoonful. So many variations - different spices, chunky vs. smooth...yum! Sun Dec 09 10:45:54 -0800 2007 3192421 67610 Suzy Q 1 3192922 And it's SO versatile. With my own homemade apple butter: muffins, squares, "brownies", applebutter cake ....I can't remember all that I've used it for. Brought as a shared offering at meetings, as cookies or squares, the people raved! And what a great use for a lot of apples that are at the use-em-or-lose-em stage!! I've given apple butter as gifts to great acclaim. DO IT!!! AnnieG Sun Dec 09 12:51:00 -0800 2007 3192421 99375 violabratsche 1 3193154 I was brought up in Central Pennsylvania where serving cottage and Apple Butter was common. I was so glad to see some else brought it up Sun Dec 09 14:31:38 -0800 2007 3192421 68914 Benaw 2 3193270 Apple butter and cooked cheese on toast made from fresh bread......<drool> I make apple butter with about 1/4 butternut squash. I like the smooth texture. AnnieG Sun Dec 09 15:34:37 -0800 2007 3193154 99375 violabratsche 1 3194326 I used to not like it so much but I was given some recently and it wasn't bad. A bit too smooth for my taste but nice flavor. Those Weck jars are very handsome -- I'd never seen them before. Makes me want to learn to can! Thanks for the link. Mon Dec 10 04:38:25 -0800 2007 3192421 145606 brittle peanut 1 3194649 I would love to receive that as a gift! great idea! i love it on toast with almond butter..yum! Mon Dec 10 07:25:15 -0800 2007 3192421 51490 icey