Jelly, Apple Butter and Machines

Last weekend my husband's parents were in town and we visited a local orchard and purchased a whole bushel of apples!  Half of those they took with them, but the other half I'm using to make apple butter and apple jelly for Christmas.  It's been two years since I've made them because last time it took me hours to peel, core and slice the apples.  

Progressive Apple Machine

Last year I purchased one of these lovely apple machines from www.zullily.com with some of my referral cash (you can purchase them from Walmart here).  This thing is the bomb!!!  I was able to peel, core and spiral slice 20 apples in less than 10 minutes!!!

I still haven't found the time to finish my jelly, but I thought I would share the delicious apple butter recipe with you.  I found it on Pintrest...where all good things come from.  Getting Freedom from Debt originally posted the recipe.  You can find it here.

Crockpot Apple Butter

• I start by peeling, coring and slicing about 20 apples (1/4 bushel).  I have a huge crockpot that holds a ton.  You may have to adjust the number of apples to fit yours.  
• To the pot of apples I added:
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons of cinnamon (maybe more - I love that stuff)
• 2 teaspoons nutmeg
• 1-2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (you can use vanilla extract as well, but I had just enough paste left to finish off the bottle...plus it has flecks of vanilla bean caviar which is oh so pretty!)
• Cook on high for about 4-5 hours.  (Mine was still very watery this time and I forgot to take the lid off and let it cook down some more before putting it in the food processor.  I did put it in a saucepan and cook it down a bit though afterwards.)
• Blend in a food processor until nice and smooth.  

This will keep in the fridge for up to two months, or you can can it in a waterbath style.

To Can

• Wash jars, tops and lids in warm soapy water and let dry.  
• Bring a large pot or dutch oven of water to a boil.  Reduce heat just a smidge.  
• Place a few jars (4-5) in the water bath along with the lids for about 5 minutes to warm them up.  
• Bring jars out one at a time and fill with the yummy apple butter.
• Carefully place the hot lid on the jar and gently screw on the top.  Be careful not to overtighten the top.  Just use your hands to make it secure.
• Place filled jars in waterbath for 10-15 minutes.
• Remove from water bath and let cool.
• Listen for cool *POP* sound signaling the cans are sealed.
• Wrap up in a cute bow and give to friends for Christmas!

BBQ, Mason Jars, HOLD the Sweet Tea

I'm a Southern Gal...a Southern Belle...who finds herself in the center of Yankee land.  I love BBQ, Mason Jars, lace, burlap, manners, Jesus, y'all, Yes ma'ams and No sirs, Please and Thank You, all things Southern....except Sweet Tea!   It's almost sack religious.

My husband, 2 children and I moved to Pennsylvania over 3 years ago.  I absolutely love it here...but it's not the South.  My accent sticks out like a sore thumb.  I'm usually the only lady to wear an Easter bonnet.  People laugh when I write thank-you notes for appreciation gifts.  It's hard to find grits for my hubby.  But there are true, genuine people who are thoughtful, kind and a bit nutty whom I love here and now call family!

I have always loved doing crafty things.  Being creative.  DIY projecteer.  I finally decided to launch Southern Belle Frills at the urging of friends and family.  I "officially" began September 19th this year!!  I'm super excited to see what will come of it all.  Check me out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SouthernBelleFrills and Etsy  southernbellefrills.etsy.com

I was born and raised in the South and married a Southern boy too!  We had a whirlwind romance that was solidified when he asked me to marry him with a glass slipper!  We have 2 children, a boy and girl, and are currently working on adopting an older girl (or multiple kids....).  My husband is a preacher...the youth variety...a guitarist, mountain bike enthusiast, bearded fella.  I'm a teacher, stay-at-home mom (currently), DIY gal, baker, musician, mom, friend, and wife...but I'll always and forever be a Southern Belle.