Apple Pie Preserves

evelyn/athens's Note:

The wonderful taste of apple pie spread on your buttered breakfast toast.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 3.5 cups

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 lbs firm apples, preferably pippin,peeled,cored,cut into ¼ inch thick slices
• 3 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 tablespoons calvados or 4 tablespoons other apple brandy
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice

Directions:

1. Combine water and lemon juice in heavy medium saucepan.
2. Add apples and stir to coat with liquid.
3. Cover pan and bring to boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer mixture for 3 minutes.
5. Mix sugar, Calvados and spices into apple mixture.
6. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
7. Reduce heat and simmer about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Check the preserves at this point.
9. Drop 1 tbsp of preserves onto a chilled saucer and put in freezer.
10. If preserve wrinkles when pushed after 2 minutes of cooling, then it's done.
11. Spoon hot preserves into hot, sterilized jars and wipe rim clean.
12. Seal tightly.
13. Cool.
14. Refrigerate up to 3 months.

Reviews

[Chef Kate]

Before I even tasted this, I loved it--the smell is heaven! I did (personal preference) use a bit less sugar and a bit more lemon and nutmeg (fresh grated)--but of course, the exact amounts will always vary depending upon the size and sweetness of the apples. It set up beautifully and it is just a delicious preserve. I am giving half of it away. I am thinking about some wonderful little pastry/tart creation to make the most of this delicious concoction. Thanks, Ev!