Hey, fellow food lovers! I realize that most of you are  caught up in all the festive vibes of the holiday season, but I wanted to share what I’m doing today. Today, I'm sharing one of my all-time favorite kitchen adventures – making sugar-free apple butter. While the world is buzzing with holiday cheer, my kitchen is still firmly rooted in the simplicity of fall. I've still got a big stash of beautiful, organic Fuji apples that I bought for my family from the local co-op.

This will make your house smell AMAZING all day long Sure, it takes the better part of the day, but after chopping and blending the apples in the Instant Pot, you can kick back and let the magic happen. It’s so worth it, though. Not a lot of work for a few jars full of homemade goodness!

Sure, apple butter isn't exactly stealing the show at holiday feasts, but there's just something about the smell of spiced apples that feels spot-on for this time of year.  I’m still finding comfort in the familiar flavors of fall.

Amidst the holiday craziness, I'm keeping it real in my kitchen with more apple recipes. I love apple recipes! Apple butter, with its smooth texture and those comforting spices, is like a big ol' hug from the season. It's the kind of homemade goodness that makes home feel like, well, home.

So, while the world outside is all twinkly lights and holiday frenzy, in my kitchen, it's a laid-back blend of fall and festivity. Join me in enjoying the simple pleasure of apple butter – no-fuss, just pure, down-to-earth joy.

Let's Get Started:

Ingredients:

• A bunch of fuji apples (enough to fill an 8-quart Instant Pot, but who's counting?)
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 cup water

Instant Pot Magic:

Chop all of your  apples and toss them into your 8-quart Instant Pot. It’s not necessary to peel them, and there’s no need to get out the scales – just fill it up! Stop once you have about 1-1 ½ inches of space at the top.

Add the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom to the mix. It's like giving your apples a magical flavor boost. Cardamom is one of my favorite spices, ever! Pour in 1/2 cup of water to keep the apples from burning.

Lock your Instant Pot lid, setting it to pressure cook for 20 minutes. Once the timer goes off, release the pressure and let all of the steam escape. 

Blend, Blend, Blend:

Time to blend it all up until it’s nice and smooth. Grab your high-speed blender and get to work. I usually do this in two batches to keep things manageable.

Simmering on the Stovetop:

Transfer your blended apples to a regular pot on the stove. Keep the heat low and cover loosely to let the steam escape. We're aiming for slow and steady, not a hurried sprint.

Stir every 30-60 minutes to prevent any caramelized burns at the bottom. Cook to the consistency you prefer, but I like mine fairly thick. This process might take most of the day, but trust me, the end result is worth every second.

Pack it Up:

Once your blend has transformed into the rich, velvety apple butter you've been patiently waiting for, grab some pint-sized jars.

Spoon your apple butter into the jars. It's like capturing the essence of fall in a bottle.

Pop the jars into the refrigerator – this should keep for about a month. Or, if you're feeling strategic, freeze some for future snacks.

Try taking this apple butter to the next level! For a refreshing twist, try adding a hint of citrus zest during the blending process. The zingy citrus notes beautifully complement the rich, spiced flavors of the apple butter. Additionally, don't hesitate to experiment with different apple varieties – each brings a unique flavor profile to your creation. Whether it's the tartness of Granny Smith or the sweetness of Honeycrisp, the possibilities are endless! Personally, I prefer Fuji or Gala. 

Now that your kitchen is filled with the delightful aroma of homemade apple butter, the delicious enjoyment begins! Whether you spread it on toast, stuff it into sweet potatoes (Japanese sweet potatoes are my fave), or top some rice cakes, waffles or pancakes with this sweet goodness, the possibilities are endless. 

I'd love to hear about your experiences with this recipe! Feel free to share your personal touches or any creative ways you've found to enjoy your sugar-free apple butter. Let's build a community of apple butter enthusiasts!

There you have it! In the midst of the holidays and fall, let the aroma of apple butter be your comforting companion. Whether you're a seasoned fan of vegan delights or just discovering the beauty of homemade goodness, take a moment to relish in the joy of this season. From my kitchen to yours, where the warmth of fall meets the holiday spirit, it's all about feeling at home. So, spread it on your toast, slather it on sweet potatoes, or dive in with a spoon – it's time to soak in the charm of this delicious concoction!!