Athomewith Mandy

'Black' Apple Butter

So called because of the addition of treacle, dark brown sugar, and the long cooking process, which thickens and caramelises, eventually darkening it.

Despite being called 'butter', it doesn't actually contain any. Mine doesn't contain the traditional liquorice - my two don't care for it. To mimic its flavour, I ground some fennel seeds to a fine powder and added a star anise (which they do like).

After a very gentle simmer on a low heat for 3 or so hours, it was ready.

You can eat this as you would jam or have it as a condiment with cold meats, savouries, roast pork, and cheese.

I'm slowly working my way through an over abundance of homegrown apples: several cakes and crumbles, munching on them (so juicy) and today's 'butter', but I think I need to revisit a recipe I made a couple of years ago - Apple Pie Bourbon. If I start it in the next couple of days, it will be ready for Christmas 🎄🍎🥃

Cheers 😁