Homemade Apple Butter Cake Filling

Apple butter makes a great filling for a simple vanilla cake, or a wonderful accompaniment for fresh biscuits. Although it is somewhat a labor of love, we think this homemade apple butter is worth the effort.

Ingredients

1 pound apples, chopped, with peel and core
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves

Directions

BRING apples and water to a boil, then reduce to simmer until apples are very tender, 20 minutes.
PRESS apples through a fine sieve or food mill, discard solids left behind.
MIX sugar and spices with apple mixture.
SIMMER over low heat for 2 hours until mixture thickens.
STORE up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.