Crockpot Apple Butter and A Tart

Every time I turned around on the internet I was reading about another person making Apple Butter and the crockpot technique had my attention.   I read several different versions regarding how many apples, how long and what ingredients to add.   I knew the apples would cook down, release their own juices and that they were naturally sweet.   Adding tons of sugar was not even an option here so I thought I would wing it and see what happened.

I started with 3 lbs. of apples, cored and peeled them, sliced into 1/8" pieces and turned the crockpot to High.   I added 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 TB. pumpkin pie spice and a scant 1/4 cup of brown sugar.

After 2 hours this is what was cooking in the pot...I had stirred it several times during the 2 hours so it didn't  burn or stick.   At this time I decided it was well on its way and turned the temperature to Low and took the lid off so the moisture would escape.   After another 2 hours I was satisfied with the results and the taste is Outstanding ... Yummy ... Delicious!   I would even consider cutting down on the sugar more next time.

So 3 lbs. of apples produced two 8 oz. jars of Apple Butter (1/2 pint jars) and a couple teaspoons more.   Total cooking time 4 hours.

While all that was going on in the crockpot, I decided to bake an Apple Tart I had spotted in the latest Organic Gardening magazine.   Was just so easy ... I couldn't believe it!

They give directions for making your own dough but since I had store bought already in the fridge, I used one of those.   Sliced about 2 1/2 apples (see picture above) and layered on the pie crust.   They suggest peeling the apples, but I decided to leave the skin on.

Next I brushed the top with melted butter and sprinkled a little brown sugar across the top.   Folded up the edges and into the oven it went!

After 40 minutes this is the finished Apple Tart ... simple and delicious!   You would think I am all appled out today but not so ... dinner this evening - pork chops slow cooked with cabbage, potatoes and APPLES!!
Check out more recipes at It's a Keeper Added to Simply Sweet Home