Cinnamon Apple Butter

I LOVE RICE CRACKERS. okay. now that that is out of the way. i recently bought a pumpkin butter from trader joe's and even though it did not have any gluten in it per se, it was made on equipment shared with wheat. not fair for those going gluten-free. well, fabulously enough, this one you can make yourself, and without gluten contamination :)

FROM ALWAYS ORDER DESSERT (alwaysorderdessert.com)

8 Macintosh Apples, cored & sliced but not peeled

3cups apple juice (preferably no sugar added)
1tsp lemon juice

1tbsp cinnamon

1/4tsp ground cloves
1/2tsp nutmeg
Directions:
1. In the base of your slow mixer, add the apples followed by the spices, lemon juice, & apple juice. (juice should just cover the apples, but they shouldn't be swimming in it)

2. Set the slow cooker to "low" for 12-15hrs.

3. Once the apples have softened, darkened, & much of the liquid has reduced, use an immersion blender or food mill to process until smooth.
4. Transfer to a large pot & cook over medium heat for 10-15min until the liquid has reduced & the apple butter has thickened (take care because the mixture will splatter).
5. Let the apple butter cool completely before pouring into a glass jar or air-tight container. This will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.

*NOTES: This recipe is made without any added sugars to highlight the natural sweetness of the apples & juice. You can use any apples you'd like, but try to pick a sweeter variety such as Macintosh or Jonathan; Granny Smith apples don't work quite as well in this recipe due to their acidity. You can also play around with the juice for slightly different flavors. Try using grape, pomegranate, or pear juice (avoid citrus juices).

http://www.alwaysorderdessert.com/2009/01/cinnamon-apple-butter-no-sugar-added.html