Homemade Apple Spread

Homemade Apple Spread

Making your own homemade jam or jelly may sound like a tedious process, but this recipe is super easy, and the result is fabulous! All the wonderful tastes and smells of the fall and winter season are compacted into this tasty spread.  I love to serve this in the morning with warm gluten free bread and hot coffee.  Yum!

Makes 1 ¼ cup jam

2 medium-large size apples* peeled, 

       cored, small dice (Gala, Cripps 

       Pink, or Honeycrisp are good)

½ medium Granny Smith apple, 

       peeled, cored, small dice

1 cup light brown sugar, 

       lightly packed

2 tablespoons apple juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ginger

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

                

       In a medium saucepan, place apples, light brown sugar, and apple juice.  Stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium heat (10-15 minutes).  Then stir in cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.  Continue to cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, and being careful not to let it burn.  Cook for 30-35 minutes until apples are very soft and the liquid has reduced (If you are using a larger saucepan, it will cook faster, 20-25 minutes).  Let it cool for 10-12 minutes.  Place cooled apple mixture in a blender or food processor and blend until mostly smooth.  Transfer to a jar or another airtight container and store in the refrigerator.  It will keep for 1-2 weeks.

*Between the 2 ½ apples diced, there should be about 3-3 ½ cups diced apples.

Lauren Marie’s Tips:

**This spread is also great on gluten free crackers by itself or with a mild white cheese (a great appetizer).  And if you are in the holiday mood, pair this spread with Lauren Marie’s Pumpkin Cornbread...it's ridiculously good!

**Every jelly or jam uses "fruit pectin" to create a jelly consistency.  Fruit pectin is naturally found in under-ripe fruit.  That's why I use half of a green apple.  It not only provides a wonderful slight tartness, it also has just enough natural fruit pectin that gives this apple spread its great consistency.

**A jar of this makes a great, homemade holiday gift!