Instructions: Wash apples and cut into pieces; combine with water in a large covered sauce pot. Cook until soft, about 30 minutes. Press through a food mill; measure 12 cups apple pulp; and return to sauce pot.

Heat 2 cups sugar in a saucepan, stirring until sugar melts and turns a rich golden brown. Carefully pour into apple pulp. Sugar will crackle and harden. Add remaining 2 cups of sugar and spices. Cook, uncovered, about 1 hour or until apple butter thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Stir in lemon juice. Pour hot into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch head space. Adjust caps. Process 10 minutes in boiling water bath.

This recipe yields 6 half-pints.

Yield: 6 half-pints

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.