Here’s the apple butter recipe with Weight Watchers points included:
Ingredients:
4-5 pounds of apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties) – 0 points 1 cup granulated sugar – 48 points 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – 0 points 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – 0 points 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – 0 points 1/4 teaspoon salt – 0 points 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) – 0 points
Instructions:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. You can use a variety of apple types for a more complex flavor.
- Place the chopped apples in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or slow cooker. If you’re using a slow cooker, set it to the low heat setting.
- Add the sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt to the apples. Stir to combine.
- If you want to prevent the apples from browning, you can add lemon juice at this point and give it a gentle stir.
- Cook the apple mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for several hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your method. If using a stovetop, it can take 2-4 hours, while a slow cooker may take 6-10 hours. The goal is to cook the apples down until they become soft and the mixture thickens.
- As the apple mixture thickens and turns a deep brown color, continue to stir occasionally. You can use a potato masher or an immersion blender to help achieve a smoother consistency.
- Taste the apple butter, and adjust the sugar and spices if needed to suit your preference. You can add more sugar or spices if desired.
- Once the apple butter has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
- Transfer the cooled apple butter into clean, sterilized jars. Seal the jars with lids, and store them in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can process the jars in a water bath canner for long-term storage.
Total points for ingredients: 48 points
Weight Watchers points for the entire recipe: 48 points.
Apple butter is a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.