The September 2010 Daring Cooks’ challenge was hosted by John of Eat4Fun. John chose to challenge The Daring Cooks to learn about food preservation, mainly in the form of canning and freezing. He challenged everyone to make a recipe and preserve it. John’s source for food preservation information was from The National Center for Home Food Preservation.
So I am back doing Daring Cooks! I decided recently that I wasn’t trying enough new things. My bread baking had stalled, my cooking had diminished to what was kicking around, and I hadn’t picked up a recipe book in months.
I guess it helped that Daring Cooks didn’t sound too difficult this month. Preserving in a freezer sounds easy, canning however still sounds like a nightmare.
I want ahead and made my Apple Butter, of course everything did not go to plan, as I started making a half batch and by the end of the ingredients was using the full amount.
It tasted terrible, that amount of cinnamon is just not good, so I whipped up a second half amount of apples and merged the two together to get one fantastic apple butter.
You can find the recipe for Apple Butter, but I should note it’s not a short read John went to a lot of trouble to give some wonderfully detailed explanations. (Also it wasn’t clear to me from the recipe that you have to cook the recipe for close to 2 hours after you add the spices).
I ended up with a little bit left over that I didn’t want to freeze, mainly just so I could taste it. For the occasion I dusted of the BBA book and made a lovely Cinnamon and Raisin bread. The apple butter was delicious especially considering its more healthy than what I normal spread on my toast in the morning!
Since the theme for this month was preserving, I also made something else. Something super secret, at least until I get the chance to write it up! :)
Welcome to CoffeeMuffins! A blog that started out about two of my favourite (unhealthy) things has become rather more balanced, and I try to post just as many healthy meals as cakes.
I'd love to hear from you! 
Looking for a recipe for coffee muffins?
Great job! Your apple butter looks divine!
Jenni … The Daring Cooks Preserve Stuff!
This looks really fantastic! Great photo!
I love apple butter on toast, scones and even on ice cream! lovely!
thepenandthepear … Deep-Fried Pea Fritters
Jenni, Ravie – thank you both for your comments!
thepenandthepear – oh I hadn’t thought of having it with ice cream – sounds like heaven!
Love the look of your apple butter! Great job!
Think I’ll have to make this. Beautiful pic.
Sally … Food memories of summer – Stroud Farmers market
Looks super! Although, gulp, I didn’t cook mine for nearly that long. Mmmmmm. Still turned out pretty good though.
What a gorgeous color your apple butter is. I bet it’s fabulous on your homemade bread.
Barbara Bakes … Peach Jam and Perfect Pesto for Daring Cooks
Thanks for the link, I will be checking it out next. Apple butter has been on my list to make forever. I have to finally try it. Glad to hear you were able to save it with the 2nd batch. It really does look delicious and healthy.
Nancy aka Spicie Foodie … Arroz ala Mexicana for Bicentennial Celebrations