• Combine the water, chopped apples, sugar, and spices in your slow cooker. Cover and put on low.
• Cook for 4 hours.
• Open and smash apples to remove any chunks. Replace lid and cook another hour.
• Remove the lid and, if desired, remove spices and puree with an immersion blender.
• Return spices to the pot and turn crock pot up to high. Cook, uncovered 1 hour or until thickened, dark, and smooth.*
• If adding vanilla, add it in the final 10 minutes, and remove the spices.

Canning Instructions, Optional

• If canning your apple butter, place the canning pot full of water over high heat. Bring to a rolling boil.
• In the last ten minutes of your apple butter cook time, immerse clean canning jars into the water for a few minutes.
• Use jar clamps to remove the jars and turn them upside down on a clean dish towel to dry.
• When your apple butter is done, flip the jars right side up and fill with apple butter, leaving 1/4 inch of space between it and the rim.
• Wipe the rims clean and dry, then place on new seals and bands. Use hand protection and tighten bands as much as possible.
• Submerge in boiling canner for 10 minutes, then remove and let sit on counter until cool and has sealed, (the seal doesn't move when touched),