Vegan MOFO Day 6 - Vegan Apple Pear Butter

This is an easy delicious apple pear butter to put some zing into the coming winter months.  It's really easy to cook and can and makes a great gift for your fellow foodies.  The following recipe is adapted from Vegan Yum Yum.  I've added pears to the recipe and reduced the sugar.

Crock Pot Apple Butter

4 1/2 lbs Apples, peeled and finely chopped 

1 1/2 Cups firm asian pears

2 Cups Sugar

2-3 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
1/4 tsp Salt
1 Sprinkle Nutmeg

Peel and core the apples and pears. Slice finely or puree in a food processor. Add apples and remaining ingredients to your crock pot. Cook on high for 1 hour, then on low for 8-10 hours (I've found that you can even let it go longer for a richer flavor). I then used my immersion blender to chop any large remaining pieces.  Remove lid (or crack it open a bit) and cook on high until a wooden spoon stands upright in it.

Fill sterilized jars with simmering apple butter and process for 15 minutes in a boiling-water bath. Remove jars and let sit, undisturbed, overnight. Test the seals and refrigerate any jars that have not sealed completely. Fully sealed jars will keep for 18-24 months unopened. Once opened, the apple butter will keep for 2 months in the refrigerator, or indefinitely in the freezer.