Peach Butter Food

OLD-FASHIONED PEACH BUTTER RECIPE

Steps:

• Start by removing the pits from your peaches and cutting them into quarters.
• Toss them in your food processor or high-speed blender, and process until they are smooth. (Be careful not to liquefy them- we are wanting a smooth puree, not peach juice)
• Now we need to cook the puree so it reaches the perfect consistency. You have two options: a slow cooker or a regular ol' pot on the stove.
• Slow Cooker Version: This method takes longer (anywhere from several hours to all day), but requires less babysitting. Simply pour your peach puree into your slow cook, and set it on low. You'll want to crack the lid open to allow the steam to escape. Otherwise, your peach butter won't reduce and thicken.
• Stove top Version: This method takes less time, but you need to be there to make sure you don't get peach butter spewed all over your kitchen. Pour the peach puree in a large stock pot and set it on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning (and splashing) and continue to cook until it reaches the desired consistency (30-40 minutes)
• Perform a quick taste test to see if you need to add sweetener- my peaches were pretty sweet already, so I only added about 1/2 cup of sweetener to my batch.
• Now eat and enjoy, or freeze or can for later.

OLD-FASHIONED PEACH BUTTER

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the peaches, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and cloves. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until peaches are very soft, stirring occasionally., Stir in tapioca. Cook, uncovered, on high for 1 hour or until thickened. Pour into jars or freezer containers; cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 1 year. To use frozen peach butter: Thaw in the refrigerator for 1-2 days; use within 3 weeks.

PEACH BUTTER

Steps:

• Wash peaches, remove seeds and any bad spots- DO NOT PEEL!
• Chop peaches.
• Put peaches in pot with water.
• Cook peaches over medium, simmer until peaches are soft, about 15- 20 minutes depending up on the ripeness of your fruit.
• Run the peaches through a food mill till all that is left in the mill are the peach skins which you can discard now.
• You should have about 2 quarts of peach pulp.
• Mix pulp with sugar and cinnamon.
• Cook over medium heat until thick enough to round up on a spoon about 30 minutes to an hour (this may also be done in a slow- 250 degree oven but it takes longer).
• You will need to stir frequently, making sure that it doesn't stick.
• Place in hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4" headspace.
• Adjust lid and rings on jars.
• Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
• Remove to counter and allow to cool.

PEACH BUTTER

Steps:

• Set out a large bowl of ice water.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Carefully put 2 peaches at a time in the boiling water; leave them until scalded, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Quickly transfer to the ice water, leaving them to cool for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat to scald and cool remaining peaches.
• Peel peach skin; discard skin and pits. Chop peach flesh and place in a large pot over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 30 minutes, adding water if necessary to prevent from sticking.
• Meanwhile, inspect 4 pint-sized jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until peach butter is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• Place cooked peaches in a blender; puree until smooth. Measure out 8 cups peach pulp and transfer back to the pot. Reserve any extra pulp for another use.
• Add sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the peach pulp. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat; simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture has reduced and thickened, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Pack peach butter into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and let rest, several inches apart, for 12 to 24 hours. Press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.

PEACH BUTTER (SUGAR FREE)

Steps:

• Place all ingredients (except almond extract) in large non-aluminum kettle. Cook over low heat until thick, stirring frequently & skimming if necessary. When suitable thickness, then taste. Add extract if desired.
• Pour into sterile 1/2 pt. or pint jars, cap with sterile lids. Process in boiling water bath for 15 minutes after water returns to boiling. Makes 6-7 cups.

OVEN-ROASTED PEACH BUTTER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Arrange them cut-side-down in a single layer in a non-reactive baking dish (glass or ceramic is best). Roast for 30 minutes, or until the skins are loose. I usually allow 45 minutes, depending upon the size of the peaches.
• Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the peaches cool a bit so they are easier to handle, then remove and discard the peach skins. Mash the peaches with a fork or potato masher. Reduce the oven to 250 degrees and return the pan of mashed peaches to it. Bake 2 to 3 hours longer, stirring often to prevent burning. Any wateriness should be gone and they should be dark in color.
• Taste the puree and stir in 1 cup sugar. Taste again and add more sugar to suit your taste, then stir in the lemon zest and juice.
• Store in the refrigerator or process filled half-pint jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to make them shelf-stable.

OLD-FASHIONED PEACH BUTTER

Steps:

• Place half of peaches into container of an electric blender; process until coarsely chopped.
• Pour into a flat-bottomed kettle.
• Repeat procedure with remaining peaches.
• Stir in sugar.
• Cook over medium low heat, stirring frequently 30 minutes or until mixture thickens.
• Quickly ladle butter into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
• Cover at once with metal lids and screw bands tight.
• Process in boiling water bath 5 minutes.