Peach Butter Recipes

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.

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.

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.