Kentucky Apple Butter

Prepare the Apples: Place chopped apples in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened, about 5-10 minutes.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Create the Apple Mixture: Press cooked apples through a food mill to separate seeds, cores, and skin from the pulp. Transfer the pulp to a large bowl. Stir in white sugar, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined. Pour the apple mixture into a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven, stirring and scraping the sides of the pan every 20-30 minutes, until the apple butter is deeply red and has thickened, approximately 2-4 hours.

Sterilize Jars: While the apple butter is baking, sterilize the canning jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Keep jars hot until ready to fill.

Fill the Jars: Pack the hot apple butter into the hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Run a knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to release any trapped air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings until fingertip tight.

Process the Jars: Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil. Carefully lower the filled jars into the boiling water using a jar lifter, ensuring there is at least 2 inches of space between the jars. Add more boiling water, if necessary, to ensure the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 30 minutes.

Cool and Store: Carefully remove the jars from the stockpot and place them onto a cloth-covered or wooden surface, several inches apart, to cool completely. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. Once cool, check the seal by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't move, the jar is sealed. Store in a cool, dark place.