Wash, dry and quarter your apples. Toss apples, water, sugar, and spices in an 8 quart pot and bring to a boil. Once you reach a boil, stir the apples, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the apples are tender {about 20 minutes}, stirring often.
Once the apples are soft, carefully spoon them in to a food mill to separate the peels, stems and seeds. Place the apple mixture in a crock pot and cook on low for 6 – 8 hours, stirring occasionally. Your house will smell awesome!!!
Once the apple butter has thickened and turned a dark brown color it’s time to can your loot.
Bring a boiling-water canner, 3/4 full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.
Ladle the apple butter immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw on bands. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. {Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.} Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 min.
Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middles of lids with finger. If lids spring back, lids are not sealed and refrigeration is necessary}. Yields 4 pints
