Apple Butter

1 20-ounce jar unsweetened applesauce or 2 1/2 pounds cored tart apples
1 cup unsweetened cider or apple juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
(NOTE: 2 1/2 tablespoons apple pie spice can be substituted for the 4 spices.)

Cook fresh apples with peel, then put into blender or through food mill. If using applesauce, combine applesauce, cider and spices in electric skillet, iron skillet or shallow saucepan. Simmer slowly, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 hours until spreading consistency is reached. May bake at 325 degrees until reduced to half the amount - not as much stirring needed. Cool. Store, covered, in refrigerator. Makes 2 cups.

Adapted from: Lita Lotzkar via rec.food.recipes on Dec 2, 1998.