Apple Butter (Kopie)

*****
Ingredients
•3 lbs ripe apples, peeled and cored
•2 cups unsweetened apple cider
•½ cup sugar or Splenda
•1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
•2 tsp apple pie spice (optional)

Instructions
Slice apples and place in large saucepan with apple cider. Cover and heat gently, stirring occasionally, to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until apples are soft. Drain, reserving cider, and transfer to food processor. Add sugar or Splenda, vinegar, and apple pie spice (if desired- recommended for spread but not necessary if apple butter is intended for use in baking only), and process until smooth, adding back cider as needed for a smooth, spreadable consistency. Store refrigerated in an airtight jar or container.