Using a crock pot slow cooker is a great way to make apple butter!

• 8 cups applesauce OR 8-10 pounds of apples
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups brown sugar
• lemon zest of one lemon

Whether you start with pre-made applesauce or whole apples first get out your slow cooker. Start with a typical 4-5 quart slow cooker crock pot. 

Peel, core, and dice the apple variety of your choice to completely fill the slow cooker, leaving a little headroom. Stir in spices and sugar. Set the cooker on medium for about an hour if using whole apples. After that just keep the cooker on low for the next several hours.

Check the consistency by stirring every hour or so. For the most part the apple pieces will break down into mush over time, but if you want to speed the process you certainly can use something like a potato masher. You want to end up with a moderately firm paste, something like ketchup. Keep the heat on low until you reach that point. 

Once you reach your desired consistency add the lemon zest, stir, and leave on low another half hour. Adding the lemon too early in the process will degrade that bright, lemony flavor too much. 

Spoon your finished product (still hot) into sterilized, hot canning jars and process in a hot water bath for 10-15 minutes.