Following is a Guest Post from my sweet friend ~ Katie Hostetter of Frugal Femina… enjoy!!

We are fortunate to have a farmer’s market right at the bottom of our hill, and a nearby apple orchard, pumpkin patch, and peach orchard. Since I haven’t grown a garden recently, I try to take advantage of these great local businesses and can some goodies for the upcoming winter. When my mom dropped off a bushel of peaches one evening, I froze several bags, canned about 19 jars, and made some peach butter.

I had never made peach butter before, but it is so delicious and can be made right in your Crock Pot! That’s my kind of cooking! c-: Bradley and I have been enjoying some on peanut butter sandwiches this week. Here’s how to make your own:

HOMEMADE PEACH BUTTER
Adapted from PickYourOwn.org

Ingredients:

• 15 ripe freestone peaches
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1-1/2 cups sugar

Directions:

Bring a pot of water to a boil, and place peaches in the water for 1 minute. This works better if you’re using ripe peaches that are ready to eat.

Using a slotted spoon, place the peaches into a bowl of ice water for 2 minutes. Then, slide the skins right off! I do this with tomatoes as well. Or you can use a regular peeler and skip the boiling/ice method. Whatever strikes your fancy. c-:

Cut the peaches into slices, and place in blender. Blend until smooth.

Place the pureed peaches into your Crock Pot, and top with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and sugar. Cook on low until it reaches the thickness you want. Anywhere from 3-6 hours is good.

I used half-pint jars, and left about 1/4 – 1/2 an inch at the top. Then I wiped the top edge of the jars to make sure it was nice and clean. I want those lids to seal well!

I keep the lids in hot water until I’m ready to use them. So once the jars are filled with peach butter, I put the hot lids on them and place them in a hot water bath. I make sure the jars are covered by an inch or two of boiling water, and and let them cook for 15 minutes.

Next, you’ll lift the jars out of the boiling water, preferably with one of these nifty gadgets, and let them cool overnight so the jars aren’t touching. You can make sure they sealed correctly by pressing your fingers on the lid. If it doesn’t pop up and down, you’re golden!

If you’re giving your jars away as gifts, you can place a sticker on the front, or loosen the lid and put some pretty fabric underneath. If you’re keeping them for yourself, get ready to bake some homemade biscuits and eat up! Or if you’re like my son, you’ll eat right out of the jar with a spoon. c-: Enjoy!

Katie Hostetter is a wife to Xon, mama to Bradley, registered nurse, and lover of all things domestic. She lives in a cabin on a farm in Kentucky and blogs at Frugal Femina. You can also chat with her on Facebook and Twitter.

What types of things do you enjoy canning?

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