Enjoy Apple Butter
[30 Minutes]
Apples have been grown throughout the world for about 3000 years; there are thousands of varieties. Colors range from yellow to yellow-green to crimson red, while flavors vary from tart to sweet. Apples contain malic acid. The malic acid determines the sweetness of the apple. The longer an apple ripens on the tree, the sweeter the apple becomes. Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. Use a favorite type of apple to make apple butter.
You'll need:
• 4 apples
• 2 cups apple cider
• ground cloves, cinnamon, brown sugar (all optional)
• peeler (ADULT SUPERVISION)
• kitchen scale (optional)
• plastic knife
• saucepan (ADULT SUPERVISION)
• measuring cups and spoons
What to do:
- If you have a kitchen scale, invite your child to help weigh the apples and cider before cutting and cooking. Record and add the weights.
- Let him help you peel, core, and slice the apples, then put them in a saucepan.
- Add cider and cook for at least 1 hour or more to make a thick, dark-colored butter.
- Near the end of the cooking time, your child can help add ground cloves, cinnamon, and 1 Tbsp. of brown sugar, if you wish.
- Weigh the finished apple butter and compare the result with the starting weight.
Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.
- Which variety is your favorite apple? Is is sweet or tart?
- What happens to the apple when it is cooked?
- How much do you think the apple weighs before it is cooked, how much do you think the apple weighs after it is cooked?
Useful information:
While you are having fun together, your child is learning math skills and gaining an understanding of "cause and effect".
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