Five Spice Apple Butter

Slow cooked apples, cider, brown sugar and spices caramelized into a rich brown butter should be a staple spread for any kitchen. 

Lately things around the little Cherry Tea Cakes world (which we now call a home office) have been a bit busier than normal. Ever have that moment when you realize: Huh, I have a small business. Last year, this was a hobby, but according to the IRS, I have now learned that it's actually a sole proprietorship...well, at least it is if I want the tax write offs (and I do!). I thought this was just simple and cute, and a fun way to donate money to charity, but it turns out I also "make" enough money that it's a small business, despite the fact that I actually make nothing. So, this week has meant more time with spreadsheets and painkillers than cookies and cakes. Yesterday I got an EIN from the IRS and opened a business banking account on my lunch break, somehow it was not as satisfying as eating a cheeseburger. Odd.

So this week necessitates the kind of baking that requires next to none of my time. Apple butter may take hours to make, but it really only takes fifteen minutes of my time. It's perfect. Fills my home with that warmth, and beautiful smell of slow cooking apples and spices and lets me have a few more hours with my precious spreadsheets and forms. Oh. The. Joy. It also gave me time to work on my donations for a fellow bloggers charity auction (details to come soon), so there is a bright side.

Traditionally apple butters are made with cinnamon, and occasionally another spice or two, but I went the "creative" (or simple) route with Chinese Five Spice powder: cassia cinnamon, cloves, star anise, anise seed, and ginger. I'm in love with the complexity it adds, and the depth of the flavors. I highly recommend it, especially if having a house full of warm apple spices sounds just as good to you on a cold winters day as it does to me.

Best of luck on your weeks. I'm now once again behind on projects and deadlines and have to run over to my new bank to tie up loose ends. Don't be jealous.

Can be used for:

• apple butter cinnamon coffee cake
• apple butter vinaigrette

Five Spice Apple Butter
(about 2 pints)

3 lbs. apples, all but one peeled, all cored, quartered and sliced
1/2 cup apple cider
brown sugar
1 tablespoon chinese five spice (cassia cinnamon, cloves, star anise, anise seed, and ginger)
2 one pint jars, lids, and rings

In a large pan, cook apples and cider over a low heat until soft. about 20 minutes.

Using a food mill, blender, food processor, etc, puree the apples. Measure the amount of puree and add half as much brown sugar. Add the five spice powder. Return to the pan and cook over a low heat, uncovered, until thick and bubbly, roughtly one and a half hours. Stir occasionally.

Preheat oven to 200.

Place jars, lids, and rings,  on a cookie sheet in the oven for 10 minutes to sterilize. When ready remove from oven and pour hot butter into the jars, tightly sealing with lids and rings. Invert (lid side down) on the countertop and leave to rest for at least one hour (this will seal the jars). Flip right side up and store in a dark cool cupboard or pantry. Refrigerate after opening.

Butterbeer Ice Cream Sandwiches

For the big debut of the latest Harry Potter I made an ice cream sandwich inspired by butterbeer, which is said to taste like butterscotch and short bread cookies!

One line reminder to vote for my entry in the California Raisin Let's re-Do Lunch Competition! Vote Daily!

Anybody else a little tired this morning? I AM DEAD! Because of COURSE I went to see the Harry Potter Premier last night! Yes, I am just barely in the age group that grew up with Harry Potter. The first movie came out my senior year of high school....and two college degrees later.....we're on the seventh movie! Crazy!

Okay, so my youth is totally showing. But you can't deny it. Harry Potter is HUGE! Which means there has got to be at least one Harry Potter fan that you're friends with and they'll love your for making them a bit of butterbeer or butterbeer ice cream sandwiches!

Not only did I make butterbeer this week, but when I read that butterbeer is supposed to taste like shortbread cookies and butterscotch....well, it was an easy call to make: butterscotch  shortbread cookies ice cream sandwiches! and yes, I ate them for breakfast this morning before running off to an 8:30 staff meeting. I really have a problem with eating ice cream sandwiches for breakfast when I'm running late!

Butterbeer Ice Cream Sandwiches

(butterscotch shortbread cookie sandwiches)

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 tablespoons butter

1/2 tablespoons vanilla

2 1/4 cups cream, divided

1 cup milk

3 egg yolks

In a small sauce pan over medium heat, stir brown sugar, butter, and vanilla until butter is melted, sugar dissolved, and the mixture is bubbling. Stir in 1/4 cup of cream and continue to stir until mixed thoroughly. Remove butterscotch mixture from heat and allow to cool. 

In a stand mixer combine the egg yolks and butterscotch mixture.  Beat for one minute, then mix in the milk and cream gradually.

Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker. Allow the ice cream to churn until finished and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Shortbread Cookies

2 cups unsalted butter, unsalted
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix butter powdered sugar, and vanilla  in a large bowl. If the dough is too crumbly add another 2 tablespoons of butter.

Roll dough out to half an inch thick and cut into small shapes using cookie cutters, or into squares using a knife. Place the cookies one inch apart on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake for 14-15 minutes or until set, and the bottoms are a light golden brown. Immediately remove to a wire rack to cool completely. 

To Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:

Place a scoop full of ice cream on an upside down cookie. Using a second cookie press down on top of the scoop of ice cream to form a sandwich. 

Place in the freezer to freeze until fully hardened. I pressed butterscotch chips into the sides of mine. Their optional but add a delightful touch of whimsy. 

Enjoy!