I’ve learned I need to have a few hostess gifts on hand at all times. Not because we’re the constant party-hopping kind of people, but because parties seem to pop up when we’re at our busiest.
I love giving canned goods as hostess gifts as I can whip up a batch of something delicious, like applesauce or jam, on a day off and it lasts for ages tucked away on a shelf so we can still be prepared for those last minute fetes. For me, a good hostess gift makes a small, thoughtful gesture.  I’m a firm believer that they shouldn’t cost a ton of money!
This homemade apple butter is just the ticket. I got a massive box of apple “seconds” at our local farmer’s market for cheap and whipped up a huge crockpot worth of apple butter – almost a triple batch of what you’ll find below! It’s so easy – all you really need to do is peel and chop your apples, then kick back, relax and let your crockpot do the work. Things get even easier if you have a countertop apple corer and peeler.
To make the gifts even more personal, I wrapped them with twine and topped them with these cute labels I made. It’s the perfect touch to make sure your gift is special.
Just in case you whip up a batch of apple butter and want some labels, I’ve attached some printables at the bottom of this post! I made them to fit a 2.5″ circle label which fit perfectly on the lid of these pretty Quattro Stagioni canning jars.
Thanks so much for reading A Side of Sweet! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin’, or Twitter, or subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts (see sidebar).
PrintHomemade Apple Butter Recipe
Homemade apple butter is the perfect hostess gift! Plus, it’s super easy because it’s made in your slowcooker!
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Snack
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 12 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into chunks (about 21/2 pounds)
- Optional equipment: countertop apple peeler
- Quattro Stagioni Canning Jars
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours or until apples are tender and falling apart.
- Blend apples until smooth in a blender or with an immersion blender. Return to slow cooker and cook on high for 1-2 hours, until thick. Stir occasionally.
- Canning instructions (optional): Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Pour apple butter into sterilized jars, making sure to wipe away any splatters from the jar rims. Leave 1/4″ of head space. Seal and boil for 15 minutes. If not canned, apple butter lasts about 1 week in the fridge.
Download the free printable homemade apple butter labels:
(.PSD) // (.PDF)
Miranda | Miranda's Notebook says
Yum, that apple butter looks delicious! I love homemade goods at Christmas 🙂 That touch pad is amazing!! Oh dear, something else to add to my wish list! xx
Kelly Egan says
Isn’t it!? It’s like the next era of computers!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Good work! Love the view from your Sprout work-station. 🙂
Kelly Egan says
Haha, thanks Lady! Can’t wait to hear all of your thoughts about the Sprout in person!
Sarah @ Snixy Kitchen says
Nice! Ps. I love that mug. Is it ‘S’ as in Sarah?? 😉
Kelly Egan says
Haha, one would think! It’s “S” for Sweet and was a lovely gift for lucky me. 🙂
Kelly @ Life made Sweeter says
Yum, your apple butter sounds amazing! Love the pretty packaging and cute labels!
Kelly Egan says
Thanks so much Kelly!
Carla (@charliesue) says
Look at that work space! I’m in love with this machine and your cute labels. 🙂
Kelly Egan says
It’s so space age, isn’t it! Definitely the wave of the future for design!
bedstuyfoodie says
I love homemade apple butter! You wrapped it so beautifully! Thanks for sharing!
Kelly Egan says
Awww, thanks so much!
Lovely Letters says
I am late to the apple label party, but these are the cutest little hostess gifts ever!
xx Katie
lovely letters
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
Fashionably late of course! Thanks!