Finally, my favorite month of the year is upon us!  Ahhh, October, I do love thee.  Cooler weather, changing leaves, and fall foods abound.  One of my favorite seasonal condiments/spreads at this time of year is apple butter.

So what is apple butter?  Well, it’s kind of like a jam or jelly, made by stewing down apples, apple cider, sugar, and spices until it becomes a golden brown, smooth, and buttery consistency.  Slap a swath of it on your morning toast or bagel, add it to a turkey sandwich for a fruity kick, or put it on a waffle – the possibilities are endless!

One bite and you can close your eyes and see a cabin in the woods on a chilly morning, surrounded by blazing fall colors on the trees.  There is a slight frost on the ground.  A small finger of smoke dances from the top of the chimney, beckoning you to enter, warm yourself by the fire, and have a cup of warm coffee or tea.  For me, the taste of apple butter instantly transports me into the midst of the fall season and its hearty tastes and flavors.

You can find apple butter at farmer’s markets and fall festivals all over the four-state region.  In fact, Berkeley Springs, WV has an entire Apple Butter Festival scheduled for next weekend (October 8^th and 9^th).  It’s a great place to check out fall crafts, see artisans at work, and of course – get your hands on a few jars of delicious homemade apple butter for the coming months.

If you’ve never experienced the taste of apple butter, now is the time.  Give it a try!!!!