I first discovered apple butter when I was pregnant with my 1st DD. I was about 2 weeks away from delivery and my mother and I were invited to a pumpkin patch in Central Illinois. It was a wonderful afternoon and the farm was selling all sorts of preserves as well as the pumpkins and other stuff. Well, my mom saw that they were selling apple butter, so she bought a jar because she remembered it from her childhood and missed it. So back at home she had me try it, and I LOVED it! The only thing that bothered me about it was that it had a certain taste to it that I can only describe as being the taste of unnecessary preservatives being added in, and they left an aftertaste that I didn't care for, but otherwise I loved the stuff. But it got me thinking, could I make it myself? So I found a relatively simple recipe, but I didn't get to try it til a few years later. Had a second baby right away, baby had a disability, time wasn't there for canning. You know how that goes. But I never forgot about the apple butter. Finally, I got to make some. I bought sweet apples, made a huge batch (something like 20 jars at least!), and gave most of it away as Christmas gifts that year. My family and friends LOVED it, and they were immediately back for more, lol. I, however, tend to be quite critical of myself, and I wasn't so crazy about that batch. It was too sweet for my taste. So the following year I changed the recipe up. Instead of using just the sweet apples, I tossed in some Granny Smith and Golden Delicious. WOW, what a difference! It had a bite to it that I absolutely LOVE!!! And so now I make it with a combination of Gala, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious, though this year I think I want to eliminate the Gala and replace it with Honey Crisp as it's easier to find where I live now. Gala was easier to find where I used to live. I have a friend that loves it so much that he downs about 3 jars in a season, and STILL asks for more, lol. I skipped making it the last two years for multiple reasons (a move, lack of money, etc.), but I plan to make it this year, along with some pumpkin butter. I love pumpkin so much but have never attempted to make pumpkin butter yet. I want to make enough so that I have it all year long. This month I'll be making mulberry preserves, and next month I'll be making wild black raspberry jam and preserves. Mmmm....yum!