Apple-Plum Butter

2 pounds slightly under-ripe red plums -- quartered
2 pounds tart apples -- quartered
2 cups unsweetened, unfiltered apple juice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Combine plums, apples and juice in a heavy non-aluminum saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, cover partially and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Uncover and cook until fruit is very tender, stirring occasionally (20 to 30 minutes).

Cool slightly. Force fruit through food mill fitted with medium blade, discarding peel and seeds. (Or you can seed and pit the fruit BEFORE cooking. Then, when you reach this stage, all you have to do is run it through a food processor.)

Return puree to pan, add sugar and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. (Careful, mixture can scorch easily!) Reduce heat and simmer briskly until butter is thick and glossy, stirring frequently (about 40 minutes). Remove from heat, spoon into hot sterilized jars and seal.

Butter can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or processed in a boiling water bath (15 minutes for pint jars or 10 minutes for 8 ounces jars) and kept on a cool dark shelf for up to 1 year.

This recipe yields 3 pint or 6 half-pint jars.

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