Tuaca Apple Cinnamon Jam

Directions

1. Peel, core and chop the apples. After you have chopped the first couple, put them in a very large heavy pot and toss them with the lemon juice - this will keep them from browning. Add and toss each apple as you go. ** if you are canning - sterilize your jars now too! **
2. When they are all chopped put the pot on the stove - add the apple juice and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down to simmer. Add the cinnamon, and 1/4 c of sugar. Let the mixture simmer for several minutes, then taste the liquid. Add the sugar 1/4 cup at a time until you get to the level of sweetness that suits you - again, this is going to vary according to your taste and your apples. I added a bit, cooked a bit, tasted. The tuaca add sweetness too so don't add all of the sugar just yet. After about 15 minutes the apples should be getting tender. Add in the tuaca, vanilla and butter. Simmer for a few more minutes, then get out a stick blender (easy) or a hand masher (workout) and start to mash / mix the jam. Taste again! Adjust the sugar again if needed!
3. Now blend or mash - I kept my jam a bit chunky, I was looking for some apple texture in mine. You could also decide at this point to blend the daylights out of it and go apple butter instead. Up to you.
4. If you are not canning, you're done! If you are canning - put the lids in hot water, scoop the jam into sterilized jars, wipe the rim and put the dried lids and rings on, and into the canning pot - boil for 10 minutes and then remove, make sure each jar pops to seal. Leave them alone for at least 12 hours, then check the seals. If they did not seal properly, put them in the fridge. Do not accidentally mail an unsealed jar to your brother - he will think you are trying to kill him.
5. For more detailed info on canning - this is one of many great sites - remember to be careful with sanitation and safety when canning! There are loads of books available too - I have Putting Up The Harvest and The Blue Chair Jam Book. http://www.pickyourown.org/