I make apple butter in the crock pot starting with the cheapest applesauce I can find. I add sugar and spices. The trick is to leave the crock pot half covered all day and stir occassionally to thicken it. I put it hot in canning jelly jars and let it seal. Makes a wonderful Christmass gift when accompanied with a loaf of fresh (bread-maker) bread made from Krusteau mix.