4 quarts finely chopped tart apples
2 3/4 cups sugar
2 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon salt

Pour apples into slow cooker.

Combine remaining ingredients. Drizzle over apples.

Cover and cook on HIGH 3 hours, stirring well with a large spoon every hour. Reduce heat to LOW and cook 10 to 12 hours, until butter becomes thick and dark in color. Stir occasionally with strong wire whisk for smooth butter.

Freeze or pour into sterilized jars and seal.

Makes 6 to 10 pints apple butter.