Core your apples and chop into 1/2 cubes- this doesn't have to be perfect. No need to peel your apples, everything will cook down and be blended together. Place the chopped apples into a large pot. Stir in the lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, apple cider, and vanilla extract until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.

Cook the apples over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until the apples are softened and cooked through. Use an immersion blender to blend the cooked apples into a sauce. Alternatively, you can scoop the apples into a blender or food processor and blend. Then pour the apples back into your pot.

Cook the apples over medium-low heat for 1 1/2-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Your apple butter will thicken as the liquid evaporates, and it will reach a darker color. Optionally, you can use the immersion blender once more around halfway through this cook time to create an even smoother butter. Cool and scoop into jars, and store in the fridge for up to a month. Enjoy!