Caramel Apple Butter

Caramel Apple Butter
3 lbs apples
1/2 cup water or apple juice
2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
21 caramel candies

Peel, core, chop apples.
Put apples and liquid in large pot. Cook on med-high until tender.
Remove apples and puree in food mill or processor. Discard leftover juice.
Return puree to pot or put in crock pot.
Add sugar, return to heat until mixture bubbles.
Reduce heat and simmer until thick.
Add spices and caramels.
Stir until melted.
Process in boiling water bath: 5 minutes 1/2 pts 10 minutes pts Yield is 4 half pints