In a medium skillet, add 2 cups apple juice, butter, and the sliced apples. Simmer gently until apples are fork tender but not mushy, turning apples frequently. Remove apples from juice using a slotted spoon and place in an oven safe dish.

In a blender (or whisk in a bowl), combine the remaining 1/2 cup apple juice, cornstarch, spices, salt and sugar. Blend a few seconds until smooth.

Whisk mixture into hot apple juice in skillet and cook, stirring constantly on medium high heat until it bubbles and becomes thickened and smooth. Pour thickened mixture over apples and serve.