Homemade Apple Pie Filling: Canning for Deliciousness All Year Round
There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of fresh apple pie baking in the oven. But what if you could enjoy that taste any time of year? With this easy guide, you'll learn how to can your own homemade apple pie filling, preserving the sweet, tart flavors of autumn for the whole year.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples: Choose a variety that holds its shape well when cooked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to your desired sweetness level.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling and prevent it from being watery.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds classic apple pie flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Apples:
- Wash, peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
- Add the sliced apples to a large bowl and toss with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Filling the Jars:
- Sterilize your jars and lids: Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Place them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to sterilize.
- Fill the jars: Pack the apple mixture tightly into the jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace.
- Remove air bubbles: Use a non-metallic utensil to gently remove any air bubbles from the mixture.
- Wipe the rims: Clean the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.
3. Processing the Jars:
- Fill the canner: Place the jars in a canner with a rack at the bottom. Add enough water to cover the jars by 1-2 inches.
- Bring to a boil: Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Process the jars: Process the jars according to the recommended time for your altitude. Here are general guidelines:
- 0-1,000 feet: 20 minutes
- 1,000-3,000 feet: 25 minutes
- 3,000-6,000 feet: 30 minutes
- Remove and cool: Carefully remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a clean towel.
4. Checking for Seals:
- Listen for a "pop": As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
- Test the lids: To ensure a proper seal, gently press the center of the lid. If it doesn't move, the jar is sealed.
- Store: Once cooled, store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Tips:
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like ginger, allspice, or cardamom to your apple pie filling.
- Lemon Juice: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Use different apples: You can use a mix of apples for a more complex flavor.
- Freeze Leftovers: If you have any leftover apple filling, freeze it in airtight containers for later use.
Enjoy the sweet taste of fall year-round with your homemade canned apple pie filling!
