Apple Sauce for Canning: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Apple sauce is a classic, versatile condiment that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dessert. And what better way to enjoy the flavors of fall than with homemade apple sauce? Canning your own apple sauce is a great way to preserve the fresh taste of apples for months to come.
Here's a simple recipe for canning apple sauce:
Ingredients:
- 8 pounds apples (any variety, but tart apples work best for balance)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Potato masher or immersion blender
- Canning jars (pint or quart size)
- Jar lids and rings
- Canning rack
- Large pot for water bath canning
- Jar lifter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean kitchen towels
Instructions:
1. Prepare the apples: Wash and peel the apples. Core and chop them into 1-inch pieces.
2. Cook the apples: Place the chopped apples and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30-45 minutes, or until the apples are very soft.
3. Mash or blend: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash or blend the apples until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can leave some pieces intact.
4. Add sugar and spices: Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Continue to cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to dissolve the sugar.
5. Prepare the jars: Wash and sterilize the canning jars, lids, and rings.
6. Fill the jars: Carefully ladle the hot apple sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace at the top.
7. Remove air bubbles: Use a clean spoon or a bubble remover tool to gently remove any air bubbles from the jars.
8. Wipe jar rims: Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
9. Place lids and rings: Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings tightly.
10. Process in a water bath: Place a canning rack in the bottom of a large pot and fill with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil. Carefully lower the jars into the boiling water bath, making sure the water covers the jars completely. Process the jars for 20 minutes (for pint jars) or 25 minutes (for quart jars).
11. Remove and cool: Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a clean, dry towel. Allow them to cool completely.
12. Check seals: After cooling, gently press on the center of the lid to check for a seal. If the lid pops back up, the seal is not secure and the jar needs to be reprocessed.
13. Store and enjoy: Once the jars are sealed, store them in a cool, dark place. Enjoy your homemade apple sauce for up to a year.
Tips:
- For a sweeter apple sauce, add a bit more sugar.
- Use different apple varieties for a complex flavor profile.
- Experiment with other spices like ginger, allspice, or cloves.
- You can freeze leftover apple sauce for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your delicious homemade canned apple sauce!
