Canning Apple Pie Filling Recipes: A Delicious Way to Enjoy Fall Flavors Year-Round
Apples are a quintessential fall fruit, and nothing says "autumn" quite like a warm slice of apple pie. But what if you could enjoy that delicious taste all year round? With canning apple pie filling, you can! This guide will walk you through the process of creating your own homemade, ready-to-bake filling, perfect for pies, crumbles, and even just spooning over ice cream.
Why Make Your Own Canned Apple Pie Filling?
- Control the Ingredients: You decide exactly what goes into your filling, ensuring only the freshest and highest quality ingredients.
- Customize Flavors: Experiment with different types of apples, spices, and sweeteners to create your signature pie filling.
- Save Money: Canned pie filling can be expensive, and making your own is often a more budget-friendly option.
- Homemade Goodness: There's just something special about enjoying food you've made yourself, and the delicious aroma of freshly canned pie filling is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Essential Equipment and Safety Tips
Before you get started, gather your equipment and familiarize yourself with safe canning practices:
- Canning Jars: Use jars specifically designed for canning. They are heat-resistant and have a flat, wide mouth for easy filling.
- Canning Pot: This is a large pot with a rack that holds the jars above the boiling water.
- Jar Lifter: This tool helps you safely lift hot jars from the canning pot.
- Lid Lifter: A tool specifically designed to handle the hot metal lids.
- Jar Funnel: This helps you fill the jars without spilling.
- Magnetic Lid Lifter: This handy tool helps you easily place lids onto the jars.
- Headspace: Leave a designated space between the top of the filling and the lid to allow for expansion during processing.
- Follow Recipes Carefully: Canning recipes are designed to ensure safe preservation. Never deviate from the recommended processing times and temperatures.
- Keep it Clean: Wash your hands and equipment thoroughly before canning to prevent contamination.
Classic Apple Pie Filling Recipe
This recipe is a great starting point for your canning adventure. You can customize it with your favorite spices and sweeteners.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 pounds)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Jars: Sterilize jars and lids by boiling for 10 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the apples, sugar, water, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce Heat: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender.
- Fill Jars: Carefully ladle the hot filling into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Process: Wipe jar rims clean and place lids and bands on jars. Process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes (adjust processing time according to altitude).
- Cool and Store: Remove jars from the canning pot and allow them to cool completely. Once cool, check for a proper seal by pressing on the center of the lid. It should not move or depress. Store canned filling in a cool, dark place.
Tips and Variations
- Apple Variety: Choose apples that hold their shape well when cooked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
- Sweetener Options: You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your chosen alternative.
- Add-Ins: Get creative with additions like raisins, pecans, or even a splash of bourbon.
Canning apple pie filling is a rewarding experience. Not only will you have delicious homemade filling ready for baking, but you'll also enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own pantry staples. So, embrace the fall flavors and get canning!
