Homemade Apple Sauce: A Sweet and Simple Canning Recipe
There's nothing quite like the taste of homemade apple sauce, especially when it's fresh from the jar. Canning your own apple sauce allows you to preserve the delicious flavors of autumn and enjoy them year-round. This recipe is simple, adaptable, and results in a smooth and flavorful apple sauce perfect for spreading on toast, topping pancakes, or enjoying as a healthy dessert.
What you'll need:
- Apples: Choose a variety that's known for its flavor and texture. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are all good choices.
- Sugar: Adjust the amount based on your preference. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent browning.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Optional: Nutmeg, allspice, ginger, or other spices to your liking.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Immersion blender or food mill
- Canning jars and lids
- Jar lifter
- Large pot for water bath
- Canning funnel
- Ladle
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
- Wash and peel the apples. Core them and slice them into chunks.
- Add the apple slices to a large pot with a small amount of water.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the apples are soft. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
2. Make the Sauce:
- Using an immersion blender or food mill, purée the apples until smooth.
- Add the sugar, lemon juice, and spices to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Canning Process:
- Sterilize jars and lids: Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Place them in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Fill the jars: Carefully ladle the hot apple sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving about a half-inch of headspace at the top.
- Remove air bubbles: Use a clean rubber spatula to remove any air bubbles that have formed.
- Wipe rims and seal: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth. Center the lids and screw on the bands until they are finger-tight.
- Process the jars: Place the filled jars in a large pot filled with water. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least one inch. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 20 minutes.
- Cool and store: Carefully remove the jars from the boiling water and place them on a clean, dry towel. Let them cool completely. Once cool, check to make sure the lids have sealed. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh, high-quality apples: The flavor of your apple sauce will be much better if you start with good apples.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking: Taste the sauce as it's simmering and add more sugar or spices as needed.
- Don't overfill the jars: Leaving a half-inch of headspace ensures that the lids can seal properly.
- Process the jars carefully: Make sure the water completely covers the jars and that they are processed for the recommended time.
Enjoy your homemade apple sauce! With a little time and effort, you can have the delicious taste of fresh apples all year round.
