Can Your Summer: A Recipe for Blueberry Pie Filling
Summer is synonymous with blueberries. These juicy, sweet berries are perfect for everything from smoothies to muffins, but they also make an amazing pie filling that can be enjoyed all year long. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to can!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh blueberries
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Canning jars with lids and rings
- Jar lifter
- Water bath canner
- Canning funnel
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Jars:
- Wash the jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water.
- Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.
- Heat the lids in a saucepan of hot water.
2. Make the Filling:
- Combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using) in a large saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Fill and Seal the Jars:
- Using a canning funnel, carefully pour the hot filling into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth.
- Place the hot lids on the jars and screw on the rings until fingertip tight.
4. Process in a Water Bath:
- Fill the water bath canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least an inch.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Carefully lower the jars into the boiling water bath.
- Process the jars for 20 minutes, making sure the water is bubbling constantly.
- After 20 minutes, carefully lift the jars out of the water bath using a jar lifter and place them on a clean towel to cool completely.
5. Check the Seals:
- Once the jars are cool, press down on the center of the lids to make sure they are sealed.
- If you hear a pop, the jar is sealed.
- If the lid pops up and down when pressed, the jar has not sealed properly and should be refrigerated and consumed within a week.
Storage:
- Once completely cooled, store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Using Your Blueberry Pie Filling:
- When you're ready to enjoy, simply open a jar and use the filling to make a delicious blueberry pie, muffins, crumbles, or even a simple topping for ice cream.
Tips:
- Use ripe, high-quality blueberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
- For a thicker filling, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture before simmering.
- To avoid jars from cracking, ensure the water in the water bath canner is boiling gently, not rolling.
Enjoy your homemade blueberry pie filling all year round!
