Making your own canned apple pie filling allows for complete control over ingredients and sweetness, resulting in a superior pie experience. This guide provides a step-by-step process for creating a delicious, homemade canned apple pie filling that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Apples: Choose a variety suited for baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a blend for balanced tartness and sweetness. Aim for about 6-8 medium apples (approximately 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced).
- Sugar: The amount depends on your preference and the apple's tartness. Start with 1 ½ to 2 cups of granulated sugar. You can adjust this based on taste.
- Lemon Juice: ½ - 1 cup of fresh lemon juice prevents browning and adds brightness.
- Spices: A classic combination includes 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. Adjust spices to your preference.
- Thickener: This is crucial for achieving the right consistency. You can use 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch or 1-2 tablespoons of tapioca starch, mixed with a little cold water to form a slurry before adding to the apples.
- Water: You may need about ½ cup of water, but add it gradually to prevent excessive liquid.
- Optional: A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Apple Pie Filling:
1. Prepare the Apples:
- Wash, peel, core, and slice the apples. Consistent size helps with even cooking. Consider using an apple slicer for efficiency.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large saucepan, combine the sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, and spices. Stir well to coat the apples evenly.
3. Cook the Filling:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the cornstarch or tapioca slurry a few minutes before the end of cooking time. This helps prevent lumps.
4. Check for Thickness:
- The filling should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it's too thin, simmer for a few more minutes. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Sterilize Jars and Lids:
- This is a crucial step for safe canning. Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. Place jars in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil for at least 10 minutes to sterilize. Keep the jars in hot water until ready to use. Similarly, sterilize the lids and rings in boiling water for a few minutes.
6. Fill and Seal Jars:
- Carefully remove the hot jars from the water using tongs. Fill the sterilized jars with the hot apple pie filling, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth. Place the lids and rings on the jars and tighten fingertip tight. Don't over-tighten.
7. Process the Jars:
- Place the filled jars in a canner (a large pot with a rack) and cover with water by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil and process for 20 minutes. This processing time is for pints; adjust processing times for quarts according to your altitude and specific canning guide.
8. Cool and Check Seals:
- Carefully remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a towel-lined surface. You should hear a "pop" sound as the jars seal. Check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If the lid doesn't flex, it's sealed.
9. Store and Enjoy!
- Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a week.
Tips for Success:
- Use ripe apples: The best apples for pie filling are ripe and flavorful.
- Don't overfill the jars: Leave headspace for expansion during processing.
- Always follow safe canning practices: Refer to a reliable canning guide for specific instructions and processing times.
This comprehensive guide will help you create delicious, homemade canned apple pie filling. Remember safety is paramount when canning. Always refer to a reputable canning guide for detailed instructions and safe processing times. Enjoy your homemade pie filling!
