Hostess Gift: Apple Pie in a Jar

It is that time of year when I start thinking about yummy things I could make in my kitchen. And if I can make something tasty to give away as a hostess or holiday gift, that is a real bonus! That is what beautiful living is all about this time of  year, giving and sharing with others.

Since yesterday’s post was all about confessions, I’ll share another one. Come a little closer so I can whisper it to you….

I’ve never canned anything in my life.

I know, it is not very Martha of me, is it?  I remember my mom making freezer jam, but that is about the extent of my canning exposure.

When my friend Sandy told me she had a recipe for Apple Pie in a Jar, I knew it was one I wanted to try. And as long as I am going to try it, I thought I’d share it with you.  I am embarrassed to say I had to ask her to define a “canner” for me — sigh. I seriously need help in the kitchen. That is why this is not a food blog {go ahead and applaud, I’ll wait}.

But I do believe that as keepers of our home, we need to practice hospitality — and that very often involves food! Having a few great recipes you can use year after year is the secret to being a gracious hostess and friend.

So without further commentary from me, please welcome my special friend and guest today, Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer! Enjoy!

By Sandy, Reluctant Entertainer

I love my visits over here at The Inspired Room. Melissa makes me feel so warm and welcome, and if I could, I’d be taking a jar of this Apple Pie in a Jar to her house, to make a yummy dessert for her family.

There’s something about the cooler weather, Fall, and apples that I just love!

My friend Kristi shared this canning recipe with me a few years ago, and I’m so glad that I tried it. Because now I’m hooked!

Taking any of your leftover apples, I found that mixing different kinds of apples makes a richer flavor.

My secret? Add ONE Granny Smith apple to each jar. It adds the perfect amount of tartness.

Following the recipe, I’ll walk you through the process up until last night, when my daughter took a jar and made her own dessert for the family - in less than 5 minutes!

What is Apple Pie in a Jar?

It’s a sugary, cinnamon-flavored syrup that is cooked up and poured over sliced apples that are tightly packed into sterilized jars. After canning, the jars are ready for gift-giving, or to pull out and whip up an apple pie or apple dessert.

This recipe makes 7 quart-sized jars!

INGREDIENTS
4 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
10 cups water
3 tablespoons lemon juice
7 quarts peeled, cored and
sliced apples

SIMPLE STEPS

1. Sterilize 7 1-quart canning jars, 7 lids, and 7 rings; allow jars to air dry. Fill the canner with water. Start boiling the water, to get ready for the canning process.

2. Combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water in a large saucepan. Place over high heat and cook until thick and bubbly, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.

3. Tightly pack apples into sterilized jars. Slowly pour syrup over apples. Take a knife and slide down the sides of the jar to remove air bubbles, and then continue to cover the jars completely with the syrup. Screw lids on jars.

4. Carefully lower jars into the canner. Make sure tops of jars are covered by 2 inches of water. Bring water to a full boil, then cover and process for 30 minutes.

5. Remove jars from canner and place on a cloth, until cool. Once cool, press top of each lid with finger, ensuring that seal is tight (lid doesn’t move up or down at all). Sealed jars can be stored for up to a year.

Now if this sounds like something you want to try, head on over to my original post and see how your kids can help prepare this pure-yumminess recipe, which includes Apple Pie in a Jar, in less than 5 minutes!

It’s perfect for Fall and perfect for joining the family together in the kitchen!

photos: Sandy Coughlin

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THANK YOU SANDY!

And now, for Beautiful Life Friday…please share comments or links to the beautiful things you saw, found or experienced this week! What made your life beautiful? If you share a link, make sure you link back to The Inspired Room and that your link on MckLinky goes directly to an applicable Beautiful Life post, no general Home Pages please!

Tagged as: apple pie in a jar, beautiful life friday, hostess gifts