Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delicious Apple Pie Preserves?
They are a scrumptious jam that captures the essence of homemade apple pie filling with tart apples and warm spices.
What kind of apples should I use for this recipe?
Tart apples are recommended for the best flavor balance in this jam.
How many cups of chopped apples are needed?
You will need exactly 4 cups of chopped apples.
Do I need to peel or core the apples?
You should wash and chop them, ensuring you remove all seeds and the core.
How much water is added to the apples?
After measuring 4 cups of chopped apples, fill that same measuring cup with water until it reaches the 4-cup line.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What is the purpose of adding butter to the jam?
A small amount of butter is added to help reduce the amount of foam that forms during boiling.
How much granulated sugar is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of granulated sugar.
Is brown sugar used in this apple pie jam?
Yes, 1 cup of packed brown sugar is used to add warmth and depth to the flavor.
What type of pectin is needed?
You should use one 1.75 ounce box of dry pectin for thickening.
How much lemon juice should I add?
Add 1.5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
At what heat setting should I boil the mixture?
The mixture should be brought to a rapid boil over high heat.
How long do I boil the jam after adding the sugars?
Bring it back to a rolling boil and boil for exactly 1 minute while stirring constantly.
What should I do after removing the pot from the heat?
Skim off any foam that has formed on the surface of the jam.
How do I prepare the jars for canning?
The jars should be sterilized in hot water before filling.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Leave about 1/4-inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
How long should the jars be processed in a water bath?
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
How much water should cover the jars during processing?
The jars should be covered by at least one inch of water.
How should the preserves be cooled?
Let the jars cool completely at room temperature.
Where is the best place to store the finished jars?
Store them in a cool, dark place.
What are some serving suggestions for apple pie jam?
It is delicious on English muffins, pancakes, toast, or as a topping for vanilla ice cream.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While the recipe suggests freshly squeezed for optimum taste, bottled can be used if fresh is unavailable.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including apples, sugars, spices, pectin, butter, and lemon juice.
How much nutmeg and ginger are used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Is this recipe suitable for those who usually prefer strawberry jam?
Yes, the description notes that even strawberry jam lovers will enjoy these preserves.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe yields approximately 3 servings.
Do I need to stir the jam while it boils?
Yes, stir occasionally during the first boil and constantly during the final 1-minute boil.
Why is it called Apple Pie Preserves?
Because it uses the same spices and tart apple flavors found in a traditional homemade apple pie.
Is the brown sugar measured loosely or packed?
The brown sugar should be packed into the measuring cup.