Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homestyle Apple Pie in a Jar?
Homestyle Apple Pie in a Jar is a preserved apple pie filling recipe inspired by Scandinavian cooking traditions, designed to be stored in quart jars for quick desserts.
What kind of apples should be used for this recipe?
You should use cooking apples that have been peeled and sliced for the best results.
How many quarts does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to make 7 quart-sized jars of apple pie filling.
How should I prepare the apples before canning?
Apples should be peeled and sliced into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly during the preservation process.
What are the main ingredients in the pie filling syrup?
The syrup consists of sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, water, and lemon juice.
How much sugar is required for the 7-quart batch?
The recipe calls for 4 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
What role does cornstarch play in this recipe?
One cup of cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the syrup mixture.
What spices give the filling its flavor?
The filling is flavored with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How much water is needed for the syrup?
You will need 10 cups of water, which can be either filtered or tap water.
Why is lemon juice added to the filling?
3 tablespoons of lemon juice are added to the thickened syrup to provide acidity and flavor balance.
How much headspace should be left when first packing the apples?
When packing the raw sliced apples into the jars, you should leave about 1 inch of headspace.
What is the best way to pack the apples into the jars?
Use the handle of a wooden spoon to gently press down the apples as you add them to maximize space and reduce air pockets.
How do I prepare the syrup?
Combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water in a large pot and stir well.
How long do I cook the syrup mixture?
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continually until it comes to a boil and reaches a thickened consistency.
When should the lemon juice be added to the syrup?
The lemon juice should be stirred in after the syrup has thickened and the pot has been removed from the heat.
What is the final headspace requirement after adding the syrup?
After pouring the hot syrup over the apples, ensure there is exactly 1/2 inch of headspace left at the top of the jar.
How do I remove air bubbles from the jars?
Gently run a plastic spatula around the inside edges of the jars to release any trapped air bubbles before sealing.
Why is it important to wipe the jar rims?
Wiping the rims clean is essential to ensure a proper and secure seal with the lids.
What is the processing time for the water bath?
The jars should be processed in a hot water bath for 20 minutes.
How should the jars be submerged during processing?
The jars must be fully submerged in the water during the 20-minute hot water bath process.
What should I do after the water bath processing is complete?
Remove the jars from the water and allow them to cool on a clean dish towel or cooling rack.
How can I tell if the jars have sealed properly?
The lids should 'pop' down as they cool, indicating a successful vacuum seal.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 800 calories.
Does this apple pie filling contain fat?
No, this specific recipe is listed as having 0g of fat.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
The carbohydrate content is approximately 211g per serving.
How can I serve the finished apple pie filling?
You can pour it into a pie crust for a quick bake or serve it warm over vanilla ice cream.
Where did this recipe originate?
This is a cherished recipe from the Rinn UMC cookbook, inspired by Scandinavian culinary traditions.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe utilizes 7 primary ingredients.
Can this filling be stored in a pantry?
Yes, once properly processed and sealed, these jars can be kept in your pantry for spontaneous gatherings or cozy nights.