Luscious Blueberry Lavender Pie Filling
Transport your taste buds to a sun-soaked summer day with this delightful Blueberry Lavender Pie Filling. This recipe captures the essence of ripe blueberries harmoniously balanced with the subtle and aromatic notes of lavender. Perfect for canning, this filling makes one quart, enough for a single stunning pie. Whether you're enjoying this treat on a chilly winter evening or sharing a slice with friends at a summer gathering, its beautiful flavor profile will surely impress. Always ensure you use fresh lavender flowers sparingly for the perfect touch of floral elegance, as too much can overpower the delicious berries. Remember, for a silky texture, Clear Jel is essential—don’t substitute! This versatile filling is easy to multiply, so feel free to can as much as you harvest and savor later on.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Blueberries
5 cups (Stemmed, washed, and sorted)
Water
1/4 cup (Measured)
Sugar
3/4 cup (Measured)
Clear Jel
3 tablespoons (Measured)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (Measured)
Fresh Lavender Blossoms
1 teaspoon (Optional, measured)
Instructions
1
Before you get started, familiarize yourself with proper canning practices and set up your water bath canner. Begin by sterilizing your quart jars, lids, and bands in simmering water while you prepare the filling.
2
Prepare your blueberries by stemming, washing, and sorting them thoroughly. Measure out 5 cups and set them aside.
3
In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the water, sugar, Clear Jel, lemon juice, and lavender. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to prevent lumps and scorched bits at the bottom.
4
Once the mixture comes to a boil and thickens—this should take about a minute—add in the prepared blueberries. Gently stir to coat them in the mixture and continue cooking until the filling boils again.
5
Allow the mixture to boil for an additional 5 minutes while stirring gently. This helps set the filling.
6
Carefully ladle the hot pie filling into your sterilized quart jars, leaving about a half-inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.
7
Place rubber-sealed lids on the jars and secure with the rings, ensuring they are fingertip-tight. Process the jars in the boiling water bath canner for 30 minutes.
8
Once processed, use jar lifters to remove the jars from the canner and place them on a clean kitchen towel to cool slowly. After they have completely cooled, check that the lids are sealed—center should not pop when pressed.
9
Remove the rings, wipe the jars, label with the date and contents, and store in a cool, dark place. Your filling will keep for up to one year. Enjoy your homemade pie filling with family and friends!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luscious Blueberry Lavender Pie Filling?
It is a summer-inspired canning recipe that combines ripe blueberries with aromatic lavender for a floral and fruity pie filling.
How many jars does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately one quart of filling, which is enough for a single pie.
What are the primary flavor notes?
The filling features the essence of ripe blueberries balanced by the subtle, aromatic, and floral notes of lavender.
What thickener is required for this recipe?
Clear Jel is required to achieve the necessary silky texture for this canning recipe.
Can I substitute Clear Jel with cornstarch?
No, Clear Jel is essential for this recipe and should not be substituted, especially for canning purposes.
How many cups of blueberries are needed?
You will need 5 cups of stemmed, washed, and sorted blueberries.
How much lavender should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh lavender blossoms used sparingly.
Why shouldn't I use more lavender?
Using too much lavender can overpower the flavor of the delicious blueberries.
What is the processing time for the jars?
The jars must be processed in a boiling water bath canner for 30 minutes.
What is the required headspace for the jars?
Leave about a half-inch of headspace when ladling the filling into the jars.
How long can I store the canned filling?
The filling will keep for up to one year when stored in a cool, dark place.
What type of canning method is used?
This recipe uses the boiling water bath canning method.
What ingredients are used in the base mixture?
The base consists of 1/4 cup water, 3/4 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons Clear Jel, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lavender.
How do I prepare the blueberries?
Stem, wash, and sort the blueberries thoroughly before measuring.
How long should I boil the mixture before adding berries?
Boil and whisk the base mixture for about one minute until it thickens before adding the berries.
How long do I cook the filling after adding the berries?
Continue cooking until the filling boils again, then boil for an additional 5 minutes while stirring gently.
How should I sterilize the jars?
Sterilize quart jars, lids, and bands in simmering water before filling them.
How do I ensure a proper seal on the jars?
Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth before placing the lids and securing the rings.
How tight should the jar rings be?
The rings should be secured until they are fingertip-tight.
How should the jars be cooled?
Place them on a clean kitchen towel after removal from the canner to cool slowly.
How do I check if the lids have sealed?
Once completely cooled, press the center of the lid; it should not pop or move.
Can I multiply this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, this versatile filling is easy to multiply if you have a larger harvest to preserve.
What size jars are recommended?
Quart jars are recommended for this specific recipe.
Should I use fresh or dried lavender?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of fresh lavender blossoms.
What is the role of lemon juice in the recipe?
Lemon juice provides acidity, which is necessary for flavor balance and safe canning.
Why is constant stirring necessary?
Stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon prevents lumps and scorched bits at the bottom of the pot.
What should I do after the jars have cooled and sealed?
Remove the rings, wipe the jars, and label them with the date and contents.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as you familiarize yourself with proper canning practices and follow the instructions carefully.
What heat setting should be used for the pot?
The mixture should be heated over medium-high heat.
Can this filling be used immediately?
Yes, while designed for canning, the fresh filling can be used in a pie immediately after cooking.