Ball Blue Book Canning Applesauce Food

MAPLE APPLESAUCE

Steps:

• Combine apple quarters, cinnamon sticks and water in a large stockpot. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are very tender, about 25 minutes.
• Process apples in batches through a Harvest Pro, food mill or food processor until smooth, removing cinnamon sticks. Alternately, crush apples with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.
• Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready to use, do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside with bands.
• Return applesauce to stock pot, add maple syrup and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes.
• Ladle hot applesauce into a hot jar leaving a ½ inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rim. Center lid on jar and apply band, adjust to fingertip tight. Place jar in boiling water canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.
• Process jars 25 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat, remove lid, let jars stand 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool 12-24 hours. Check lids for seal, they should not flex when center is pressed.

HOW TO CAN APPLESAUCE

Steps:

• Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside.
• Combine apples with just enough water to prevent sticking in a large stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 20 minutes, until apples are tender (time will depend upon the variety of apple and their maturity). Remove from heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer apples, working in batches, to a food mill or a food processor fitted with a metal blade and purée until smooth.
• Return apple purée to saucepan. Add sugar, if using, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Maintain a gentle boil over low heat while filling jars.
• Ladle hot applesauce into hot jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight.
• Process jars in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.

APPLESAUCE (FOR CANNING)

Steps:

• Peel, core and quarter apples.
• You will need 3 to 3-1/2 pounds per quart of applesauce.
• Place in large saucepot.
• Cook apples with just enough water so they don't stick.
• Cook over medium heat until soft.
• Puree in food processor or food mill until smooth.
• Return to pan and bring to a boil.
• You may add sugar if desired.
• Taste to see how sweet the apples are.
• You can also add cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
• Keep applesauce boiling and ladle hot sauce into hot jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
• Remove air bubbles and adjust two piece caps.
• Process pints and quarts for 20 minutes in a boiling water canner.
• If you like chunky sauce, only puree half of the apples and crush the other half with a potato masher.
• Prep time is an estimate as it depends on how many quarts of sauce you are preparing.