Amish Canned Apple Pie Filling Recipe-A Taste of Tradition

There’s something special about the flavours of homemade apple pie filling. It’s not just the sweetness of the fruit or the warmth of the spices—the memories it invokes, the sense of tradition passed down through generations.

And if you’re looking to capture that essence in your kitchen, there’s no better recipe to turn to than the Amish canned apple pie filling.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey celebrating the best of homemade goodness.

Embracing Amish Tradition:

The Amish are dedicated to simplicity, quality, and tradition. Their recipes often prioritize using fresh, seasonal ingredients and preserving them for future use. Canning, in particular, is a time-honoured practice that allows Amish families to enjoy the fruits of their labour year-round.

The Essence of Amish Canned Apple Pie Filling:

At the heart of any good apple pie is, of course, the filling. The Amish canned apple pie filling recipe is cherished for its straightforward approach and wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Ingredients:

Apples: Choose a mix of tart and sweet varieties such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavour.
Sugar: To sweeten the filling and enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices add depth and complexity to the filling.
Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness of the apples and adds a bright, citrusy flavour.
ClearJel or Cornstarch: A thickening agent gives the filling its signature consistency.
Water: Used to create the syrup that coats the apples.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to cook! Follow these simple steps to create your batch of Amish canned apple pie filling:

1. Prepare the Apples:

Start peeling, coring, and slicing your apples to your desired thickness. Some prefer thicker slices for a chunkier filling, while others opt for thinner slices for a smoother texture.

2. Make the Syrup:

Combine water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Thicken the Syrup:

Once the syrup is boiling, gradually add ClearJel or cornstarch while stirring constantly. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, then remove it from the heat.

4. Add the Apples:

Carefully fold the sliced apples into the thickened syrup, ensuring they are evenly coated.

5. Can the Filling:

Ladle the hot apple pie filling into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean, then seal the jars with lids and rings.

6. Process the Jars:

Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for the recommended time based on your altitude. Once processed, remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely before storing.

Tips for Success:

1. Choose the Right Apples:

The key to a delicious apple pie filling is choosing the right apples. Look for firm, flavorful varieties that hold their shape when cooked.

2. Adjust the Sweetness:

Depending on your taste preferences and the natural sweetness of the apples, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe.

3. Use ClearJel for Safe Canning:

ClearJel is recommended for canning apple pie filling as it provides a stable, consistent texture. Avoid using other thickeners that may break down during the canning process.

4. Label and Date Your Jars:

Once the jars are cooled and sealed, label them with the contents and the canned date. This will help you keep track of freshness and ensure that you use them before they expire.

Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor:

Now that you’ve mastered the art of Amish canned apple pie filling, it’s time to reap the rewards! Whether you use it to bake a classic apple pie, drizzle it over ice cream, or spoon it onto pancakes, this versatile filling will surely delight your taste buds and warm your soul.

Faqs:

1. How to thicken canned apple pie filling?

Cornstarch has a thickening power similar to Instant ClearJel. Like flour, it lends a cloudy, semi-transparent look to filling. It can also give filling a starchy taste.

2. Is canned apple pie filling good?

Canned apple pie filling is an incredible, affordable product that makes cooking a homemade dessert much quicker and easier.

3. Does canned pie filling need to be cooked?

The pie filling is already cooked, so your focus should be on the crust. For a single-crust pie, place dough on a pie plate.

4. What is the best thickener for pie filling?

Flour or cornstarch is often used, but in certain instances, tapioca, arrowroot and potato starch can also help achieve the desired consistency.

Conclusion:

In a world filled with convenience foods and pre-packaged meals, there’s something truly special about creating homemade dishes from scratch. The Amish canned apple pie filling recipe is a testament to the joy of slow cooking, the beauty of tradition, and the unmatched satisfaction of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

So, the next time you crave the comforting flavours of homemade apple pie, skip the store-bought filling and reach for your canning jars instead. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a culinary masterpiece that honours the timeless traditions of the Amish kitchen. Happy baking!