Apple Pie Conserve

Mmmm, apple pie in a jar! Linda likes to use Granny Smith apples in this conserve, but any good cooking apple, such as Jonathon, Rome, or Northern Spy, will work fine. You can adjust the spices to suit your personal taste and even add a pinch of ground ginger if you like

MAKES: About seven, 8-ounce jars

INREDIENTS:

• 5 cups cored, peeled, and finely chopped apples (about 2 1⁄2 pounds apples)
• 1 1⁄4 cups unsweetened apple juice
• 1⁄2 cup golden raisins
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon unsalted butter (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 pouch (3 ounces) liquid pectin

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. PREPARE THE FRUIT MIXTURE

• In an 8-quart stainless steel stockpot, combine the apples, apple juice, raisins, and lemon juice.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. ADD SUGAR AND SPICES

• Uncover the pot and stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter (if using).
• Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Stir in the walnuts.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.

3. ADD PECTIN

• Stir in the pectin.
• Return the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
• Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam.

4. FILL JARS

• Ladle the conserve into hot jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
• Remove any air bubbles.
• Wipe the jar rims and threads with a clean, damp paper towel.
• Apply hot lids and screw bands.

5. PROCESS AND STORE

• Process 4-ounce, 8-ounce, and pint jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.
• Remove from the water bath canner and let cool for 12 to 24 hours.
• Check the seals and remove the screw bands.
• Store jars in a cool, dry, dark place for up to 1 year

Tip:

• If the raisins are large, cut them in half after measuring.