Apples Apples Apples

My sister Kerry came over for the weekend. We started by picking grapes in the morning and then we came home and had a major canning and juicing session. She juiced 24 quarts of grapes and helped me can 21 quarts of apple pie filling. I was so thankful for her help. This seems to be the "Grand Puba" in canning, apple pie filling. One you really want because it is the greatest thing to have on hand, but yet it is the dreaded canning session. This time was so easy with her help. We got all done in about 3 1/2 hours.Here is the really really good recipe!

Apple Pie Filling

For Seven Quarts:

6 quarts blanched, fresh apples sliced 1/4" thick- I peel and slice mine with an apple peeler slicer corer machine. Then I put 4 cups of the apples in the microwave for 2 min. and  add them to the hot mixture.

5 1/2 C. sugar

1 T. cinnamon

1 t. nutmeg (optional)

2 1/2 C. cold water

5 C. apple juice or apple cider

3/4 C. lemon juice

3 C. ULTRA GEL

Combine sugar, spices, water, apple juice and lemon juice in large kettle. Add ULTRA GEL gradually with s wire whisk and stir until smooth. Cook until thick and bubbly. Fold in apple slices Fill jars leaving 1/2" head space.

Process in water bath for 35 minutes. Add five minutes processing time for elevations from 3,000 to 5,000 ft.

This recipe is from the ULTRA GEL Answer Book.

I live to make apple crisp with this recipe. It is also great over pancakes or ice cream.

Enjoy!!!