Apple Pie in a Jar

It’s apple season, and this old recipe that I’ve been making for years comes to mind. I’ve given them as gifts to friends and family; plus they also make fantastic quick desserts for guests.

Ingredients

Makes approximately 7 jars

• 4 1/2 cups sugar

• 1 cup cornstarch

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp salt

• 10 cups water

• 3 tbsp lemon juice

• 2-3 drops yellow food coloring

• 5-6 lbs tart apples

In a large sauce pan, stir first the 5 ingredients. Add water. Cook over medium-high heat until thick and bubbly, stirring often. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice and food coloring. Set aside.

Peel, core, and slice apples. Put slices in lemon water until ready to pack in jars. Pack apples in hot jars leaving 1” head space (pack tight to neck).

Fill jar with hot syrup, leaving 1/2” head space. Wipe the rim clean. Place hot lids and rings on jars and tighten. Place jars in large pot of boiling water so that the eater will completely cover jars when boiling. After all jars are in pot, bring to full boil for 20 mins. Remove jars from water and leave at room temperature until the lids seal (may seal immediately or take several hours).

When you’re ready to make apply pie, pour “Apple Pie in a Jar” into frozen pie shell and top it with crumb topping. Bake at 375 for 4 mins or until bubbly.

Crumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal

• 1 cup flour

• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar

• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 stick butter

Mix together the dry ingredients. Cut butter into the mixture. Pour over the pie and bake.