Apple Pie Filling

-Tara Butler

6 qts. Peeled, cored, sliced apples (1/2” wide slices)

Sauce:

5 ½ c. sugar

1 ½ c. clear gel (you can get this at Allison’s Pantry)

1 TBSP cinnamon

2 ½ c. cold water

5 c. apple juice

¾ c. lemon juice

Optional:

¼ tsp nutmeg

1 tsp almond extract

Put apple slices in fruit fresh to prevent browning. Prepare Sauce: combine all ingredients except lemon juice and almond extract. Bring to a boil. Add lemon juice and almond extract and boil for 1 more minute. Fold in apple slices. (sauce may be lumpy until it processes).

Fill jars, leave 1” headspace. Adjust lids. Process 35 minutes in boiling water canner.

Makes 6-7 quarts.