As the crisp winds of autumn sweep through the orchards, the bounty of ripe apples beckons us to embrace the season of warmth and comfort. There’s something truly special about creating your own apple pie filling from scratch, allowing you to infuse it with love, care, and your own unique touch. This artisanal apple pie filling recipe elevates the traditional, combining Granny Smith apples with a medley of spices, brown sugar, and butter, all artfully simmered together until they meld into a symphony of flavors. Not only is this the perfect companion for your pies, but it also shines in a myriad of other delightful desserts and pastries.
Yield: Approximately 1 quart of apple pie filling
Ingredients:
- 5 fresh and crisp apples
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of high-quality cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of water
- 3/4 cup of pure apple juice or apple cider
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
- Begin your apple pie filling adventure by selecting the finest apples you can find. Look for ones that are firm and tart, such as Granny Smith apples, as they add a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the filling.
- Carefully peel, core, and slice the apples into delectable, thin pieces. To ensure they maintain their crispness, blanch them in boiling water for just one minute. Set these apple slices aside, keeping them warm and ready for their transformation.
- In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, water, apple juice or cider, and lemon juice. Stir this mixture with a gentle touch, ensuring the spices and sugar unite into a fragrant elixir.
- Set your saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, allowing the mixture to gradually thicken. Be patient and let it barely reach a full boil while you stir. This is where the magic happens. The spices dance, the sugar caramelizes, and the flavors meld into a luxurious syrup.
- With the filling gently bubbling and the kitchen filled with its tantalizing aroma, you know it’s time to create your own masterpiece.
- While the filling is still hot, prepare sterilized quart jars. In these jars, layer the apple slices and the syrup, alternating until the jar is nearly full. Run a knife along the sides to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Top off your quart jars with more apples and syrup, ensuring that the filling is almost reaching the brim.
Conclusion:
There you have it, your very own artisanal apple pie filling, carefully crafted with precision and love. These jars of perfection can be sealed and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, ready for whenever your heart desires a taste of fall. Whether you use it to create a classic pie or turn it into delightful pastries like danishes, this homemade apple pie filling will elevate your culinary creations and leave your taste buds yearning for more. So, this season, savor the apple orchard’s finest by making your own signature apple pie filling. It’s a little piece of autumn in every bite.
SOURCE OF THE PICTURE : 99 easy recipes
