Recipe: How to Make Applesauce (canning recipe)

This is one method. Some people put the cored apples into a pan in the oven and bake, then mash, too.

It is heated, then packed into jars and processed.

One question I often get is about "oozing" applesauce out of the jars. It is because it is too thick going into the jars and not enough headspace. I know you didn't ask this particular question, but just in case you find that happening.

TO MAKE APPLESAUCE

Wash, stem and quarter apples (do not core or peel). Cook until soft in an large, heavy saucepan with just enough water to prevent scorching. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed. If the apples stick to the bottom, the scorched flavor will travel throughout the batch.

Press apples and the cooking juice through a sieve or food mill to remove the seeds and peel. Save the pulp; this is your applesauce. A Foley mill, Victorio Strainer, Squeezo Strainer, Kitchen Aid Mixer Strainer attachment, and strainer cones work well for this. These devices can be expensive to purchase new, but are commonly found in second hand stores. If you are using a Squeezo or Kitchen Aid attachment; use a rubber band to attach a plastic bag to the seed and peel outlet to keep this debris from falling into the sauce.

Put this sieved pulp back into the heavy saucepan. Taste it and add sugar or spices if desired. Bring applesauce to a boil, stirring to prevent scorching. It is important that the sauce be reheated to boiling to prevent mold from growing inside the jars during storage. Ladle hot sauce into clean jars, leaving one-half inch headspace.

Remove air bubbles and process in boiling water canner for 15 minutes for pints and 20 minutes for quarts at sea level. (1001-3000ft 20 min pts ,25 min qts; 3001-6000ft 20 min pts, 30 min qts; over 3000ft 25 min pts, 35 min qts)

I do mine differently, I peel, slice,core, and then put in my Cuisinart, then place in a large pot, cook, add sugar and Fruit Fresh to keep the color bright.This way it is cooked and ready to put into the jars without dealing with hot applesauce to puree or mash. I put it right into the jars and process.