Hey fam! Today we’re diving into something special that brings us all together: home canning. Just picture it—your own delicious apple cider preserved in jars for you to enjoy year-round! Whether you’re sipping it on a cozy night or sharing it with family during gatherings, this is a classic treat that warms the soul. Let’s get into this tasty adventure of canning apple cider at home!
Get Ready for Some Apple Cider Magic
First up, let’s gather everything we need to make this happen. You’re going to love how simple this is, but trust me, the flavor is anything but ordinary!
Ingredients
- 10-12 apples (mix of sweet and tart for the best flavor)
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon (for that warm, spicy note)
- 1 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional, but recommended for depth)
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice (helps to balance the sweetness)
- Filtered water (enough to cover the apples)
- Canning jars and lids (don’t forget these!)
Instructions
- Start by washing your apples. Slice them up and remove the cores. You can leave the skins on for extra flavor!
- In a large pot, combine your apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Pour in enough water to cover everything well.
- Bring it all to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until the apples are soft.
- Next, it’s time to strain the mixture! Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the pulp. Press down to get every drop of that sweet nectar!
- Pour your strained cider back into the pot and bring it to a gentle reboil. You can taste and adjust the sweetness at this stage if it needs more sugar.
- While your cider is heating, prepare your canning jars. Sterilize them in boiling water and keep them hot until you’re ready to fill them.
- Once your cider is bubbling hot, ladle it into your hot jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal with the lids.
- Process the jars in a water bath for about 15-20 minutes to ensure a good seal. Don’t forget to adjust the time if you’re at a higher elevation!
- Once done, let the jars cool on a clean towel. You’ll know they’re sealed when the center of the lid is indented.
And there you have it! Your very own apple cider canned and ready to enjoy. Imagine the tasty moments you’ll create with this delicious drink on hand. Cheers to homemade goodness, and happy canning!
Simple Canning Apple Cider recipe To Preserve
source = practicalselfreliance.com