Blueberry Pie Filling Canning Recipe: A Taste of Summer in a Jar
Blueberry pie is a classic dessert, enjoyed by people of all ages. But what if you could capture that delicious taste and enjoy it year-round? With a homemade blueberry pie filling, you can! This simple recipe allows you to can your own filling, ensuring a burst of fresh blueberry flavor whenever you crave it.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 4 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Jars
- Wash and sterilize your canning jars, lids, and rings.
- Place the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are sanitized.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the blueberries have softened and released their juices.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cinnamon (if using).
- Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering blueberry mixture.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
Step 3: Canning Process
- Carefully ladle the hot blueberry filling into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp paper towel to remove any spills.
- Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the boiling water bath and let them cool completely.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Once the jars are cool, check the lids for a seal. If the lids have popped down and you hear a "pop" sound, you have a good seal. Store your canned blueberry filling in a cool, dark place and enjoy it for up to a year.
Tips and Tricks:
- Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: You can use fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe. If using frozen blueberries, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to your desired sweetness level.
- Flavor Variations: Get creative with your flavor additions! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of ginger, or a tablespoon of orange zest.
- Using the Filling: This canned blueberry filling is perfect for making pies, cobblers, muffins, and more! You can also use it as a delicious topping for ice cream or yogurt.
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the taste of summer any time of year! So grab your blueberries and get canning!
