Last Minute Homemade Gift Ideas

Fear not, procrastinators.  Retail stores are going to be a nightmare today so I am going to save you a trip.  You might have to run to a craft store but it will not be nearly as frightful as a department store.  If you have fruit, glass jars (either mason jars or you can even recycle a jar!), sugar, and some spices, you will have the perfect recipe for a thoughtful & yummy gift.  These homemade gifts make a great hostess gift as well instead of the typical (and safe) bottle of wine (which always works too).  Kelly from Party Like a Vegan gifted me Apple Pie filling and some delicious homemade jam and also shared the recipes!

Homemade apple pie filling

Ingredients:
4 1/2 - cups sugar
1 - cup cornstarch or 1/2 cup - Clear Jel Starch
2 - teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 - teaspoon nutmeg
1 - teaspoon salt
3 - tablespoons lemon juice
10 - cups of water
6 pounds of tart apples, washed, peeled and sliced
(I used a combination of golden delicious and granny smith apples)

Directions:
In a large pot, blend together sugar, cornstarch or clear gel, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in the 10 cups of water and lemon juice with a wire whisk. Cook and stir until bubbly and thick; remove from heat.

While the filling is cooking peel and slice the apples. Add apples to a solution of 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to 1 quart of water to avoid discoloration while you peel all the apples.

Drain the fruit well before packing in jars. Pack apples into clean, hot canning jars leaving an inch from the top of the jar.

Fill with the hot syrup, leaving 1/2 inch space from the top of the jar. Remove air bubbles by running a knife around the insides of each jar. Close the jars with sterile lids and rims.

Process in a boiling water bath for 20 -30 minutes Use a jar tongs to remove the jars from water Place the jars on a dish towel to dry and allow the jars to cool for several hours.

Check the seals to make certain the lids are sealed properly (the lids should be lowered in the middle and not move up or down)
- See more at: http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2010/04/got-apples-make-apple-pie-filling-in.html#sthash.NJpNWUKJ.dpuf

Ingredients:
4 1/2 - cups sugar
1 - cup cornstarch or 1/2 cup - Clear Jel Starch
2 - teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 - teaspoon nutmeg
1 - teaspoon salt
3 - tablespoons lemon juice
10 - cups of water
6 pounds of tart apples, washed, peeled and sliced
(I used a combination of golden delicious and granny smith apples)

Directions:
In a large pot, blend together sugar, cornstarch or clear gel, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in the 10 cups of water and lemon juice with a wire whisk. Cook and stir until bubbly and thick; remove from heat.

While the filling is cooking peel and slice the apples. Add apples to a solution of 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to 1 quart of water to avoid discoloration while you peel all the apples.

Drain the fruit well before packing in jars. Pack apples into clean, hot canning jars leaving an inch from the top of the jar.

Fill with the hot syrup, leaving 1/2 inch space from the top of the jar. Remove air bubbles by running a knife around the insides of each jar. Close the jars with sterile lids and rims.

Process in a boiling water bath for 20 -30 minutes Use a jar tongs to remove the jars from water Place the jars on a dish towel to dry and allow the jars to cool for several hours.

Check the seals to make certain the lids are sealed properly (the lids should be lowered in the middle and not move up or down) - See more at: http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2010/04/got-apples-make-apple-pie-filling-in.html#sthash.NJpNWUKJ.dpuf

Ingredients:
4 1/2 - cups sugar
1 - cup cornstarch or 1/2 cup - Clear Jel Starch
2 - teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 - teaspoon nutmeg
1 - teaspoon salt
3 - tablespoons lemon juice
10 - cups of water
6 pounds of tart apples, washed, peeled and sliced
(I used a combination of golden delicious and granny smith apples) - See more at: http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2010/04/got-apples-make-apple-pie-filling-in.html#sthash.NJpNWUKJ.dpuf

• 4 cups white sugar
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 4 tsp cinnamon
• 5 tblsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 10 cups water (divided)
• 7 quarts apples

Directions: In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt with 5 cups of water.  Mix well over low heat until all is dissolved.  Slowly add the remaining water. Cook stirring often until thick and bubbly then add lemon juice.  Peel and chop apples into wedges and full mason jars.  Pour sugar mixture over the apple and seal.
 Then decorate your jar!

Ever After,

Jamie