During the fall months when apples are in season here on the east coast, I like to go to our local orchard and purchase Gala's by the bushel. Once I get them home, I like to make and freeze applesauce and apple pie filling.
It is really a simple process and can save you a lot of money. I take one weekend afternoon and have it done within a few hours. When purchasing your apples, buy them in bulk and check them over for bad spots. Stay away from any apples that have been sitting out in the heat for a long period of time. You will want to cut out any bad spots that you come across.
\"Pie Recipe\"
The following 2 recipes were given to me by my grandmother back in the 1980's and to this day, they are the 2 recipes that I use.
Apple Pie Filling Recipe
4-6 apples
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Wash apples and then pat dry. Peel, core and slice into wedges. In a medium-sized bowl, combine wedges, granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Gently stir apples until coated with sugar and lemon juice. Pack into freezer safe bags or plastic containers leaving a 1/2" of head space.
Note: You can use an anti-darkening agent such as Fruit Fresh instead of lemon juice.
Applesauce Recipe
4-6 apples
water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wash apples and then peel, core and slice into small chunks. Place chunks into a saucepan with just enough water to prevent scorching. Stir in granulated sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. Turn burner to low heat and slowly simmer mixture until the apples cook down and become soft. Drain any left-over water. Run mixture in a blender or food processor until it's the consistency of applesauce. Let cool and then spoon into freezer-safe containers leaving a 1/2" of head space. If desired, you can sprinkle additional cinnamon on top before sealing.
How to Make and Freeze Apple Pie Filling and Applesauce
Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989 and is a Manager with Tupperware. Shelly enjoys cooking, baking and canning food for her family. You can visit Shelly online at http://www.workathomebusinessoptions.com or her Shakin 'N Bakin recipe blog at http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com for additional free recipes.