Blueberry Pie Filling Canning Recipes: A Delicious and Easy Way to Enjoy Summer's Bounty Year-Round
Summer is blueberry season, and what better way to savor the deliciousness of these tiny blue jewels than by making homemade blueberry pie filling? But you don't have to enjoy the fruits of your labor only during the summer months. Canning your blueberry pie filling allows you to enjoy these sweet, tart flavors year-round.
This article will guide you through the process of creating delicious and easy blueberry pie filling canning recipes. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to sterilization methods, ensuring your canned pie filling is safe, flavorful, and ready for your next baking adventure.
Why Can Blueberry Pie Filling?
Canning blueberry pie filling offers several advantages:
- Preserves the Flavor: Canning helps lock in the fresh taste of summer blueberries, allowing you to enjoy them anytime.
- Convenience: Having pre-made pie filling on hand saves you time and effort when baking.
- Cost-effective: Making your own filling is often cheaper than buying store-bought options.
- Customization: You can adjust sweetness, thickness, and even add spices to personalize your pie filling.
Choosing the Right Blueberries
The quality of your blueberries directly impacts the taste of your canned pie filling. Here's what to consider:
- Freshness: Look for plump, blemish-free blueberries with a vibrant blue color.
- Flavor: Choose blueberries that are sweet and tart, with a balanced flavor.
- Variety: While any blueberry variety works, some are known for their excellent canning qualities.
Blueberry Pie Filling Canning Recipes
Here are two delicious blueberry pie filling canning recipes:
Recipe 1: Classic Blueberry Pie Filling
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the jars: Sterilize your canning jars, lids, and bands.
- Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using).
- Bring to a boil: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat: Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Ladle into jars: Carefully ladle the hot filling into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Process: Wipe the jar rims with a clean cloth, secure the lids, and process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
- Cool and store: Remove the jars from the bath, allow them to cool completely, and store in a cool, dark place.
Recipe 2: Thickened Blueberry Pie Filling
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the jars: Sterilize your canning jars, lids, and bands.
- Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Make the slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry.
- Add slurry and simmer: Slowly whisk the slurry into the boiling blueberry mixture. Continue simmering for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Ladle into jars: Carefully ladle the hot filling into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Process: Wipe the jar rims with a clean cloth, secure the lids, and process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
- Cool and store: Remove the jars from the bath, allow them to cool completely, and store in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Canning Success:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This is crucial for flavorful and safe canned goods.
- Follow instructions carefully: Canning requires precise steps and timing to ensure food safety.
- Proper sterilization: Sterilize all equipment to prevent contamination.
- Headspace: Leaving the correct headspace ensures proper sealing and prevents spoilage.
- Processing time: Follow the recommended processing times for your recipe and altitude.
Enjoying Your Canned Blueberry Pie Filling:
Once your canned blueberry pie filling has cooled completely, you're ready to use it! Here are some delicious ideas:
- Classic Blueberry Pie: Use your canned filling to create a traditional blueberry pie.
- Cobblers and Crisps: Top your favorite biscuit or crumble topping with your homemade filling for a warm and comforting dessert.
- Muffins and Pancakes: Stir a spoonful of blueberry pie filling into your favorite muffin or pancake batter for a burst of flavor.
- Yogurt and Oatmeal: Add a dollop of blueberry pie filling to your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet and healthy breakfast.
Canning your own blueberry pie filling is a rewarding experience that lets you savor the flavors of summer throughout the year. With these recipes and tips, you'll be able to create delicious and safe canned pie filling that will impress your family and friends.
