Spiced Blueberry Applesauce

I have had this recipe for years printed off, sadly I have no idea where I got it!! and dang if it is not marked on the paper!! Either way, I have wanted to make it forever. Mainly because it is a recipe that is supposed to be canned! I am all about canning, if I have a use for what I am canning. Since I plan to just eat this, I cut the recipe in half and skipped canning it! I will put the full recipe down as well as canning directions because after my little tastes I believe I will be making this again in full full batch style and canning it. I also see different variations coming up! Blackberry? Strawberry?? too bad I don't like Raspberry but why not Cherry!? I am a huge fan of chunky applesauce, and I usually just like it plain right out of the jar! so good and has to have chunks! I blended mine so it was kind of chunky all the way through, I will have to work on the technique and possibly pick up an immersion blender ;) .. woohoo for a reason to shop?! the recipe also suggests a variety of apples for best flavor. I had Fuji on sale 5lbs for $4 and well that is what I bought lol. I also added cinnamon to the spices, I love cinnamon.

 Spiced Blueberry Applesauce:

2 lbs frozen or fresh blueberries
5 lbs sliced cored apples (weigh them after peeling, coring and slicing and use several variety for best flavor)
1 c sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground allspice
3 Tbsp bottled lemon juice

1. Place the apples and blueberries into a heavy bottomed pot large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow room for stirring. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot-about 1/2 inch of water on the bottom or so.
2. Put the pot onto high heat and stirring constantly, bring to a boil. turn heat down to medium, and stirring continually, cook until the apples are all soft and some are beginning to break down, thickening the released fruit juices. Stir in the sugar and spices and keep cooking until the sugar is well combined. Turn off the heat, but keep the pot on the stove in order to keep the applesauce hot.
3. Using an immersion blender, a food processor or food mill, grind the fruit up into a slightly chunky puree- or, if you prefer, grind it down to a perfectly smooth puree.

4. Stir in the lemon juice thoroughly, then pack into hot pint or quart jars. Try to get any visible air bubbles out with a spatula; this is very difficult with very thick foods like applesauce, but try anyway. Wipe off the rim of the jar with a damp cloth, then center a lid on top and screw on a band. Do not tighten the band- just screw it down until it is closed, but not at all difficult to unscrew.
5. Put into a hot water bath canner, making certain that water covers the jars completely. Bring to a boil, clap the lid on top of the canner and process the jars for 20 minutes - the processing time is the same for either pints or quarts.
6. When they have processed for 20 minutes, turn off the heat and open the lid to the canner. Allow the jars to sit in the hot water for 5 minutes, then carefully lift up each jar and set it on a folded dishtowel in order to keep the counter from possibly cooling the glass too rapidly, causing the jar to crack.
7.Check the seals on the lids - they should be concave and very tightly adhered to the jar rim. If after 24 hours the lids have not sealed, either use up the food that did not seal or re-pack using new jars and new lids.
Recipe makes 8 pints or 4 quarts.

As I said, I simply halved the recipe and put it in a container! I plan to have it eaten in a few days, breakfast and or snacks should take care of my little bowl! I sooo love it!!!

And again.. sigh I so wish I could take those pretty pictures and such.. but I guess it just makes it more my blog huh lol