Bottled Peach Pie Filling

Last year I wanted to bottle peach pie filling and found this recipe.  It is yummy!  I like the fact that it uses no thickening agent in the bottle, it seemed to stay nicer looking than other pie fillings I have made, easy too.  We have used this over the last year for pies, over ice cream and as cobbler and crisp fillings. Fresh out of the canner this year to be enjoyed again!

Peach Pie Filling

6 lbs. fresh peaches

1 c. + 2 Tbsp. bottled lemon juice

3 3/4 c. water

5 c. sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. almond extract

fruit fresh or ascorbic acid

Loosen the peach skins by dropping gently into boiling water for 45 seconds, then submerge in cold water.  Peel off skins, pit and slice peaches into water that contains ascorbic acid until all peaches are sliced.  Combine lemon juice, water, sugar and spices in a large saucepan.  Stir and cook until mixture boils.  Drain peaches and add to the syrup.  Cook for 3 min.  Ladle into hot, quart sized canning jars.  Release air bubbles, clean rims and adjust two piece lids.  Process in boiling water bath canner for 30 min. Yield 7 quarts.

To use filling: Empty contents of jar into a saucepan and stir in one tablespoon cornstarch, heat, stirring occasionally until filling is thick.  Use in your favorite pie crust or cobbler.

Jenny