Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes (active)
Straining Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: ~5 hours
Yield: 5 half-pint (8 oz) jars
Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
5 lbs fresh apples (a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness works best)
4 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled, divided)
4 cups granulated sugar
1 packet (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
10 drops red food coloring (gel or liquid)
Optional: 1 tbsp red hot candies (like Red Hots) for an extra spicy-cinnamon kick
Equipment Needed
Large stockpot or Dutch oven
Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Candy thermometer
5 half-pint canning jars with lids and bands
Water bath canner or large deep pot with a rack
