Peach & Raspberry Applesauce

We are so lucky to have apple trees in our backyard.  Usually, I just make regular applesauce, but decided to change it up this year.  I had just bought some raspberries & peaches and decided to try making some raspberry applesauce & some peach applesauce along with the regular applesauce this year.  It was SO SO good!  It will definitely be on my to-do list for next year.

Applesauce

• 5 lbs. Apples, quartered
• 2-4 cups water
• Sugar to taste

Place apples in large stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce the heat to medium-low heat and simmer until fruit is very soft, about 30 minutes (uncovered).  Ladle the sauce into a fruit mill.  Process the fruit until you have separated the skins & seeds from the pulp.  Ladle the sauce into warm pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch of head space. Wipe off each jar rim with a clean rag and place lid and ring on jars.  Process the jars in a water bath canner for 15 minutes (if at sea level).  I have to add 15 minutes to mine for elevation (we live at 6,500 feet).  So mine were processed for 30 minutes.  Remove the jars and let cool for at least 12 hours, making sure they have all sealed properly.  I {{LOVE}} the pop.

Peach Applesauce

• 5 lbs. Apples, quartered
• 2 lbs. Peaches, pitted, quartered (skins on)
• 2-4 cups water
• Sugar to taste

Place apples and peaches in large stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low heat and simmer until fruit is very soft, about 30 minutes (uncovered). Ladle the sauce into a fruit mill.  Process the fruit until you have separated the skins & seeds from the pulp.  Ladle the sauce into warm pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch of head space. Wipe off each jar rim with a clean rag and place lid and ring on jars.  Process the jars in a water bath canner for 15 minutes (if at sea level).  I have to add 15 minutes to mine for elevation (we live at 6,500 feet).  So mine were processed for 30 minutes.  Remove the jars and let cool for at least 12 hours, making sure they have all sealed properly.  I {{LOVE}} the pop.

Raspberry Applesauce

• 5 lbs. Apples, quartered
• 2 cups Raspberries
• 2-4 cups water
• Sugar to taste

Place apples and raspberries in large stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low heat and simmer until fruit is very soft, about 30 minutes (uncovered). Ladle the sauce into a fruit mill.  Process the fruit until you have separated the skins & seeds from the pulp.  Ladle the sauce into warm pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch of head space. Wipe off each jar rim with a clean rag and place lid and ring on jars.  Process the jars in a water bath canner for 15 minutes (if at sea level).  I have to add 15 minutes to mine for elevation (we live at 6,500 feet).  So mine were processed for 30 minutes.  Remove the jars and let cool for at least 12 hours, making sure they have all sealed properly.  I {{LOVE}} the pop.

Freezer Tomatoes

One family can only eat so many tomatoes.  And, my family has a TON of tomatoes thanks to an amazing neighbor.

Here are the three boxes of tomatoes our neighbor brought over.  That’s some serious tomatoes! :)  Since the tomatoes in my garden did horrible this year, I was super thrilled…and then totally overwhelmed!

My initial plan was to dice the tomatoes and then freeze them, but that is a LOT of work!  So, I opted for freezing them whole. 

Ready to freeze your own tomatoes?

Wash your tomatoes (don’t worry about removing the stem or skin spots now) and then drop them into boiling water for 2-3 minutes.  (This blanching process will make removing the skins super easy!)

Transfer tomatoes into a colander to cool.  Be careful, they are SUPER hot!

After your tomatoes have had a chance to cool, cut out the stem and core of the tomato using a small knife.  As you remove the stem, the skin will slide right off!  Love it!

Now, add the whole (or diced) tomatoes to freezer bags and seal, making sure all of the air is removed.  Freeze flat so the tomatoes take up less room in your freezer.

Now, you’ll have tomatoes all winter for your favorite chili or soup recipe!