In a large pot, combine sugar, Clear Jel, cinnamon, nutmeg and water.
5 cups sugar, 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 7 ½ cups water, 1 ½ cups Clear Jel
Cook over medium heat until mixture thickens. Stir mixture often to prevent scorching.
Add lemon juice and continue cooking for one minute
¾ cup lemon juice
Add apple slices and stir carefully
6 quarts apples
Heat for 3-5 minutes on low until apples are heated through.
Remove from heat and fill prepared jars with mixture. Leave at least 1 - 1 ¼ inch headspace in each jar.
Use a small spatula to get rid of any air pockets or air bubbles in jars
Wipe jars. Place canning lid and ring on jars.
Process for 25 minutes (adjust for altitude) in a boiling water bath. When processing time is done, turn off heat and keep jars in the hot water for 5-10 minutes. This will help prevent siphoning.
Notes
Don't use Instant Clear Jel. It behaves differently than regular, cook type, Clear Jel.Canning Guidelines
Select the best fruit you can find (you can cut off any small bruised areas)
Use a small spatula to remove air pockets and large bubbles
Always wipe rim of jars before putting lid on
Tighten ring firmly, but don't over tighten
Boil in a water bath for 25 minutes - adjust time for your elevation
When time is done, turn off heat and let jars remain in the boiling water for 5 - 10 minutes before you remove. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out of the jar when it hits a cooler room temperature.
Let jars cool for at least 12 hours before removing rings
Wash jars to remove any sticky residue. Rings should be removed for washing.
Check to make certain jars are sealed
Date and label jars
Use any unsealed jars right away
Store canned goods in a cool, dark place
Elevation Adjustments - Increase processing time by recommended amounts
1,001- 3,000 ft. - add 5 minutes
3,001- 6,000 ft. - add 10 minutes
6,001- 8,000 ft. - add 15 minutes
8,001-10,000 ft. - add 20 minutes
Nutritional value is estimated at ½ cup serving.Recipe adapted from The Big Book of Preserving the Harvest.