Apple BBQ Sauce for Canning

My Unexpected Canning Adventure: Apple BBQ Sauce

This year has been...well, let's just say it's been a whirlwind. Between work, family commitments, and a general sense of life's unpredictability, finding time for anything beyond the essentials has felt like a luxury. Yet, here I am, neck-deep in the sweet, tangy aroma of applesauce, apple butter, and now, my latest creation – a surprisingly delicious apple BBQ sauce. It all started a few months ago when we impulsively bought a mountain of apples. Who knew a simple trip to the orchard could lead to such a protracted canning marathon?

I've been chipping away at this preserving project, snatching precious moments here and there between everything else. Some weeks, I barely manage a single day to dedicate to canning, but I'm slowly but surely making progress. The kitchen has become my sanctuary, a place where the rhythm of simmering apples and the satisfying clink of jar lids create a sense of calm amidst the chaos. The thought of those 5 bushels of apples and 7 pumpkins that still need to be preserved does bring a little trepidation, however. I don't think this canning journey is going to end any time soon!

With jars of applesauce and apple butter already stacked high in my pantry (enough to last us a few years, I think!), I needed a new challenge. That's where this unique apple BBQ sauce came in. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and smoky, with just a hint of spice. It's fantastic on grilled chicken, ribs, or even just slathered on a piece of toast. The recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring basic ingredients, and the result is simply divine!

The process of canning itself is strangely therapeutic. The precise measurements, the careful sterilization, and the anticipation of opening a jar months later, filled with the flavors of autumn – it's a rewarding experience. I found a unique satisfaction from preserving the bounty of our harvest, and ensuring a delicious taste of autumn far beyond the season itself. This year's canning experience has been a journey, testing my patience, time management, and above all, resourcefulness. I can honestly say, I've learned a lot about myself in the process and it’s more than just food preservation, it's a testament to the commitment of preserving a little piece of summer, to enjoy it throughout the entire year. It's become a delightful ritual, a way to connect with the earth's bounty and share the fruits of my labor (literally!) with my family and friends.

Beyond the practicality of preserving food, this whole canning process has been a fascinating journey of self-discovery. It's shown me the importance of patience, the power of planning, and the sheer satisfaction of creating something delicious and lasting from scratch. The process has become a type of mindfulness meditation. In the moments where I'm surrounded by the sweet scent of cinnamon, spices and apples, the rest of the world melts away. That’s the beauty of this simple act - transforming fresh produce into something to savor long after the leaves have changed colors. More than just food preservation, it’s a way to cherish the memories, the season, and the simple joys of life, one jar at a time.

I'm already brainstorming ideas for next year's canning adventures. Perhaps some spiced pear preserves or maybe a cranberry sauce with a unique twist? I also have some more pumpkin and apples to preserve, so it looks like this year is the year of the apple, and the start of a whole new chapter on my personal canning journey. Who knows what kind of surprises next year will bring? It’s safe to say though, I’ll be ready for anything.

Step-by-step

• Mix all ingredients together in a large stock pot.
• Bring to a boil, simmer for 1 1/2–2 hours or until thickened.
• Fill sterilized pint jars with the hot BBQ sauce, leaving 1/2-inch head space.
• Process 20 minutes in a hot water bath.
• Add 5 minutes for each 1,000 feet elevation (adjust processing time based on altitude).