Blueberry Lavender Pie Filling for Canning

PDXChef's Note:

Enjoy a taste of summer in the middle of the winter with this easy canning recipe. The following is for one quart jar, which easily fills one pie. Multiply it to use as many berries as you can get your hands on. I also add fresh lavender flowers since I've got a great local lavender farm, but if you do, please be careful to use them sparingly as they can quickly overpower the berry taste. If you are unsure on how to use lavender, read up online first. *DO NOT SUBSTITUTE CLEAR JEL*! This is important. You probably won't find it at your local grocery store, but you can easily order it online. I found mine at a specialty candy and cake decorating store.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 8-12

Yield: 1.0 quart

• 5 cups blueberries
• 1/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons Clear Jel
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh lavender blossoms (optional)

Directions:

1. Please read up on proper canning practices before you begin this recipe. This is intended to be used with a water bath canner. Sterilize your jars, rings and lids while you prepare the filling.
2. Stem, wash and sort your berries well. Measure and set aside.
3. Measure the water, sugar, Clear Jel, lemon juice and lavender into a heavy pot and heat on medium high.
4. Stir or whisk vigorously to prevent lumps. Continuously stir so the mixture doesn't scorch onto the bottom. The mixture will start to thicken quickly. Boil for a minute.
5. Add the berries and stir to coat, cooking until the mixture returns to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes.
6. Carefully ladle the hot filling into your hot sterilized quart jars. Wipe the rims and place rubber sealed lids and rings onto your jars. Process in the water bath canner for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the jars from the canner and allow to cool slowly. Once they have cooled, the lids should seal and will not pop up. Remove the rings, wipe the jars, label and date and store in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Share with the people you love.

Reviews

[Antifreesz]

I used the whole teaspoon of lavender,added it to the 1/4 cup of water heated up and let steep for 20 minutes, then went on with the recipe.The flavor is robust but not overpowering. I added a few drops of blue & red food coloring to brighten up the pie mix.