Cinnamon Apple Rings

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1Wash 5 pint canning jars in hot soapy water or the dishwasher, keep them hot, and simmer new lids in hot water per manufacturer instructions.
2. 2Core the apples and slice them crosswise into 1/2-inch rings, dropping the rings into a bowl of cold water mixed with the bottled lemon juice as you work to prevent browning.
3. 3In a large pot, combine the water, sugar, and cinnamon candies (or ground cinnamon and food coloring) and bring to a boil, stirring until the candies fully dissolve and the syrup turns a deep red.
4. 4Drain the apple rings, add them to the simmering syrup in batches, and cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the rings turn translucent and red but are still firm enough to hold their shape (do not let them go mushy).
5. 5Pack the hot apple rings into hot jars, standing them on edge or layering them snugly, then ladle the hot cinnamon syrup over the rings to cover, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
6. 6Remove air bubbles by sliding a nonmetallic spatula between the rings and the jar, add more syrup if needed to maintain 1/2 inch headspace, wipe the rims clean, center the lids, and screw the bands fingertip-tight.
7. 7Process in a boiling-water canner with jars covered by at least 1 inch of water, timing from a full rolling boil, for 10 minutes for pints (since the thin ring shape heats through quickly), adding 5 minutes at 1,001–3,000 feet, 10 minutes at 3,001–6,000 feet, 15 minutes at 6,001–8,000 feet, or 20 minutes above 8,000 feet.
8. 8Turn off the heat, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars to a towel-lined counter and cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours.
9. 9Check seals by pressing the lid centers, remove bands, wipe jars, and label with contents and date.
10. 10Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year; refrigerate after opening and use within about 1 week.
11. 11Keep the rings fully submerged in syrup and do not pack the jar too tightly, since good syrup coverage around each thin ring is what ensures safe, even heat penetration during processing.