Apple Pie in a Jar

from Homemade Simple

Ingredients:
8 short, half-pint glass canning jars*
4 pre-packaged pie crusts, uncooked
7 cups (15-20 whole) apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg


Directions:

1. Lay out pie crusts on a clean surface. Use the lid of your jar as a cookie cutter to create 8 circles. Insert a dough circle into the base of each jar, pressing into place with your fingertips.
2. Cut the remaining pie crusts into long strips, approximately 4 inches wide. Press the dough into the inside of each jar, so the inside is completely covered.
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices in lemon juice.
4. In a separate medium-size bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour the dry ingredients over the apples, then toss to coat.
5. Divide the apple filling equally among your jars, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Finish each jar with the topping of your choice (see our options below).
7. Place your jars on a baking sheet and set inside a cold oven. Begin heating your oven to 375ºF and let bake for 45-60 minutes, until topping is golden brown and bubbling.

Topping Options:

• Lattice Crust:To achieve an old-fashioned look, purchase an extra pie crust or two at the supermarket, then cut the dough into very thin strips, slightly longer than the width of your jar’s mouth. Lay 3 strips vertically and 3 strips horizontally, then interweave them, pressing the edges into the inner rim of the jar. Brush with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
• Capped Crust:Repeat step 1 of the instructions, then use the dough circles to top each of your jars—but be sure to press the edges into the inner rim of the jar to prevent burning. Use the tongs of a fork to crimp the edges, or cut out a few small, festive shapes like leaves with a mini cookie cutter or stencil. Brush with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
• Crumble Topping:For something easy and extra sweet, simply follow the instructions below, then sprinkle generously on the top of each jar:
  Ingredients for Crumb Topping:
  1/4 cup brown sugar
  1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  2 tablespoons oats
  3 tablespoons cold butter

• Directions for Crumb Topping:In a small mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour and cinnamon.Add butter, blending with an electronic mixer until pieces are approximately the size of peas.Add oats, stirring with a spoon until well combined.

Tips & Tricks:
*Find glass canning jars right in your grocery store. The short, half-pint versions work best for this recipe—and though they are pre-treated to resist heat, placing them in a cold oven will allow them to heat up gradually. That means no broken glass!