We got a GINORMAS crabapple crop this year. Last year the blossoms froze so we didn’t get any apples. But this year, look out!
Lucy loved picking the apples!
We filled our five gallon bucket and only found three worms.
I made six quarts of crab apple jelly.
The picture doesn't do the color justice. It's a deep red but in the light it almost has an orange color to it, it's really pretty! I changed the recipe a bit, it’s more like spiced apple jelly. The jelly tastes like Christmas- if Christmas has a flavor. The last time I made it I gave away most of it. Big mistake! So if you want to come over for homemade bread and jelly just give me a call.
Ingredients:
1. 1. Remove leaves and blossom ends from crabapples and rinse well. If you soak them in water the worms float right to the top. Place them in a large stainless steel or other non-reactive pot or saucepan. Add enough water to be able to see, but no so much that the crabapples are floating. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. The apples should soften and change color. I like to boil them in an old pillowcase, because it will save you time later.
2. 2. Strain the apples and juice through 2 or 3 layers of cheese cloth. Do not press. Discard pulp.
3. 3. Pour one cup of juice to every one cup of sugar back into the pan. Bring to a simmer, and watch carefully because it could boil over. It happened TWICE to me. Skim off any foam that comes to the top. Add cinnamon stick or sachet. Continue cooking at a low boil until the temperature reaches 220 to 222 degrees F (108 to 110 C). Remove from heat.
4. 4. Pour the jelly into sterile small decorative jars leaving 1/4 inch head space. Process the jars in a hot water bath to seal.
For the Spice Sachet: I sewed a little pocket with some fabric scraps. I then put in about 1-2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, some ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and some pumpkin spice. (Basically whatever I could find in my spice cabinet.) I sewed up the pocket, making sure that the stitch was really tight.
1 comment:
Mmmmm...I want to come over for homemade bread and jelly!!! Mmmm. You know, there's really nothing like homemade stuff. Last year I made several cans of homemade salsa out of our homegrown tomatoes, bell pepper, etc. Now that we ran out, we can hardly stomach our old store-bought brands. Guess I can try to make it with store bought fresh veggies. It was SOOOO yummy. I bet your jelly is, too!!!!!
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