Spiced Crab Apples Recipe 385

OLD FASHIONED SPICED CRAB APPLES

Steps:

• Wash the apples well, and leave the stems intact.
• Gently prick the apples all over with a fork or the tip of a small sharp knife. This is so that they don't burst as they cook.
• Combine the vinegar, water, and sugar in a pot.
• Roll over the cardamom pods with a rolling pin or the side of a wine bottle to gently crack them open. Don't lose any of the black seeds. Add the cardamom (seeds and pods) and cloves to the pan and bring to a boil
• Turn down the heat and add the apples to the pot. Simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of your apples. Use your judgement, you don't want the apples to get soft and mushy.
• Carefully remove the apples from the hot liquid and pack them into your jar or jars.
• Strain the pickling liquid and then pour into the jars, completely immersing the fruit. Let cool and then cap and refrigerate.
• The apples can be canned, as well, for longer storage.
• Makes 1 quart

SPICY PICKLED CRABAPPLES

Steps:

• Stick 2 or 3 cloves into each of the crabapples, and set aside.
• In a large pot, stir together the water, sugar, and vinegar. Place allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, and lemon zest in cheesecloth, and tie cheesecloth to make a small bag; add to pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the crabapples,and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes.
• Use a slotted spoon to lift out crabapples and place them into sterile jars. Cover with hot syrup, and seal in a hot water bath for 10 minutes, or until the centers of the lids are depressed. If the syrup seems too thick, add more water. Refrigerate after opening.

SPICED CRAB APPLES RECIPE - (3.8/5)

Steps:

• Combine sugar, water and vinegar in a large stainless or enamel saucpan. Break up cinnamon and tie up with allspice and cloves in a large square of cheesecloth and add to pan. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. Add prepared crabapples and return pan to a boil, reduce heat and boil GENTLY for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit overnight. Pack into clean hot jars to 3/4 inch from rim and add syrup to cover, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Seal according to directions Process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes at altitudes up to 1000 feet.

PICKLED CRABAPPLES

Steps:

• Make a spiced syrup by heating together the vinegar, water, sugar and the spices loosely tied in a bag. This should be enough syrup for about 5 pints.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• When cool, add apples and heat slowly, being careful NOT to burst the fruit. (If I remember right bring to just a good "steam").
• Remove from heat and allow to stand overnight.
• Next morning, remove the spice bag and pack apples without reheating, into clean jars and fill to within 1/2 inch of the top of jar with syrup.
• Put on cap, screwing the band tight.
• Process in water bath at simmering temperature (180 degrees F) for 20 minutes.