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The crab apples are ready for picking! |
It's that time of year again. There's a cool breeze that seems to be whispering "Fall is coming". Leaves trickle to the ground one at a time; a prelude to the deluge we'll witness (here in New England) in October. If you're lucky enough to have a crab apple tree, you can take advantage of the reappearance of these tiny red fruit. Grab a basket and pick the crab apples! You'll need three cups for this Crab Apple and Chili recipe.
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Sterilize your jars first by submersing them in boiling water. |
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The lids too! |
You'll need:
3 cups of crab apples - chopped (remember to wash them first)
2 red chili peppers - chopped (wash them too, but leave the seeds in)
4 cups of water (I like bottled but tap is fine)
2 1/4 cups of sugar for every 2 cups of the juice you make
cheesecloth
Put crab apples, chilies and water into large saucepan. With the lid on the pan, bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until the crab apples become soft and pulpy.
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The crab apples begin to get mushy or pulpy. |
Line a strainer with cheesecloth and press the juice mixture through, straining off the apple and chili mixture; leaving you with juice. Leave this to strain for several hours. You may discard the apple and chili pulp.
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I like to use a double layer of cheesecloth. |
When you have two cups of juice, combine it and the sugar and slowly bring to a boil. You'll need to stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar. After it has come to a hard boil, remove from the heat and skim off the foam. Put it back on the stove and bring to a rolling boil that you can not stir down.
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Stir the mixture occasionally. |
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The jars are filled. |
Remove from the heat and skim the mixture once more. Ladle the jelly into your prepared jars. Be careful; this mixture is hot! You may add a small chili to the jar if you'd like. I prefer clear jelly.
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Beautiful color! |
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Make sure lids and rims are tightened. |
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Enter this in your local Grange fair! |
Let cool. This makes a wonderful gift and will last for approximately four weeks in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
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