Spiced Whole Crabapples

Spiced Crab Apples

Ingredients:

• 1 kg crab apples
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Wash the crab apples and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring to a boil.
3. Add the crab apples to the saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes, or until they are tender.
4. Remove the crab apples from the saucepan using a slotted spoon and place them in sterilized jars.
5. Boil the syrup for another 5 minutes, then pour it over the crab apples in the jars.
6. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature.
7. Store the spiced crab apples in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks before opening.

How to Prepare:

Spiced crab apples are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used in various recipes. To prepare these delightful preserved fruits, follow the steps below:

1. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients.
2. Wash the crab apples thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
5. Add the crab apples to the saucepan and simmer until they are tender.
6. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the crab apples to sterilized jars.
7. Boil the syrup for a few more minutes to thicken it slightly.
8. Pour the hot syrup over the crab apples in the jars, ensuring they are completely covered.
9. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature.
10. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks to allow the flavors to develop.

Preparation Time:

Preparation time for spiced crab apples is approximately 45 minutes, plus additional time for the flavors to develop during the resting period.

Crab Apple & Vanilla Curd

Ingredients:

• 500g crab apples
• 200g unsalted butter
• 350g caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 vanilla pod

Instructions:

1. Wash the crab apples and remove any stems or leaves.
2. Cut the crab apples into quarters, removing the cores and pips.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the crab apples and 100ml of water.
4. Cook over medium heat until the crab apples are soft and mushy, stirring occasionally.
5. Puree the crab apples in a food processor or blender until smooth.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy.
7. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
8. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod and add them to the mixture.
9. Fold in the crab apple puree until well combined.
10. Pour the mixture into a sterilized jar and seal it tightly.
11. Place the jar in a pan of simmering water, ensuring the water covers at least half of the jar.
12. Cook the curd for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
13. Remove the jar from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.
14. Store the crab apple and vanilla curd in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How to Prepare:

To prepare the crab apple and vanilla curd, follow these steps:

1. Gather all the necessary ingredients.
2. Thoroughly wash the crab apples, removing any stems or leaves.
3. Quarter the crab apples, removing the cores and pips.
4. In a large saucepan, combine the crab apples with 100ml of water.
5. Cook the crab apples over medium heat until they become soft and mushy.
6. Transfer the cooked crab apples to a food processor or blender and puree them until smooth.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
8. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
9. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod and add them to the mixture.
10. Gently fold in the crab apple puree until fully incorporated.
11. Pour the mixture into a sterile jar and seal it tightly to prevent any air from entering.
12. Prepare a water bath by placing the sealed jar in a pan of simmering water, making sure the water covers at least half of the jar.
13. Cook the curd for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
14. Remove the jar from the water bath and allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for crab apple and vanilla curd is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Crab Apple Jam

Ingredients:

• 2 kg crab apples
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Wash the crab apples and remove any stems or leaves.
2. Halve the crab apples and remove the cores and pips.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the crab apples, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the mixture thickens and the crab apples are soft.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool slightly.
7. Transfer the jam to sterilized jars and seal them tightly.
8. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.

How to Prepare:

To prepare delicious crab apple jam, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by washing the crab apples, ensuring they are free from any stems or leaves.
2. Halve the crab apples and remove the cores and pips.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the crab apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the jam simmer for about 1 hour, or until it thickens and the crab apples become soft.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the jam to cool slightly.
7. Transfer the jam into sterilized jars and seal them tightly to preserve the freshness.
8. Let the jars cool completely before storing them in a cool and dark place.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for crab apple jam is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Enjoy these delightful recipes featuring crab apples! Whether you prefer the tangy and spiced flavors of spiced crab apples or the creamy sweetness of crab apple and vanilla curd, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These recipes provide delectable ways to preserve and savor the natural goodness of crab apples.

Crab apples are not only beautiful to look at, but they also offer a range of health benefits. They are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can boost your immune system and promote overall well-being. Additionally, crab apples are a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight.

With the step-by-step instructions provided, preparing these recipes is a breeze. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you can create these delicious treats to share with family and friends. Take the time to savor the flavors and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

So why wait? Grab some crab apples and get started on your culinary adventure today!