Crabapple Preserves Recipe
π Times:
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Description:
Crabapple Preserves are a delightful way to preserve the sweet essence of these tiny, tart fruits. This recipe holds a sentimental value, reminiscent of cherished family traditions passed down from generation to generation. πβ¨
Recipe Category:
Apple π
Keywords:
Fruit, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Canning, Less than 4 Hours, Easy π
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Crabapples (Washed, with blossom end removed, and stems left intact)
- 3 cups Sugar
- Water
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Crabapples:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the crabapples. Ensure to remove any dirt or debris.
- Keep the stems on the crabapples, as they add a lovely touch and help during the preserving process.
- Crucially, do not peel the crabapples! The skins will add beautiful color and texture to the preserves.
-
Create the Syrup:
- In a large pot, combine the sugar and enough water to cover the crabapples.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
-
Boil the Syrup:
- Once the syrup is boiling, let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. This helps develop a thick, sweet base for the preserves.
-
Add the Crabapples:
- Gently place the prepared crabapples into the boiling syrup.
- Allow the mixture to return to a boil.
-
Cook Until Tender:
- Let the crabapples simmer in the syrup until they are tender and turn a glorious, translucent hue. This process usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size and ripeness of the fruit.
-
Fill the Jars:
- While the crabapples are cooking, prepare your canning jars by sterilizing them.
- Once the crabapples are tender, carefully fill the hot, sterilized jars with the fruit and syrup. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion.
-
Seal the Jars:
- Wipe the jar rims clean to ensure a tight seal.
- Place the canning lids on the jars and tighten the rings securely.
-
Process in a Water Bath:
- Submerge the filled jars into a hot water bath canner, ensuring they are covered with at least 1-2 inches of water.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil and process the jars for 15 minutes. This processing time helps seal the jars and preserve the contents.
-
Cool and Store:
- After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water bath using jar lifters.
- Place the jars on a clean kitchen towel or a wooden surface to cool completely.
- You’ll know the jars are properly sealed when you hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids as they cool.
- Store the crabapple preserves in a cool, dark place. They will keep for up to a year, but we doubt they’ll last that long!
-
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor:
- These delectable crabapple preserves are perfect slathered on warm toast, stirred into yogurt, or as a delightful accompaniment to a cheese platter.
- Share with loved ones and savor the taste of nostalgia with every spoonful. π₯β¨
There you have it! Your grandmother’s cherished Crabapple Preserves recipe, lovingly recreated and ready to be enjoyed. May each bite bring back fond memories and create new ones for years to come. πΈπ―
