If you can find a nice crab apple tree (not near a road, it'll be polluted), crab apple jelly is easy. Wash and roughly chop apples. Put in saucepan with just enough water to cover and simmer till mushy. Tip into muslin bag and hang this over a measuring jug or bowl overnight. Try not to squeeze it, it makes the jelly cloudy. When it's stopped dripping, add 1lb sugar to every pint of juice, and boil till it reaches setting point. Pour into sterilised jars. Compost the crab apple mush, or put it for small animals to eat! Makes a good little present, and goes well with meat, especially strong-flavoured meats. |