Rumtopf

[chefgage]

Has anybody made a rumtopf before? I have been given two rumtopf jars and was wondering what's the best fruit to use

[Two_Sheds]

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...opf_36485.html

[rustylady]

Any sort of soft fruit, so it's better started in summer

[Currysniffa]

I use ours to make Rhubarb Schnapps "hic"

[Thelma Sanders]

sloes and vodka in mine

[ladylottie]

Did mine using brandy with red currants, blackcurrants, raspberries and peaches. That reminds me - I ought to check on it now.

[chefgage]

Cheers will have to give it a go

[chefgage]

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...opf_36485.html

That will teach me not to use the search button

[Alison]

Mine has layers of strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blackberries, various currants and a few other bits an pieces but it will vary each year. I'll be straining it off just before Christmas as I do every year of recent years.

[jackie j]

I made some and thought it had gone mouldy, it was sort of white on top but only on some of the fruit. As I was pouring it all through a strainer to catch the fruit, letting the rum go down the sink I noticed that the fruit was actually ok. Too late to save it. Will try again next year.

[nellie-m]

Mine has layers of strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blackberries, various currants and a few other bits an pieces but it will vary each year. I'll be straining it off just before Christmas as I do every year of recent years.

That's how we do it over here in Rumtopfland. You start with a layer of strawberries, sugar and pour the rum over it, and then add a bit of all your garden fruit as they ripen.
I never had an actual rum topf. I simply use big jars (1.5 l) and keep them in a dark place, that's just as good. Plus if you hide them in the cupboard, chances are they aren't discovered before Christmas ;-)

[nellie-m]

I made some and thought it had gone mouldy, it was sort of white on top but only on some of the fruit. As I was pouring it all through a strainer to catch the fruit, letting the rum go down the sink I noticed that the fruit was actually ok. Too late to save it. Will try again next year.

Hi Jackie, what a pity! Next time, if you cover the fruit with a saucer so that it's always covered with rum, it shouldn't go mouldy. Also, be sure to add enough sugar. (one of the reasons why I'm not overly keen on rumtopf, too sweet but there's so much juice in all those strawberries etc, you need to add it as a preservative)