Tuesday, November 24, 2009

At last..


Marmalade of apples, raisins and shallots:

This says the quantities serve eight. And it goes well with pates, terrines, cold meats or cheeses.

350g Cox's apples
250g shallots, peeled and halved if large, then chopped
50g raisins
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 nutmeg, freshly ground
275ml strong dry cider (actually I used 330ml)
55ml cider vinegar
25g dark muscovado sugar
1/8 teaspoon whole cloves.

To prepare the apples, wash, core and cut into quarters (no need to peel), then slice each quarter into three (I found this varies with the size of the apples). Place them, along with all the other ingredients, into a medium saucepan, bring everything up to a gentle simmer and just leave it to cook very gently (without a lid) for 50 - 60 mins, until the liquid has reduced and the mixture looks sticky
and glossy. I then spooned the marmalade into warm jars, covered with paper circles and then with pretty mob-caps made from bits and pieces of fabric I've saved.
If you cut the fabric circles out with pinking shears, it makes a lovely crinkly edge, and you can then tie them with ribbon as a nice finishing touch. Hand-written labels add to the warm, homely feel - and the finished jars of chutney/marmalade make lovely presents.

I hope you enjoy making this - it's really easy. I've now made two batches, the second with double the quantities, and both were equally delicious. Good luck..

I'm sorry that I still haven't done the Vegetable Lasagne recipe - I'm rubbish at working out the quantities and I tend to work on instinct to get it right - I'll try and put my mind to being more precise and get it done in the next few days. Tho' actually I'm gardening for my Therapist tomorrow, in Town on Thursday for my London BF's farewell party at her house, and then driving over to Sissinghurst on Friday to stay with my Aristocratic BF for the weekend. Maybe I'll do it on Monday...

10 comments:

Donna said...

You have Fun! And thanks for the recipe sweetie!!hughugs

Anonymous said...

Perhaps you ought to send samples out.....!!

CJ xx

ELS said...

Was drawn to your blog by the title, and stayed because your writing is beautiful and I was touched by your thoughts on mothering and grandmothering. Your grandson's comment was heartbreaking. He is a lucky boy to have you, whatever else is happening in his little life. I applaud your sensitivity.
E

Expat mum said...

Wow - something I might even try. I always thought you had to have those special sealed jars for pickling?

aims said...

That sounds absolutely yummy! I'm thinking that it would definitely make good presents. Thanks girl!

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Hi Donna, you're most welcome. And I hope you all had a good time at Thanksgiving. Hugs, M xx

Hi Crystal - well the trouble is that it probably wouldn't survive the journey! At least that's my excuse.. M xx

Hi ELS, how nice of you to call and leave such a lovely comment. Many thanks, and I really appreciate your thoughts on my little Grandson etc... It's an on-going drama, but I guess that's life! M xx

Hi Expatmum, I know what you mean, but this does really work - and it's delicious. Do hope you try it. M xxx

Hi aims, I'm so pleased you like the look of it - let me know how it goes. M xx

family affairs said...

Blimey you've got a busy weekend....that receipe looks lovely - thanks - btw my ex now engaged to BB's ex wife and they're marrying next year!! can you beileve it? Lx

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Lovely to hear from you Lulu - and you're right, I can't believe that! I can only say they would seem to thoroughly deserve each other...:-( Love as always, M xxx

Working Mum said...

Long time no blog! Award for you over at my place.

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Hi Working Mum, and thank you. I have popped over and picked up my lovely award - just have to put it on now :-) M xx