Appley Weekend

Apples are one of the joys of this time of year. Sweet cox and russets, sharp bramleys and inedible crab and cider apples.  Cakes, crumbles and pies are on my normal list of uses for this fruit of Eden, but Apple preserves aren't something that normally occurs to me.  So when a colleague gave me 5 kg of fruit from her tree it sparked a weekend of apple curd, jelly and butter.

For preserving I normally turn to the River Cottage Preserves book by Pam Corbin for inspiration.  All three of the recipes came from this book and I enjoyed making and eating all of them.

Apple Lemon Curd
We really enjoyed the Apple and Lemon curd. on toast.  I've made lemon curd alot but this is mellower and custardier, although it would have been nice to get a firmer set.

Breakfast

Apple and Thyme Jelly
Jelly's often fill me with dread - all the faff with jelly bags that invariably break or drop into the juice. Also,   Apple Jelly isn't something I would normally eat as I'm a bit wary of 'fruit and meat' combinations -unless they're done really well, but it's good to try something new.  I added thyme to the jelly which gives it a bit more flavour.  The texture is definately jelly like and it's crystal clear which is nice.  It was a bit sweeter than I was expecting, but that may have been because my colleagues apples aren't as sharp as the recommended Bramleys.  Still not convinced it's going to go well with cold meats, but I'm sure we'll find something to do with it and it's very pretty!

Apples and Thyme

Beautifully Clear Apple and Thyme Jelly

Cider Apple Butter
I've never made or eaten a fruit butter before so this was another new one for me and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It tastes like christmas in a jar - a mix of apple, cinnamon and clove and the house smells amazing, so I suspect this is one I'll try again. I can't wait to stir it through some porridge or natural yoghurt. The other bonus is the left-over cider which I guess we'll just have to drink : ) .

A Productive Weekend

We'll never eat all of that so I took most of it back into work for the person who gave me the apples.  She then offered it to the rest of the office for a donation to a charity we're currently supporting. I just hope I get my jars back.