Spiced Crab Apples

Reader Contribution by Sue Van Slooten
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Being from New England originally, I used to love all the pickled types of condiments we would have in that region. Pickled watermelon rind comes to mind, but my culinary adventures took a different turn about two weeks ago: spiced crab apples. These delectable little morsels of fruit are a bright ruby red colour with a hit of sweet and sour, and a blast of spice. Sort of sounds like a fine wine, doesn’t it? I have a huge crabapple tree on my property, and every year, with it full of fruit, I think about spiced crab apples. 

But alas, with something going on, usually school, I never quite got there. Well this year is different. With #1 son (actually, only son) safely established in St. John’s, Newfoundland studying Nautical Science, and school not yet started for me, I seized the opportunity. The tree was really loaded, so I felt there was no better time. Besides, they’re free. I picked about four pounds worth, found a good recipe, and the great experiment started. 

The recipe in question came from a cookbook series popular here in Canada called Company’s Coming, by Jean Pare. She and her team are a practical lot, putting out easy to understand, and easy to make, recipes. I don’t have her whole collection, but close to it. The one I used is called, of course, “Preserves.” 

Take a look at the technical data below, you probably can get it online. As usual, I did modify the recipe, in this case, cutting it in half. But it didn’t stop there, I went one step further. She advocates canning the finished product, but I don’t can (a shortcoming I know), so I tried freezing some. Worked beautifully, and that is what I would recommend if you aren’t planning on eating all 3 ½ pounds worth anytime soon. Yield: Three quarts.

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