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by **FoodMary** » August 22nd, 2014, 5:02 pm

Off to North Wales On the 3rd - not staying with Alison and Gordon as have received a cry for help from Bodnant, as staff are leaving again and Lady A is unwell after a fall. However, I will still have time to pick crabapples and as Alison is the housekeeper at Bodnant even if I can't she will pick them for me. So never fear:-

"I will make crabapple jelly this year"!!!

Mary J

by **Seatallan** » August 22nd, 2014, 5:29 pm

Hurrah!!

It wouldn't be right somehow if you didn't Mary, and Ian would never forgive you.

I've just made a batch of elderberry jelly by the way, and very nice it is too even if I do say so as shouldn't...

by **suffolk** » August 22nd, 2014, 6:02 pm

by **earthmaiden** » August 22nd, 2014, 8:08 pm

by **dennispc** » August 30th, 2014, 11:45 am

No, I've just checked our preserves - still got six pots from last year.

by **ianinfrance** » August 30th, 2014, 2:19 pm

by **earthmaiden** » August 30th, 2014, 2:28 pm

I thought of Mary when we saw a tree groaning with crab-apples in Norfolk! It night taste even better next year if Mary has a little rest this year :hug:

by **FoodMary** » September 1st, 2014, 4:42 pm

Ian, I have already earmarked two on my list for you and Jacquie....... and some for Suffs of course.

Mary J

by **Seatallan** » September 1st, 2014, 5:24 pm

Hi Mary

How goes it? Hope Lulu was good on the journey and has settled down at Brodnant and hope you're not too rushed off your feet.

by **FoodMary** » September 25th, 2014, 7:00 pm

Ian, I have come back with two large carrier bags of crabapples from my dear friends Alison and Gordon's orchard. I will get the Macmillan coffee morniong over and then roll my sleeves up - not forgetting Suffs either.

Mary J

by **ianinfrance** » September 25th, 2014, 10:59 pm

by **FoodMary** » September 27th, 2014, 2:38 pm

I arrived back with about fifteen pounds of crabapples. I didn't have time to pick them personally but Alison's lovely Husband Gordon did and I picked them up on my way past their farm on my way home. On Monday I shall pick up the sugar and already have loads of jars and lids. I also have several orders from this community as well but there will be plenty to go round!

Mary J

by **Seatallan** » September 27th, 2014, 3:52 pm

Mary, I've just made a big batch of spiced apple butter. I'm sure it isn't a patch on your crab apple jelly but I'm eating some spread on a crispbread as we speak and it isn't half tasty. :chops:

by **FoodMary** » October 2nd, 2014, 3:29 pm

First batch of jelly made and potted - I think the set is OK, usually alright with crabapples and it is a lovely clear pinky -red colour, not dissimilar to rose wine.

Mary J

by **Seatallan** » October 2nd, 2014, 5:58 pm

Sounds lovely Mary. You'd have to go a long way to beat crab apple jelly in my view.

by **suffolk** » October 2nd, 2014, 6:26 pm

by **FoodMary** » January 3rd, 2015, 5:15 pm

I'll not forget the crabapple jelly to bring to London for you and Suffs Ian, really looking forward to seeing you both again at the meet.

Mary J

by **suffolk** » January 3rd, 2015, 5:23 pm

by **ianinfrance** » January 3rd, 2015, 6:47 pm

by **FoodMary** » May 19th, 2015, 11:36 am

Just an update:-

Was chatting to Alison in N. Wales last evening and she asked if I was going to visit with them again this year for the picking of the crabapples. I of course said "yes".

I suspect that a few jars will be available at the New Year meet in London.

Mary J

by **ianinfrance** » May 19th, 2015, 3:28 pm

(Quiet little whisper..... yes please).

by **FoodMary** » May 20th, 2015, 1:47 pm

Bless you Ian - it's my family and my friends that keep me making it and the memories get happier as time goes by.

Mary J

by **amazing** » May 20th, 2015, 11:33 pm

Mary could I have a wee jar as well? Please.

by **FoodMary** » May 24th, 2015, 10:44 am

Of course you can! By the way a note is on its way to you, had intended to send it last week but with family affairs it got posted Saturday last, hopefully it will be with you today.

Mary J

by **amazing** » May 25th, 2015, 2:02 pm

That would be lovely Mary, thank you.

by **FoodMary** » August 2nd, 2015, 9:01 pm

I have been panicking as I have been told not to make too long journeys in the car as it doesn't do my hip any good. If I cannot get up to N. Wales to pick the crabapples I have been given a local alternative. One of my neighbour's sons has told me that he knows of two crab apple trees in a back lane here in Forest Green (the area I live in) which are apparently not picked as he sees the apples on the floor when he walks his dogs.

Lovely to know that I could have a regular supply locally.

Mary J

by **ianinfrance** » August 2nd, 2015, 9:07 pm

by **FoodMary** » September 6th, 2015, 2:48 pm

I was given the freedom of a very kind lady's garden today. Two lovely crabapple trees and I was told to help myself! I picked about 7lbs. They are a smaller variety to the ones in N. Wales but still smell wonderful and I am sure will make just as good jelly as the others.

Mary J

by **amazing** » September 6th, 2015, 5:56 pm

by **FoodMary** » September 23rd, 2015, 10:09 pm

My fridge appears to have one complete shelf full of jars of crabapple jelly - turned out really well! The quince jelly looks good too, not so much of that but enough for Suffs and my family. I just love the colour of crabapple jelly, such a happy colour, much like a really good sunset.

Some of it will be sold at our Macmillan coffee morning but I can assure you there will be enough to go round!

Mary J

by **FoodMary** » September 23rd, 2015, 10:23 pm

Just a nice note.

My need of crabapples each year must have gone out on the wire! One of the local Vicars 'phoned me up to say that he has three crabapple trees in his churchyard and I am welcome to pick them whenever I want. I thanked him and said I would take some next week - I am feeling like a jam factory :lol:

Mary J

by **earthmaiden** » September 24th, 2015, 7:32 am

You make me feel exhausted Mary! Your friends, neighbours and charity interests are very lucky!

by **Seatallan** » September 24th, 2015, 5:51 pm

Indeed they are Mary!

I made a batch before we went on holiday and have another batch on the go. I'm making apple & sage jelly this time, for the next Thames Valley Animal Welfare bring & buy sale.

by **FoodMary** » March 12th, 2016, 12:02 pm

Have had a cry for help today - my son's family have run out of my jelly and no.2 grandson is worried as he has it on toast for breakfast and also in sandwiches sometimes for school.

Fortunately for him I have two 1lb jars left........... I will only give him one at the moment so he doesn't go overboard! Then he'll just have to wait for my next batch in the Autumn.

Mary J

by **earthmaiden** » March 13th, 2016, 11:25 am

Oh no! You'll have to start a factory - or at least send no 2 grandson out crab appleing and rope him in to help with the preparation!
Your crab apple jelly is certainly appreciated.

by **FoodMary** » March 14th, 2016, 5:35 pm

I really cannot understand what everyone makes a fuss about but then I am not a jam addict, I would much rather have Bovril on my toast. Having said that when Brian and I stayed with Ian in France the preserve he produced at breakfast time was lovely.

Having thought on it and had a wee taste to remind me of what my own jelly is like, I suspect it is the very appley taste and also the sweetness tinged with acidity.

No accounting for taste! :lol:

Mary J

by **FoodMary** » May 8th, 2016, 1:39 pm

I will definitely be making crabapple jelly this year - everything and me being willing! I have just been presented with a large carrier bag of beautifully clean jam jars by one of my bachelor neighbours who said "Not that I'm reminding you or anything but you might find a use for them". I sent him off with a jar of my orange and lemon marmalade

Mary J

by **FoodMary** » October 16th, 2016, 2:51 pm

All crabapple jelly done and dusted! I loved picking the apples in the churchyard with a friend. I have more than enough to fulfil my usual orders (family first) and some for sale for charity.

Someone has asked me if I make rhubarb and ginger - has anyone a recipe - please!

Mary J

by **Seatallan** » October 16th, 2016, 3:47 pm

Yes, I do Mary- one of my faves. Here we go:

Rhubard & Ginger Jam (makes 5lb approx)

3lb rhubarb
3lb sugar
10z root ginger, tied in a muslin bag
3 lemons
40z crystallied ginger, chopped

Cut the rhubarb into short pieces and layer with the sugar in a mixing bowl. Cover and leave overnight.

The following day, put in a preserve pan with the root ginger, the grated zest of the lemons and the juice.

Simmer until pulpy (stirring occasionally to prevent burning)

Remove the rood ginger, add the crystalised ginger and boil until it sets (this is a fairly soft set jam).

Pour into sterilized jars and seal.

I've been making this every year for the past few years (when the rhubarb season is at its height in late winter) and it's really good. :chops:

by **FoodMary** » October 18th, 2016, 10:42 am

Thank you so much for that Sea - now all I have to do is find some rhubarb. I have a retired farmer's wife living in the flat below, she makes preserves too - I bet she'l know where I can get rhubarb.................... Farmer's Market?

Mary J

by **Seatallan** » October 18th, 2016, 12:49 pm

Sounds a good bet Mary- and you're welcome!

by **FoodMary** » November 11th, 2017, 4:15 pm

Just a note to say that the jelly has been made this year, distributed and I'm told that it is better than ever ( I expect that was said to ensure more next year).

Mary J

by **earthmaiden** » November 11th, 2017, 7:46 pm

I always think of you when I see crabapples nowadays!

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