Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Crab Apples and Thoughts of Jelly

Crab Apples in AlaskaMy biggest regret about Alaska is the short growing season. If I had my way I'd have an orchard with apricots, cherries, apples, peaches . . . but they don't grow here. Sure there are a few strains of fruit trees that have survived in various micro climates around town but generally if you want fruit you're out of luck in Anchorage.

I happen to have a couple crab apple trees that couldn't be prettier each spring. Not as good as apple trees but they were here when we bought the house and are so pretty I can't bear to get rid of them. Besides, we make crab apple jelly each fall from the pickings. If you haven't had crab apple jelly you're missing out. It's a beautiful pink color and tastes so sweet and tender with a hint of tart that you couldn't help but love it--it's perfect for your breakfast toast.

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26 comments:

Pearls of Wisdom said...

Yum that sounds great! Thanks for sharing and Happy WW. Beautiful picture.

Angel Mama ():)

Lei said...

Mmmmm. Sounds delish. I love crab apple trees, too. My il's have them and even in the winter when they are hard and bare, a spray of the branches with its dried up berries is so pretty in a vase. Of course in springtime, they are just breathtaking!

TeaMouse said...

Crab apple jelly is delicious. In Saskatchewan we have to rely on these for our apple trees too - much to short a growing season.

Jen at Semantically driven said...

I'm missing out then. I've never had crab apple jelly. You could always send some down my way!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE crab apples!! Happy WW

Melissa Angert {All Things Chic} said...

i've never tried it! i'll look for it at our farmer's market next time.
thanks for the tip ;-)

UntrainedEye said...

I love the photograph. Crab apples remind me of when I was young I use to see a crab apple tree - you can find them in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan which also has a short growing season - I would grab one and take about 1/4 of it in one bite then just eat the rest because I felt guilty for picking it.

eyesbyear.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I have a crabapple tree, but I've never known what to do with the fruit (besides let the squirrels have it). Would you care to share your jelly recipe?

Mrs. Cowan said...

Love crab apple jelly! I remember the enormous disappointment the first time I put a crab apple in my mouth and realized it lacked the sweetness of the jelly.

Anonymous said...

Do you have a recipe for it that you especially like?

Anonymous said...

I live right next to the town of Crabapple! But I've never had crabapple jelly. I can tell I'm missing out!

Joyful Days said...

Sounds lovely. Nice photo.

~Blessings~

Crissybug said...

I have never had crab apple jelly, but it sound really yummy.

Here in AZ we aren't able to grow a whole lot either. It just isn't fair!

Scribbit said...

I just use the recipe on the Certo insert. Sure Jell might have one, I forget which pectin I use for it, but it's the standard recipe that's included with the pouches.

An Ordinary Mom said...

Summer always reminds me of homemade jam. I might have to make some this year. I still don't know how you survive in Alaska ... I need my sunshine :)!!

Jenn in Holland said...

mmmmm... I Love crabapples!
Oh, that sounds so nice. Can I come over when you can your jell this year? Yummy, yummy,yummy!

maiylah said...

making me hungry!
haven't tried crab apple jelly yet, but i know i'll love it. :)

happy WW

Anonymous said...

Wow, that jelly DOES sound good! My mom has a huge apple tree in her backyard and routinely makes apple pie.

You know, if life deals you apples, then make apple pies. *grin*

Have a great day!

Patois42 said...

I have a great idea for one of your fall Write Away contest prizes: your world-renowned crap apple jelly!

Chris said...

I've never made anything with crab apples. Strawberry jam I can do ;)

Holly Schwendiman said...

Mmmm garden, garden, garden! I love it.

Hugs,
Holly

Anonymous said...

Sounds great to me!

luckyzmom said...

Bummer on the short growing season. I mostly miss the pie cherry tree that we left with 15 other fruit trees in the backyard of our home of 16 years four years ago and the incredibly delicious pies I made from it. Impossible to duplicate without a tree.

~ej said...

pretty photo....never had crab apple jelly, sounds intriguing!! :)

Anonymous said...

I haven't had crab apple jelly in years! It's kind of an old fashioned sort of jelly that doesn't make it to the shelves of Kroger. Now, I have a taste for it. Thanks for reminding me about it-- I think.

Susan from Food Blogga said...

Nope, I've never tried it before. I'm sure I'd like it though.