APPLE CORDIAL RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4 (160C fan).
• Peel and core the apples, then cut them into thin slices. Place in a small flameproof casserole with the lemon juice, sugar and six tablespoonfuls of water. Bring to the boil, then place in the oven and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the apple is tender but has not fallen to a pulp.
• Put the dry topping ingredients in a mixing bowl and rub in the butter until it is evenly distributed and the mixture has formed small clumps. Spread the mixture evenly over a baking tray and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden-brown and crisp.
• Stir to break up the crumble and sprinkle over the hot apple.

Steps:

• If using windfall apples, cut away any damaged or bruised bits, ensuring there are 1kg/2lb 4oz cooking apples at the end. Rinse and roughly chop the apples into chunks. Place in a large saucepan with the cider and cook gently until soft and fluffy. Remove from the heat.
• Push the apple mixture through a large sieve into a bowl. Weigh the fruit purée and place in a clean saucepan, adding 400–450g/14–15oz sugar to 1 litre/1¾ pint fruit purée. Add the cloves and cinnamon. Slowly bring to the boil over a low heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture begins to thicken.
• Remove from the heat and pour into sterilised jars. Seal immediately with the lids. Keep in the fridge once opened and use within 3–4 weeks.