Recipe(tried): Spiced Crab Apples

Spiced Crab Apples

4 pounds crab apples
2 1/2 cups vinegar
2 cups water
4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon whole cloves
3-3 inch sticks cinnamon
1 teaspoon whole giner
red food coloring, optional

Wash and remove blossom ends of apples; do not remove stems. Prick each apple in several places with fork. Bring vinegar, water and sugar to boil. Add spiceis tied in a bag. cook half of the apples in the syrup for 2 minutes; remove. Repeat with other apples until all cooked. Add food coloring if desired. Pour syrup with spice bag over apples; let stand overnight. Remove apice bag. pack apples in hot pint jars. Bring syrup to boil. Pour over fruit. Adjust lids. Process in boiling water bath for 30 minutes. Remove jars. Makes 4-5 pints. I have sometimes stuck a small piece of cinnamon stick in each jar before canning to add a bit more cinnamon flavor.