How to Make Homemade Crabapple Jelly

~ mrsgooses ~ Leave a comment

Crabapple jelly is fun and easy to make! It takes a little longer than jam as you have to strain it first, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort.

I used 5.5 lbs of crabapples, which made 10 x 125ml (1/4 pint) jars.

Buy equipment you need:
Jars – http://amzn.to/12mVzVR
Waterbath Canner Starter Set – http://amzn.to/1veExnU
Cheese Cloth – http://amzn.to/1pKASx2
Potato Masher – http://amzn.to/1yIcwpA

– place trimmed crabapples in a large saucepan and add 1 cup of water for every pound of crabapples.
– bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
– boil for 15 min and then crush crabapples with a potato masher and boil for a further 5 min.
– strain the crabapples through a jelly bag or cheese cloth into a container for at least 2 hrs or overnight.
– place a small plate in the freezer for checking set point later.
– place juice in a saucepan and add 2/3 cup sugar for every cup of juice.
– bring juice and sugar gently to a boil while stirring constantly. Continue to boil for 15-18 min while stirring.
– after 15 min, remove the plate from the freezer and add a small amount of jelly onto the plate and return to the freezer for 1 min.
– remove plate again and run finger through the jelly. If the jelly wrinkles, it’s ready. If not, continue to boil jelly for another couple of minutes and test again.
– remove jelly from heat and skim any foam/scum off the top.

To preserve:

8 qt. pan for jam
Smaller pan for lids
Large pan/stockpot for canning – I use a 21 qt. canner that has a jar rack as well.
Mason jars
Funnel
Jar-lifting tongs

– wash jars and lids with hot and soapy water and rinse well.
– to sterilize jars, place jars in canner with just simmering water. Leave the jars in there until ready to use.
– warm lids (do not boil) in smaller pan.
– pour hot jelly into jars.
– make sure there’s no jelly on the rim of the jars that could affect the seal. Clean with a damp cloth.
– place lids on top of jars and screw on bands until finger tight.
– place jars in canner and lower into water. Make sure there’s at least 2 inches of water over the top of the jars. Bring water to a boil and process jars for 10 min. Use the following chart to adjust water canning times for different altitudes:

Altitude (feet) Increase processing time
1001 – 3000 5 minutes
3001 – 6000 10 minutes
6001 – 8000 15 minutes
8001 – 10000 20 minutes

– remove jars from water and place on a towel for at least 12 hrs. During this time you’ll hear each of the lids pop as they seal.
– check the jars have sealed properly – they shouldn’t move up and down when you press in the middle of the lid. If a jar hasn’t sealed, you can refrigerate it and eat it or you can process the jar again using a new lid.
– keep processed jars in a cool, dry and dark place. They will last for about 1 year. Enjoy!

How to Make Homemade Applesauce

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Homemade applesauce is super yummy and very easy to make. You can make it chunky or smooth and spiced or natural. Although canning it will keep it longer, you can always make small batches to keep in the fridge and eat right away!

I didn’t use an exact amount of apples. As these were picked from my in-laws trees, I had to cut away some of the rotten spots, so I didn’t use the whole apple. You also don’t need an exact amount for natural applesauce – just cook, puree and can the amount you have.

For the sweetened and spiced applesauce, I used 6-cups of pureed apples. To that, I added 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon. You can add other spices and more or less sugar depending on the taste you’re after.

Equipment:

8 qt. pan for jam
Smaller pan for lids
Large pan/stockpot for canning – I use a 21 qt. canner that has a jar rack as well.
Mason jars
Funnel
Jar-lifting tongs
Ladle

Buy equipment you need here:
Waterbath Canner Starter Set – http://amzn.to/1veExnU
Apple Corer – http://amzn.to/11OM0xT
Apple Peeler – http://amzn.to/1w0JXVw
All-in-one Apple corer, peeler, and slicer – http://amzn.to/1rUQQRb
Cuisinart Food Processor – http://amzn.to/1vhUMk2
Half Pint Jars – http://amzn.to/1tGft3L

– wash jars and lids with hot and soapy water and rinse well.
– to sterilize jars, place jars in canner with just simmering water. Leave the jars in there until ready to use.
– warm lids (do not boil) in smaller pan.
– ladle hot applesauce into jars.
– make sure there’s no applesauce on the rim of the jars that could affect the seal. Clean with a damp cloth.
– place lids on top of jars and screw on bands until finger tight.
– place jars in canner and lower into water. Make sure there’s at least 2 inches of water over the top of the jars. Bring water to a boil and process jars for 15 min. Use the following chart to adjust water canning times for different altitudes:

Altitude (feet) Increase processing time
1001 – 3000 5 minutes
3001 – 6000 10 minutes
6001 – 8000 15 minutes
8001 – 10000 20 minutes

– remove jars from water and place on a towel for at least 12 hrs. During this time you’ll hear each of the lids pop as they seal.
– check the jars have sealed properly – they shouldn’t move up and down when you press in the middle of the lid. If a jar hasn’t sealed, you can refrigerate it and eat it or you can process the jar again using a new lid.
– keep processed jars in a cool, dry and dark place. They will last for about 1 year.

How to Make Cupcake Wrappers Using Cake Lace

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This video uses the Cake Lace mats that I already have – Chantilly & Butterfly – to make cupcake wrappers.
Cake Lace now have mats that are specific for creating edible cupcake wrappers. I thought I would try to use the mats I already have to do the same thing. Enjoy!

Buy the Cake Lace stuff here:
Cake Lace Silicone Mat Butterfly – http://amzn.to/1HSpRjc
Cake Lace Silicone Mat Chantilly – http://amzn.to/1vGw78O
Cake Lace White Mix – 200g – http://amzn.to/1B6m93H
Cake Lace Spreader – http://amzn.to/1vcsXcU

How to Decorate Halloween Cupcakes

~ mrsgooses ~ Leave a comment

These are four fun and easy Halloween designs to decorate your cupcakes.

This is the cupcake and icing recipe I used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF-islIWwV8
For the cupcakes, I’ve added orange food coloring to the batter and for the icing, I’ve substituted half a cup of sifted cocoa for half a cup of confectioner’s sugar and added black food coloring.

To decorate:
Piping bag
2D nozzle
2 round nozzle (or any round nozzle)
233 – grass/hair nozzle
Coupler for grass nozzle
Candy eyeballs
Black licorice strips
Black edible pen
Fondant

Buy equipment here:
Cupcake Pan – http://amzn.to/1vLfdo8
Silver Cupcake Liners – http://amzn.to/1v8iYQK
Gel Colors – http://amzn.to/12k2X3h
Disposable Piping Bags – http://amzn.to/1wdJUoC
Candy Eyeballs – http://amzn.to/1HSqKs5
Small Rolling Pin – http://amzn.to/1rNTLR9
Wilton #1M #2A #2D Tips – http://amzn.to/1yc11mv
Wilton #233 Tip – http://amzn.to/15MMYwY
Couplers 4pk – http://amzn.to/1FK1z93
Black Edible Pen – http://amzn.to/1vGydp1
Fondant – http://amzn.to/1yconZd

How to Make Fondant Pearls/Beading with a Silicone Mold

~ mrsgooses ~ Leave a comment

This is a great tool to help speed up your cake decorating. It makes a string of pearls/beads that you can quickly apply to your cake. The mold I have is 8mm, but they come in all different sizes to suit your cake.

I bought mine from NY Cake: http://www.nycake.com/siliconebeadmakerroses11cavities-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.aspx. If you search on their website for ‘silicone bead’, then all the different options come up.

You can also buy them here:
Silicone Bead Mold 8mm – http://amzn.to/1FK5zop

2-Tier Wedding Cake

~ mrsgooses ~ Leave a comment

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This is a wedding cake I made. It has 2-tiers and each tier has 4 layers. It’s my gluten-free carrot cake https://mrsgooses.com/2014/06/18/gluten-free-carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-rose-swirls/ covered in white fondant. The cake toppers were supplied by the bride and groom and were made of clay. 

How to Make Homemade Peach Jam

~ mrsgooses ~ Leave a comment

This is a really yummy and easy peach jam recipe. It’s great to give as a gift or keep it and enjoy it yourself! This recipe makes 10 half pint jars.

Ingredients:

7 cups peaches, crushed* (about 12 whole peaches)
juice from 2 lemons
8 tbsp classic pectin
5 ½ cups sugar

* to crush peaches, place in a single layer in the bottom of your pan and crush with a potato masher.

Equipment:

8 qt. pan for jam
Smaller pan for extra hot water
Large pan/stockpot for canning – I use a 21 qt. canner that has a jar rack as well.
10 half pint mason jars
Funnel
Jar-lifting tongs
Ladle
Magnetic lid lifter or tongs

Buy equipment you need here:
Waterbath Canner Starter Set – http://amzn.to/1veExnU
Half Pint Jars – http://amzn.to/1tGft3L
Ball Classic Pectin – http://amzn.to/1tGgtEW
Ladle – http://amzn.to/1FLqkln

Method:

– to remove skin from peaches, cut a small cross in the bottom of each peach.
– place peaches in boiling water for 30-60s and then remove to a bowl of ice cold water.
– once cool, peel peaches, remove pits and cut into pieces and crush.

– wash jars and lids with hot and soapy water and rinse well.
– to sterilize jars, place jars in canner with just simmering water. Leave the jars in there until ready to use.
– warm lids (do not boil) in smaller pan.

– in 8 qt. pan, mix peaches and lemon juice. Gradually stir in pectin.
– bring mixture to a boil on high heat, stirring constantly.
– add sugar all at once and stir to dissolve. Bring to a hard boil (that can’t be stirred down) and then boil for 1 minute. Use a spoon to skim any foam from the top of the jam.
– remove from heat and ladle into hot jars. Fill to about ¼ inch from the top.
– make sure there’s no jam on the rim of the jars that could affect the seal. Clean with a damp cloth.
– place lids on top of jars and screw on bands until finger tight.
– place jars in canner and lower into water. Make sure there’s at least 2 inches of water over the top of the jars. Bring water to a boil and process jars for 10 min. Use the following chart to adjust water canning times for different altitudes:

Altitude (feet)           Increase processing time
1001 – 3000                       5 minutes
3001 – 6000                      10 minutes
6001 – 8000                      15 minutes
8001 – 10000                    20 minutes

– turn off heat, remove lid and allow jars to sit for 5 min.
– remove jars from water and place on a towel for at least 12 hrs. During this time you’ll hear each of the lids pop as they seal.
– check the jars have sealed properly – they shouldn’t move up and down when you press in the middle of the lid. If a jar hasn’t sealed, you can refrigerate it and eat it or you can process the jar again using a new lid.
– keep processed jars in a cool, dry and dark place. They will last for about 1 year.

How to Make Homemade Blueberry Jam

~ mrsgooses ~ Leave a comment

It’s so easy and fun to make your own jam. Blueberry jam is one of my favorites!
This recipe makes 5 ½ x half pint jars – 5 to store or give as gifts and ½ for you to eat right away.

Ingredients:

4 cups blueberries, crushed* (about 6 cups whole berries)
3 tbsp lemon juice
4 ½ tbsp classic pectin
3 cups sugar

* to crush blueberries, place in a single layer in the bottom of your pan and crush with a potato masher.

Equipment:

8 qt. pan for jam
Smaller pan for extra hot water
Large pan/stockpot for canning – I use a 21 qt. canner that has a jar rack as well.
6 half pint mason jars
Funnel
Jar-lifting tongs
Ladle
Magnetic lid lifter or tongs

Buy equipment you need here:
Waterbath Canner Starter Set – http://amzn.to/1veExnU
Half Pint Jars – http://amzn.to/1tGft3L
Ball Classic Pectin – http://amzn.to/1tGgtEW
Ladle – http://amzn.to/1FLqkln

– wash jars and lids with hot and soapy water and rinse well.
– to sterilize jars, place jars in canner with just simmering water. Leave the jars in there until ready to use.
– warm lids (do not boil) in smaller pan.
– in 8 qt. pan, mix blueberries and lemon juice. Gradually stir in pectin.
– bring mixture to a boil on high heat, stirring constantly.
– add sugar all at once and stir to dissolve. Bring to a hard boil (that can’t be stirred down) and then boil for 1 minute.
– remove from heat and ladle into hot jars. Fill to about ¼ inch from the top.
– make sure there’s no jam on the rim of the jars that could affect the seal. Clean with a damp cloth.
– place lids on top of jars and screw on bands until finger tight.
– place jars in canner and lower into water. Make sure there’s at least 2 inches of water over the top of the jars. Bring water to a boil and process jars for 10 min. Use the following chart to adjust water canning times for different altitudes:

Altitude (feet)           Increase processing time

1001 – 3000                       5 minutes
3001 – 6000                      10 minutes
6001 – 8000                      15 minutes
8001 – 10000                     20 minutes

– turn off heat, remove lid and allow jars to sit for 5 min.
– remove jars from water and place on a towel for at least 12 hrs. During this time you’ll hear each of the lids pop as they seal.
– check the jars have sealed properly – they shouldn’t move up and down when you press in the middle of the lid. If a jar hasn’t sealed, you can refrigerate it and eat it or you can process the jar again using a new lid.
– keep processed jars in a cool, dry and dark place. They will last for about 1 year.

How to Make Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

~ mrsgooses ~ Leave a comment

These are nice chewy cookies. If you are looking for a more cakey cookie, use softened butter instead of the melted. If you are looking for a thicker cookie, chill dough before and after scooping into mounds. Chilling helps them to hold their shape better.

Buy your equipment here:
Cookie Sheet – http://amzn.to/1A9Gim9
Baking Parchment Roll – http://amzn.to/1vDu70Y
Cooling wire rack – http://amzn.to/1tIsHwU
Cookie Scoop – http://amzn.to/1pP1wow

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
2 1/2 cups oats (not quick cooking)
12 oz pkg chocolate chips (or heaped cup)

– Preheat oven to 350ºF.
– Mix together butter and sugars.
– Add eggs and mix well.
– Mix in vanilla extract.
– Stir in flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon (if using).
– Stir in oatmeal and chocolate chips.
– Chill dough in bowl in fridge for 30 min.
– Scoop out dough into mounds on cookie sheets and bake 15-18 min.
– Cool on wire rack.