Damson: December 2006 Archives

Back in August I had an idea to make something that would be wonderful to have at Christmas. In the mind set of the very long ago housewife and mother I set about a little here and there dreaming of the cold of winter during the heat of summer. 1 part damson. 2 parts sugar. Top off with vodka or gin.
Late August came with the damsons ripening. I picked and sorted and washed. Packing the lovely tart fruits into hot clean jars. Lots of sugar went into the jars as well. Then they were topped off with vodka and gin. Shake daily until all the sugar is dissolved. Continue to shake every once in a while.
Every few days a good shake was given to the jars. The fruits softened and the sugar melted. With each passing day the liquid in the jars began to turn the slightest shade pf pink then red and finally a beautiful crimson. From August to December the wait can seem so long.
With Christmas almost here the jars were pulled out from their long cool dark hibernation and given a shake. Yesterday the lids were popped and the liquid strained to separate the fruit. Strain. Bottle. You don't need a pressure seal. Between the sugar and the vodka bacteria will not grow.
Damson Cordial, Home Grown Winter Tipple, is ready to be served for the Christmas season. Cheers!