Posted by Karen on November 27, 2000 at 18:51:42:
In Reply to: Fruits in jars as decor posted by Ann on November 27, 2000 at 05:00:32:
MAKING RUMTOPF:
This is a great way to use fruits of the season to make a delicious gift
that is visually stunning. Rum is used in the traditional German and
Austrian recipes and the French recipe calls for bourbon but you can
choose the spirit that best suits your tastes. The recipe should be
made at least a month before giving as a gift. Fruit should be in
perfect condition without any blemishes and just ripe. Don't use over
ripe fruits. It is okay to use fruit you have frozen earlier in the season.
Depending on the fruit you use they should be prepared according to
their type. Apples, pears, peaches, and nectarines should be peeled,
cored, and sliced. Then drop them into a water and lemon juice bath
to keep them from discoloring. Citrus fruits like orange, lemons,
tangerines, and mandarins should be peeled, segmented and skinned.
Remove stalks from currents and blueberries, and the top and bottom
points from gooseberries. Make sure to hull strawberries and
raspberries. When washing the soft fruits gently spray them with a
fine mist of water but don't soak them.
Choose decorative glass jars that have tight fitting lids. Wash and
sterilize all the containers in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let
the jars cool before you begin adding the fruit. The different fruits
should be layered in any combination that is pleasing to your eye.
Start by putting your first layer of fruit in the bottom of the container.
Then sprinkle caster sugar, which is a superfine sugar over the fruit.
The amount of sugar you use for each layer depends on the
sweetness of the fruit but a good rule of thumb is 6oz of caster sugar
for each pound of fruit. Continue layering each variety of fruit and
sprinkle with the sugar. When you have filled the jar to the top pour
your choice of liqueur into the jar so the fruit is completely covered.
Close the lid tightly and place in a cool dark location until you are
ready to present the gift.
When presenting your Rumtopf add a hand decorated hang-tag to the
bottle with some serving suggestions. Like the ones below.
A traditional Christmas morning celebration starts with a
Rumtopf cocktail. Combine some Rumtopf with champagne
and a few fruits and toast to family and friends.
Serve Rumtopf and cream in wineglasses.
Pour Rumtopf over ice cream or frozen yogurt and serve
with toasted waffles.
Ladle some Rumtopf over lemon pound cake topped with fresh
whipped cream.
This is a fun gift to make and has a very elegant and festive
presentation. Enjoy creating some of your own gifts this season.