Rum Pot Bluenose Style Food

RUMTOPF (TRADITIONAL GERMAN FRUIT PRESERVE & BEVERAGE)

Steps:

• The traditional way of making a Rumtopf started with the first ripe fruit available and ended in autumn (November) with last fresh fruit (often pears). The general rule for making is: for 2 parts fruit you need 1 part sugar and approximately 3 cups Rum.
• Wash fruit, pat dry and cut into bite sized pieces, if necessary. Measure them.
• Add half of weight sugar, mix and let stand for about 1 hour. Fill fruit into your Rumtopf and add as much Rum, so that fruit are completely (fingerbreadth) covered.
• Close Rumtopf and set aside in a cool place.
• Repeat these steps with other fruit "until" your Rumtopf is completely filled or fresh fruit season is over.
• Take care of your Rumtopf. Fill up with Rum if necessary. It is important that fruit are always completely covered.
• After you have added the last "layer" fruit, sugar and Rum let stand for about 6 weeks. Enjoy.
• NOTE: 1-step preparation. Use any kind of fruit you like. Use a good mixture of different fresh and ripe fruits. Prepare them as describe above. After you have put them into the Rumtopf cover them with Rum. The Rumtopf should be completely filled. Let stand for 6 weeks. Enjoy.
• NOTE: let stand at least for 6 weeks or even more. And keep the Rumtopf always in a cool place.
• NOTE on fruit: you can use almost any fruit, but use a mixture of different ones like stone fruit (plums, peaches, nectarines, cherries), berries (strawberries, gooseberries, cranberries, grape wine, and others), you can use figs, apples, pears. Just keep in mind that the fruit will be in the Rum for a long time, so the fruit should be firm enough.
• Number of servings can not be given. Time to make includes time until first use.

RUMTOPF

Steps:

• You can build your Rumtopf in any food grade container-glass, ceramic, or even food-grade plastic will work. You can make miniature Rumtopfs in quart-sized jars but a bigger vessel, 2 to 3 gallons, allows you to use more fruit and create substantial layers that really show off their beauty. You can find specialized ceramic Rumtopf crocks that are decorated to reflect their purpose but I prefer to use a big glass jar-like a glass cookie jar-so that I can get a good look at my Rumtopf over the course of the harvest. Whatever container you use, scrub it well with hot, soapy water, rinse several times with boiling water, and rinse it out with a little of the rum and you are ready to start.
• Add your first fruit and sprinkle sugar on top in the proportion of 1 cup of sugar for every pound of fruit. Top with enough rum to cover by 1 inch. Keep layering as fruits come into season. You can use any of the fruits listed, and the more the better. Just be sure to layer with enough liquor to cover or your Rumtopf will ferment rather than infuse. If bubbles start to appear, add a little 151-proof rum (also known as overproof rum), which will halt fermentation.
• Allow to rest at least 4 to 6 weeks after the last fruit has been added.
• Use a ladle to dip down into the Rumtopf to draw up your first servings. The fruit is great served on ice cream or served with roast meats, but for adults only, as it will be drenched in rum. When the liquid level threatens to go lower than the fruit, you can strain the remaining liqueur, allow it to settle out, and then carefully decant it into bottles. Leftover fruit can be frozen until ready to use.

RUM POT, BLUENOSE-STYLE

Steps:

• Rinse with boiling water a 5-quart crock or glass jar or "rum pot" (I use the plastic food grade containers laundry soap comes in),the lid, and a plate that will fit inside the container (it is very important to rinse all of these with boiling water). The plate will keep the fruit submerged. It will discolour if allowed to surface.
• Sprinkle 1 lb or 4 cups of any prepared fruit with 1 cup of sugar. Let stand at room temperature until the fruit becomes juicy, about 1 hour. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. Add 1 cup white rum or brandy.
• Repeat the procedure with any additon of fruit. Maintain the liquid level and stir occasionally, but very gently. Store the rum pot in a cool place or in the refrigerator. Two months after the last fruit addition, the rum pot is ready to be served. It brings a bit of summer to a cold winter day.