Rumtopf Cont'd.

We went to the St. Jacob's Farmer's Market today!  So wishing I had brought my camera to take some shots of the wide variety of fresh local grown fruits and vegetables!!!  The fruit is coming in and out of season so quickly this summer because of the hot weather, so I picked up some of the last bing cherries - a must have for the Rumtopf!

They were a bit pricey but I just chose a basket, opened my wallet and tried not to wince at the $12 price tag.  I also picked up some lovely blueberries before they are all gone too - another nice addition to the Rumtopf.

So now I needed to find the best way to pit those cherry jems.  I rummaged through my utensil drawer and found a dough hook attachment to an old mixer I used to have.  It has a blunt end and is the perfect size to punch the cherries through.  It worked quite well and on occasion I needed to use a straw to push the cherry pit out.

I knew there was a reason I kept that dough hook!

A couple things to keep in mind when pitting cherries:

• Don't wear your good white shorts while doing this job!
• Plan to do a pile of dishes afterwards to get your hands back to the right colour again or wear  gloves!

Now the sugaring and adding some rum to cover.  I think I overdid the cherries a bit because my crock is just about full.  I'll have to do the peaches and plums in a separate jar I guess??

Ellen - this is for you too!  I wish I had a nice big crock like you have.

Till next time .......... savouring the fresh local grown produce in ONTAREEAIREEAIREEO!!