CALIFORNIA FRUIT MELANGE

A Myrl Jeffcoat & Francie Heady Favorite Recipe

 
I came across this recipe, and a "starter" for it during the early 1970s.  I acquired a bright red glass canister (actually a set of canisters).  I stored this recipe in the largest of these crimson colored jars.  My mother quickly followed suit, and with an identical red canister was nurturing her own crocked fruit.
 
1 Pint Brandy          
1 Pint Kirsch
1 Pint Sherry          
6 Cups Ripe, Firm Strawberries
6 Cups Sugar          
1 Tablespoon Grated Lemon Rind
1 Tablespoon Grated Orange Rind
1 Tablespoon Whole Cloves
1 Tablespoon Allspice
2 Sticks Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon Green Ginger Root
 
Pour Brandy, Kirsch and Sherry into a sterilized 4 to 6 gallon crock with tight lid.  Mash the Strawberries and Sugar in a saucepan, bring to a boil and stir until the Sugar is dissolved.  Cool.  Strain through a jelly bag and discard the pulp.  Add juice to the crock; add remaining ingredients.  Cover tightly and let stand in a cool place one week. 
 
As fresh fruits are available - Peaches, Pears, Nectarines, Oranges, Pineapples, Strawberries and Seedless Grapes - add 2 quarts at a time to the crock.  For each 2 quarts of fruit add 2 quarts of Sugar, 1 pint of Brandy and additional spices if desired.  Do not add more than 2 quarts of fruit at a time.  Stir well after each addition and cover tightly.  Skim off top each time fruit is added.  When crock is full, cover tightly and let stand 2 to 3 months.  Ladle into sterilized jars and seal.