How to Cook Currants
Currants are a tart berry that is available in three varieties; black, red and white and are a member of the shrub genus Ribes. Because the plants were believed to be a carrier of White Pine Blister Rust, growing currants in the United States was banned in many states until the early 2000s. Small, dried raisins are marketed in many areas as currants, but are actually zante grapes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fresh, Ripe Currants Blender or Food Processor Sugar Saucepan Large Stock Pot Canning Jars and Lids 2 to 3 gallon Crock Cheesecloth Pie Plate Pie Crust Egg Yolks Flour
Instructions
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1
Place 1 cup currants and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan. Simmer over medium low heat for 30 minutes or until the currants are soft. Puree the currants in a blender or food processor until smooth. Serve as a sauce for pork or chicken.
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2
Mix 1 cup currants and 1 cup sugar, in a saucepan. Add 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 30 minutes until soft. Mash with a potato masher and spoon over ice cream or frozen yogurt.
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3
Make a jelly. Place currants in a saucepan with a small amount of water. Simmer until the berries burst. Strain through a jelly bag or fine, wire mesh colander. Mix an equal amount of currant juice and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes and ladle into canning jars. Refrigerate or process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Currant jelly does not require additional pectin to jell.
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4
Make a simple wine by placing 6 cups crushed currants into a stoneware crock. Dissolve 6 cups sugar in 1 gallon of water. This can be accomplished quickly by bringing the sugar water mixture to a boil. Allow the sugar water to cool and pour over the currants in the crock. Add 1 package of red wine yeast. Cover the crock with cheesecloth and let the wine ferment for one month. Siphon into jars or bottles using food grade plastic tubing. Allow the wine to age for at least six months for the best flavor.
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5
Make a pie by lining a pie plate with a single pie crust. Mix together 1/4 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 2 egg yolks. Add in 1 cup currants and pour into prepared pie plate. Bake in a 350 oven until the crust is golden brown.
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Tips & Warnings
Fresh currants can be difficult to find unless you grow your own. Look for fresh currants at farmers markets and organic food stores during the mid to late summer. Currants are easy to grow and can be started from a cutting from an existing plant.
