Cache-Control: public, max-age=1024000 Epicure's Almanac : WALNUT CATCHUP

The Epicure's Almanac or Diary of Good Living

October 8th : WALNUT CATCHUP

From this period to the first week in November you may purchase green walnut shells for the purpose of making catchup. Three half sieves will be enough to supply a small family for a twelvemonth.

Put these into a large earthen pan or pans, with a pound and a half of common salt; let them soak for three weeks, stirring them often; when you perceive that the shells have become soft, drain off the liquor, put the husks into a press, and get as much from them as possible.

Let this juice simmer very gently, and continue to skim it as long as any scum rises; put in an ounce of cloves, and another of long pepper, two ounces of ground ginger, and the same quantity of allspice; boil for half an hour, and then pour off to cool. Be careful in bottling that the spice be equally distributed, that you fill to the top, and that the corks be sound; secure them with common wax.

Keep the catchup in a cool place, and do not think of using it for at least nine months.