Apple & Date Chutney

MAKES: about 5 cups

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds cooking apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 4½ cups malt vinegar
• ½ pound onions, peeled and chopped
• 2 scant tsp. mustard seeds
• 1 scant tsp. ground ginger
• 1½ scant cups warmed brown sugar
• 1¾ cups chopped dried dates
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the first 5 ingredients in a stainless steel preserving pan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until the apples are soft but still hold their shape.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and add the sugar, dates, and garlic.
4. Stir the mixture over a gentle heat until the sugar is dissolved.
5. Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil again.
6. Simmer the chutney until it reaches a thick but still juicy consistency.
7. Pour the chutney into hot, sterilized jars and seal.