The 1901 Cookbook Archive
No. 3248 — Gooseberry Preserve with Cherry Leaves
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 3248 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
Gather large unripe gooseberries between 15 and 25 July, remove their seeds and rinse in cold water.
Pour spirit over cherry leaves in a pot and heat in a hot oven for about two hours, while the berries rest in a sieve.
Strain the hot infused spirit into a preserve pan, add the gooseberries, bring to the boil once, drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
For each pound berries boil a syrup from 2 pounds sugar and 1 glass water, add berries and proceed in the usual way. A piece of vanilla may be added.
Historical editorial note: Heating spirits in an oven can ignite vapours; this historic technique should not be attempted as written.
Original source: Read Russian recipe No. 3248. Historical quantities and terminology are retained. See the measurements guide. Period preparation and storage methods are not modern safety guidance.