Makes 4 lb (1.8kg)
1 lb (450g) onions
3 lb (1.4kg) cooking apples
2 pints (1.1 litres) malt vinegar
11/2 lb (700g) soft light brown sugar 6 oz (175g) sultanas
1 oz (25g) ground ginger 1 level teaspoon salt
1/4 level teaspoon cayenne pepper
(optional)
Peel and finely chop the onions. Put onions into a saucepan and pour over cold water to cover. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, peel, core and coarsely chop the apples, discarding any damaged parts. Put apples into a large saucepan and add the vinegar. Drain the onions and add to the apples along with the sugar, sultanas, ground ginger, salt and cayenne pepper, if using it.
Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 2 hours until quite thick. Pour into warmed jars and cover.