Homemade Fruit Juice

“Delicious fruit juices may be homemade from strawberries, a combination of strawberries with rhubarb; raspberries; cherries; currants; a combination of pears and plums; or peaches with plums; grape juice or apple juice combined with any fruit.”

“Chop or cut the fruit fine. Place in an enameled kettle. To each pint add as much water, cider or apple juice; cover, bring to a boil, simmer five minutes, and strain through cheesecloth. Add sugar or honey to sweeten. If the juice lacks flavor, add lemon or lime juice to taste. Pour into a glass jar and keep in refrigerator not more than three days.”

After making this beverage, you can add a bit more cider or apple juice to the fruit in the kettle, along with a small handful of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, cherries or chopped dates. If desired, a splash of red wine could also be added. Then, simmer down to make a fruit compote. If it is not sweet enough, add a teaspoon or two of honey or sugar. The compote may be served warm, or chilled for the next day.

Reference: Bailey Allen, Ida. Double-Quick Cooking for Part-Time Homemakers. New York: M. Barrows and Company, 1943, pp. 48, 52, 54, 87, 121, 157, 166-167, 221.