Christmas inspiration came my way via Rosella at Rhubarb & Roses. Since the Mennonite Girls adopted me as their American cousin I decided to try a German Christmas tradition this year. Now if I truly was from German descent I’d stick strictly to the recipe but since I’m Russian instead of using Rum or Brandy I’m making Rumtopf using Vodka instead.
For 3 cups of strawberries hulled and halved I added 1-1/2 cups sugar, let it sit for an hour and then added it my 2 gallon mason jar crock and added enough Vodka to cover the fruit by 1 inch. Store the jar in a cool place like your basement if you have one.
Over the course of the summer, once a month or so, I’ll keep layering different fresh summer fruits with the same process. At the end Rosella adds pineapple and pomegranate seeds and you can add a few orange slices and cinnamon sticks if you want (I’ll probably stay away from the cinnamon). By Christmas I’ll have a topping for ice cream, pound cake, cheesecake, pudding, trifle, or whatever strikes my fancy.
I think my next summer fruit choices will be peaches and Nectarines and cherries. When our blueberries ripen I’ll use them and when our pears ripen I’ll add them. Do not stir the fruit layers. Just layer the sugared fruit on top of the last layer and add the alcohol to cover.
With my 2 gallon jar I’ll be able to give away my Rumptopf as gifts, too. I’ll need to keep my eye out for cute little airtight containers for my gifts…
Here’s another link that describes Rumptopf.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
This sounds like it will be delicious. I’ll be looking for a Christmas post with the final result!
I remember making this one Christmas. It was delicious.
Ellen, I think I want to have Christmas dinner at your house. ;o)
Hmmm…using flavored vodka perhaps for more fun?
Not necessarily to add to the recipe….
What fun – you’ll have to call yours Schmirntopf! That is an really cool jar Ellen!
Oh, yummy! Hope you show the progress each time you add a fruit, Ellen.
You are too funny with this dumbkoph recipe…
Have fun and guess what I,m expecting for Christmas.
Mmmmm – that will be delicious on pound cake and whipped cream!
That sounds wonderful. I’ve never heard of this before…..I might have to try this.
I’ve never heard of this before I saw it on Rosella’s blog. I guess you’d have to call your version vodtomph.
Love a good Rumtopf come the holidays!!! Let me know how it goes with vodka.. good luck.. xo marlis
What a wonderful and delicious idea! If I find a large jar like this one I’ll try this next year, Ellen. I also like vodka as the main ingredient 😉
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