Tom thanks for the tip on restoring. The stove is currently in pieces in our barn, covered with blankets, but definitely getting some rust. I'll have to give the molasses/beet combo a whirl. I do miss the old girl - it was actually easier to can on it (if a tad bit warm) because I could move the pans around to get the right amount of heat. And both our boys (and all their friends) knew there would be no dinner unless and until they brought in firewood and kindling! Fun times.
My guess is your mom just used the o.j. in place of a syrup, either undiluted or perhaps using half the water. You could likely use apple juice concentrate much the same way, with peaches or other fruit. Kind of opens up a whole realm of potential flavor combos.
