RAID THAT GARDEN!
Well, folks, it's that time of year again. Gardens all over the world are producing loads and loads of goodies and it's time to put some of the harvest to good use.
If you haven't had the time or space to plant a garden, no matter. Somewhere close to your home, there's a good chance that you can find a produce stand or a farmer who will let you pick your own delights--for a price, of course. If not, fresh produce is appearing in the local markets and, by getting it there, you won't even have to get your hands dirty.
For example, this past weekend, my family and I took a trip down the road a ways and spent several hot, but enjoyable, hours wading thru oceans of Blackberry bushes picking those sweet, luscious berries.
When we arrived back home, my wife, almost magically, produced jar after jar of Blackberry Jam. The day before, she had made a bunch of Apricot and Strawberry Jam, so we're set for the winter with some wonderful toppings for her great home-made bisquits.
Wonderful stuff that, and you can do the same.
This week, I'm sorta gonna turn this column over to her and let her tell you how easy it is to create such wonders for your family.
So here she is, enjoy her recipes. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
HOMEMADE JAM
1 Box Sure Jell Fruit Pectin
5 Cups Strawberries, Blackberries or Apricots
7 Cups sugar ( do not use sugar substitute or use less sugar )
1/4 cup lemon juice ( for Apricot Jam ONLY!)
DO NOT OMIT OR ALTER AMOUNT OF LEMON JUICE FOR APRICOT JAM,OR OTHER RECIPES AS CALLED FOR, AS IT GIVES THE PROPER AMOUNT OF ACID FOR A PROPER GEL.
1/2 teaspoon Butter (optional- helps reduce foam while cooking)
I used 8 oz. Jelly jars. Wash jars and screw lids in hot soapy water. Rinse throughly in hot water. Pour boiling water over flat sealing lids and keep hot- DO NOT BOIL. Let stand in hot water until ready to use them.
For fruit preparation: If making Apricot Jam, use ripe apricots and rinse throughly. Break apricots in half, remove seed. Chop apricots (you don't have to peel) finely. Continue until you have 5 cups of fruit. Don't forget to add 1/4 Cup lemon juice!
For Strawberry or Blackberry Jam: Clean strawberries removing cap and core. Rinse throughly and mash strawberries with potato masher, until you have 5 cups mashed strawberries. Wash and remove stems from blackberries. Mash the berries until you have five cups blackberries.
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