Recipes

 I was the lucky recipient of 3 gallons of fresh Blueberries and bag of fresh Black Raspberries. Thinking of what I could do with all of them and how to thank the family and friends that gave them to me. I vacuum sealed some of the berries and put them in the freezer.

 For a thank you I made and gave ice-cream in my super easy ice cream maker. Then I thought why not make blueberry and blackberry jam. Why not, it can not be as difficult as every thinks, right? So it took me two weeks to get everything together, as well as pick a "good" day, lol. I finally made it and it turned out perfect. Very easy to do also. If I can do it anyone can, lol. I had to use a stool since I can not stand for and length of time but that was no problem. It only took about 30 minutes! And everyone was impressed thinking it was a big deal, lol.

 Has anyone else canned their own fruits or vegetables this year? I am now going to can fresh squash, zucchini and maybe tomatoes? Whatever is ready and also what is now cheap at the markets this time of year. A very economical way to eat well later in the year as well as Christmas gifts. Give it a try, you would be amazed at how easy it is and how others will appreciate it. 

 Tony   

While we were talking away in one of those interesting, but light-hearted kind of conversations, Tony was nonchalantly making blueberry jam! He really did make it sound easy. He also made it sound delicious! No time for pain (although I know he had plenty of it), he was busy making jars of love for his loved ones. Mmmmm, blueberry jam! He made a great blackberry syrup too! Oh yes, then he talked about pouring it over the fresh blueberry home-made ice cream he makes! Is your mouth watering yet? All of a sudden, I could hear the tornado warning sirens over the phone! He had to hang up quickly and call Mark at work and tell him to hurry home. Mark barely made it out of there before a tornado touched down not far from his work! Tornados are literally twisting all around him, but Tony is busy making his delicious jam, lol. He just happened to leave that part out! LMAO!

 

pambe

LOL, Yes we had 5 tornados that day, over a hundred homes damaged and 7 totally destroyed only a mile from me. Winds were said to be well over 100mph. Luckily nobody was seriously hurt. Yes, I got off the phone but did not take shelter, lol. Will admit, went outside and watched them form above us.Went back in, finished cleaning up and then upstairs to watch the storms on TV. Yes, sevearal people called me becasue they knew I would be doing just what I did, lol. We have been having some seriously bad weather lately and they are saying it will continue due to the changes in weather patterns. At least this time we did not lose any shingles like last month.

 I was just happy my first attempt at making jam was so succesful, and easy! Will be doing peach, strawberry, pears and/or plum if I can hold up to do it. The key is preparing by resting before and after, doing nothing else.....and using a stool, lol. It also helps having someone else doing the shopping and heavy clean up.

 Anybody want some jam?

 Tony       

I DO.....I DO !!!! I don't know a thing about preserving anything.......never made ice cream.......or any jams or syrups ! I absolutey LOVE blueberries..........would die to have some of the homemade stuff you're describing.....Pam's description blows it all.....right out of the water. ! But Tony......I can't believe you just watched......as tornados were swirling all around you ! You sound much more involved in the cooking......than the weather. I'm just thankful that you and Mark......are alive and well.......enough to cook.....another day. Rest up now......hear ?.............peace and love......Norma

 Hey Tony! 

Glad to hear you had such a positive experience making jam and syrup!  I have to admit.....the syrup I have made in the past was jelly that didn't jell or set up as I wished!  lol......I have made lots of Crabapple Jelly.....but no more.  My husband and son cut the tree down.....so I guess I have made my last!  

 

I don't have enough tomatoes from my little plant to can any, but I've canned lots of them in the past.  I even messed with just a dab.....can't see letting them go to waste!  

 

I've wanted to get some peaches and make some jam....no one wanted to go with me to pick any.....and I haven't felt good enough to do that!  (I guess I could find a Farmer's Market!)  

 

Shhhhhh........don't tell everyone how easy it is!  

Hey Val,

 My tomatos were doing really great, got many fruit from them at first. Now they are withering and I decided to let the birds and rabbits have them. My mellons are doing great as well as eggplants. And no, not a single weed has been pulled but that is ok. The rabbits finally discovered the squash and zuccini, or something did and now get only a fraction of what it was producing. My understanding is you have to use a pressure cooker for veg and that sounds too involved for me.

 

squabwithfibro:

Shhhhhh........don't tell everyone how easy it is!  

 LOL LOL. It is only easy if you are a good cook, lol. Many people try and it never turn out good, too sweet, not sweet enough or will not set. Timing and "reading" the fruit is crucial or the whole thing is no good. So it is easy for me but not easy, how about that? LOL.

 I am hoping I feel well enough to get out to the farmers market also, or someone brings me the peaches, pears, plums etc...... I have two great looking pears on my tree this year, lol. Not bad for being its first year. My plum tree is mature and was loaded but something got to the tree and every plum dropped off at the same time before ripening. Now I need to spray the tree to save it. I lost a big maple this year to the same thing. Have no idea what it is but it is an expensive little bug, lol.  My mother is diabetic and I plan on making her favorite with splenda, pear syrup.

 Good luck with getting your peaches,

Tony