We're Jammin!

Rose petal jelly

It's that time of year again, when fruit is falling off trees, and zucchini is growing to be the size of torpedoes, of course this could only mean one thing: it's time for canning! If you are under 30, you might have seen your mother or grandmother do it, either to preserve garden grown vegetables for eating in Winter, or making jams and jellies from fruit grown on overflowing fruit trees. I plan on canning all types of food, but for now, it's lots of jams, jellies, preserves and butters of all kinds. I started when peaches, nectarines and plums were on sale at the local market I decided to make jam. After I tasted the fresh, delicious flavor that homemade jam offers, I vowed never to eat store bought again. As I searched for recipes for common jams for the fruit I purchased, I came across a whole lot of unusual jam and jelly recipes I just had to try.

Here are a few.

Rose Petal Jelly

There was the rose petal jelly, I have a wonderful rose garden, so I figured I already have the ingredients, so I made jelly. I like the taste of rosewater in desserts, so I think it's a winner.

our rose garden

chunky nectarine jam and peach jam

homemade bread... Yum

With all of this jam making of course we had to have fresh homemade bread to eat with it. I just love homemade bread. It makes the house smell wonderful.

apple pie jam

I was gifted with a whole lot of apples from a woman that has a 100 year old apple tree! Wow, does that tree produce tons of apples. I was fortunate enough to take home four bags of them.

kiwi daiquiri jam

I made kiwi daiquiri jam. This was surprisingly super delicious. It's tart, with a hint of lime. I think it's divine.

carrot cake jam

The carrot cake jam I made from home grown carrots. It has carrots, pineapple, pear and spices in it. Frederick really likes this. Which is not surprising because he loves carrot cake.

chamomile lavender jelly

I have lavender growing in our rose garden so I made this chamomile lavender jelly. This is delicate and yummy. The chamomile pairs very nicely with the lavender. This with the rose jelly would be nice with a scone at an afternoon tea party.

I have about 10 different types of jams and jellies in my refrigerator right now! I had a guest recently try all of them on her toast with breakfast. I let her take home her favorite. Now you can too!

From now until the end of the year 2008 I will be giving each guest one jar of their favorite jam or jelly with our compliments!

If you are attending one of the fall follow ups, make your reservations soon, while we still have some availability.