Let's Get Jamming

So, let's get to the reason for starting this blog to begin with.  We all seen the movie "Julie and Julia".  Long story short, Julie starts a blog documenting her journey of cooking through a Julia Child Cookbook.  I thought this was so interesting.  After my mother passed, I inherited her recipe box which includes recipes from aunts, grandparents, cousins, etc.  Some of these recipes were dishes I never had heard of, and thought be interesting to do a cooking journey blog.  Time got away from me and I started making jams and jellies on a whim this past summer. And that's when I found a joy in making these sweet concoctions and decided to start a blog. This blog will not be fully just jam/jelly making but also a documented journey for your enjoyment or boredom which ever, hopefully enjoyment. 

I got online and ordered the Balls Canning Book.  This is the holy grail of canning; from all the research I did.  I ventured to our local Tractor Supply and purchased jars, and a pressure cooker and utensil kit.  I immediately started with easy to make jelly of grape and apple jelly and strawberry jam.  I was intimidated at first, let's face it we all have hard the pressure cooker horror stories.  I found the new generation of pressure cookers are a lot safer and easier to use. 

Since this summer of 2022, I have broadened my jelly/jam scope.  To date I have canned over 80 jars of grape, apple, pepper, candy apple jellies and strawberry, apple, Christmas jams.  I offered a few of my jellies at our local market and did well.  I received great feedback on them and encouraged me to continue.

We now have an upcoming Christmas Market and I have prepared a variety of jellies/jams for the event.  I continue to review potential jam/jelly roads in my Ball canning book.  I believe I will continue on this journey but expand to components, preserves, marmalades and pie fillings. 

So, with my busy schedule how do I factor in the time to make these sweet spreads?  I make time basically or incorporate it into my weekend duties around the house. There has been occasions I have come home from work and started a batch.  The ceremony of preparing the fruit, cooking, preparing jars and pouring the hot sticky liquid into the sanitized jars is satisfactory.  The hot water canning method is simple and easy. I have yet to venture to full blown pressure canning yet.  But the sound of hearing those lids "POP" is my seal of approval that all is well and done right.  This process is worth being able to enjoy the goodness I made and share with others. 

Make the time to find something you enjoy doing for YOU!  Even if you are the only one who enjoys it and enjoys the fruits of your labor, do it for YOU! This has become a way to escape and a relaxing activity for me.  I know starting something new or trying something new can be intimidating but after preparing through reading, research, and trial/error you will feel prepared to start on a YOUR enjoyment activity.  It maybe canning, and I'd be Jammed its good for your soul!