Mmm. Strawberries.
They’re my favorite. In mid-January when it’s snowin’ and blowin’ … thoughts of June strawberries and homemade shortcakes sprinkled with sugar … sweet summertime.
Today we were jammin’ — nothing to do with Trent Willmon’s Good One Comin’ On blaring in the background. I do strongly recommend, however, that you schedule appropriate musical accompaniment to any and all jammin’ sessions.
I was feeling a bit confrontational this morning, so our song list included some Miranda Lambert selections. And then to quiet my rallied soul, I topped off a detestable mood with Some Beach by Blake Shelton.
See … all better. And just look at these berries … smashed into pulp.
Perfect for jam or anger management.
Have you ever made jam? I prefer the cooked version to freezer jam. And I use the old-fashioned method. No water baths here. I pour the boiling jam into the jars, screw their lids on tight and turn them on their tops for five minutes. Then I set them upright. They always seal.
First, however, you need fruit pectin. I’m not partial to particular brands. The Sure-Jell happened to be on sale at Amish Wal-Mart.
It’s not a real Wal-Mart … it’s an Amish-run business on a back country road about a mile from here. And because I can buy dog food, watermelons, canned goods, lip gloss, homemade afghans, John Deere toys and fruit pectin in the same location, I call it Amish Wal-Mart.
My neighbor calls it “The Bent-N-Dent” because the canned goods are roughed-up a bit. I don’t care that my Bush’s Baked Beans is dented, especially with its 39-cent price tag.
But I digress …
You need fruit pectin. And sugar — lots and lots of it (I did not make the No Sugar Needed Recipes on the box).
My assistants washed jars while I watched pot never boils.
But it did … eventually.
Here’s a tip: add a teaspoon of butter to your pot to keep foam from foaming.
And with assistants clear of scalding-hot-liquid strawberries, I filled the jars.
We will enjoy our provisions immensely … until we see thee again, June.
And one last recommendation:
A free endorsement for the elves … Town House FlipSides Pretzel Crackers are delicious.
Dipped in strawberry jam, they’re snack-a-licious.
Enjoy!
