I read something the other day that stuck with me...I wish that I could tell you who originally said it, and I do not take credit for this quote:
"Life's lessons are opposite those of school, in school you learn about something, then take the test, In life you take the test first than learn the lesson".
I found this to be incredibly true. So often we seem to forget that our life is one huge test...whether we learn from each lesson and move on to the next chapter is all up to us.
When I seem to be "repeating" the same thing, I consciously stop and remember...ah yes, this would be my opportunity to do it differently, make the change, and hopefully NOT repeat it again.
So, short and sweet....Live and Learn!!!
Here's hoping you get an "A" on your next test!!
Until the next time,
Momma T
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Remember Me
In memory of Clarissa Engstrom. A lovely woman in her middle 40's who helped so many. Leaving this world so suddenly, and leaving a huge hole. An animal doctor, a lover of nature, a friend of the Earth. A woman of peace.
My eldest daughter called after attending the hastily prepared memorial for Clarissa today. She said that her best friend had flown in from North Carolina, preparing the obituary to place in our local paper. Then this friend who was so saddened and lonely was told that her loving words would cost (are you sitting down...) over a THOUSAND dollars. Needless to say I am more than appalled by our newspaper. The journalistic raping of people who just want to remember their loved ones is criminal in my opinion. I understand that the newspaper needs to make a profit, and they have a business to run, but REALLY???
So from now on, I invite anyone who wishes to remember their loved one in print, to use this site to do so, and share it with their Facebook, Twitter or other friends. I ask only one thing...please be respectful using this platform in a G-rated, Family format. If you join this blog as a friend, you can share your information at any time. Share this site with friends and family.
I am personally touched by the love that Dr Clarissa "Gooey" Engstrom showed our family. She walked in, held me in her arms and made herself at home. I knew that she had been in the E.R. with a family friend most of the afternoon, and she still kept our "appt with heaven" for our Retriever Bailey. She spoke with each of us, Dave, Gabie, Matt and Danie, and comforted us. She advised us what she would be doing, and then spread her blanket down and invited me to join her. We talked about Bailey and the events of her rescue, her extreme eye surgeries, her infinity of love of playing fetch with her ball and then before we knew it, an hour had passed and Dr. Engstrom was taking the ball out of Bailey's mouth and advising us that she would not have lived more than another week due to her cancer. The kids and I were with her the entire time. (Dave had taken Belle our Brittany on a long walk) Dr. Engstrom and Danie carried the blanket out to her truck (ball and all) and the only "thank you" Dr. Engstrom would accept from me was a hot meal that I had prepared for her to take with her and a loving hug with our gratitude for making such a hard event so wonderfully loving! This is the one story of Dr. Clarissa Engstrom I have to share and contribute to her Memorial. Rest in Peace sweet lady...you are already missed by so many. Take good care of our loved ones that you have helped away...they were waiting for you.
May God Bless you all, and those you love,
Momma T
My eldest daughter called after attending the hastily prepared memorial for Clarissa today. She said that her best friend had flown in from North Carolina, preparing the obituary to place in our local paper. Then this friend who was so saddened and lonely was told that her loving words would cost (are you sitting down...) over a THOUSAND dollars. Needless to say I am more than appalled by our newspaper. The journalistic raping of people who just want to remember their loved ones is criminal in my opinion. I understand that the newspaper needs to make a profit, and they have a business to run, but REALLY???
So from now on, I invite anyone who wishes to remember their loved one in print, to use this site to do so, and share it with their Facebook, Twitter or other friends. I ask only one thing...please be respectful using this platform in a G-rated, Family format. If you join this blog as a friend, you can share your information at any time. Share this site with friends and family.
I am personally touched by the love that Dr Clarissa "Gooey" Engstrom showed our family. She walked in, held me in her arms and made herself at home. I knew that she had been in the E.R. with a family friend most of the afternoon, and she still kept our "appt with heaven" for our Retriever Bailey. She spoke with each of us, Dave, Gabie, Matt and Danie, and comforted us. She advised us what she would be doing, and then spread her blanket down and invited me to join her. We talked about Bailey and the events of her rescue, her extreme eye surgeries, her infinity of love of playing fetch with her ball and then before we knew it, an hour had passed and Dr. Engstrom was taking the ball out of Bailey's mouth and advising us that she would not have lived more than another week due to her cancer. The kids and I were with her the entire time. (Dave had taken Belle our Brittany on a long walk) Dr. Engstrom and Danie carried the blanket out to her truck (ball and all) and the only "thank you" Dr. Engstrom would accept from me was a hot meal that I had prepared for her to take with her and a loving hug with our gratitude for making such a hard event so wonderfully loving! This is the one story of Dr. Clarissa Engstrom I have to share and contribute to her Memorial. Rest in Peace sweet lady...you are already missed by so many. Take good care of our loved ones that you have helped away...they were waiting for you.
May God Bless you all, and those you love,
Momma T
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Winter of 2012...well sort of
Hoping this finds you all enjoying what is left of the most gentle winter I can remember. We waited and waited for the cold to come...a few days here and there, but not much to speak of. We have hardly had the heater on. I have actually prepared the garden to plant next week, getting some of the early root vegetables and lettuces planted before March. I wanted to share my Pea Soup Recipe as this has been on our table of recent, and shared with loved ones. There is something so comforting about soup, any kind that is your favorite. I always remember the story of "Stone Soup" when I am preparing the veggies...How cool would it be to actually invite your neighbors to bring something to put in the pot...maybe play a game of monopoly or cards while the precious solution simmers to a tasty, delightful concoction waiting to be splashed with fresh cheese and maybe a dunk or two of homemade bread...
Easy Peasy Soup (Split Pea)
Made in a Crock Pot
Put 1 quart container of low sodium chicken stock in crock pot (or 2 cans) with 1 cup water
Add 1 bag of dried and rinsed split green peas, mix
In saute pan on med heat, with 3 tbsp butter and 3 tbsp EVOO saute:
1 medium onion (chopped small)
2 large carrots (chopped small)
3 ribs of celery (chopped small)
1 clove garlic (chopped small)
After 8-10 minutes, add 3 peeled and chopped small potatoes with the following herbs:
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp Oregano and chopped Bay leaves
1 tsp Basil, Thyme and Dill
Mix all herbs and Veggies together well. When vegetables are well seasoned together, add to crock pot and mix everything together. Make sure the crock pot is on high, put the lid on and let it go! Every 45 min give it a mix. After about 4 hours the peas will have "popped" and will begin to breakdown. At this time you can add chopped ham if you like. (some people start the soup with a ham bone left over from the holidays...) After 5 hours take off the lid, and stir every 10 - 15 minutes for the next hour. This will thicken the soup. Enjoy!!
I make dinner scones to go with the soup, using using original scone recipe and substituting 1/2 cup of finely grated guyre cheese instead of sugar in the recipe and top with dill weed.
I have also been spending some of my winter at the sewing machine, taking a class with a dear neighbor. Who knew Heirloom sewing would be so much fun and incredibly satisfying!! I will post the pictures after the class is over along with the finished product. Make the most of your winter!
Enjoy and Be Blessed. Until next time...
Momma Turner
Easy Peasy Soup (Split Pea)
Made in a Crock Pot
Put 1 quart container of low sodium chicken stock in crock pot (or 2 cans) with 1 cup water
Add 1 bag of dried and rinsed split green peas, mix
In saute pan on med heat, with 3 tbsp butter and 3 tbsp EVOO saute:
1 medium onion (chopped small)
2 large carrots (chopped small)
3 ribs of celery (chopped small)
1 clove garlic (chopped small)
After 8-10 minutes, add 3 peeled and chopped small potatoes with the following herbs:
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp Oregano and chopped Bay leaves
1 tsp Basil, Thyme and Dill
Mix all herbs and Veggies together well. When vegetables are well seasoned together, add to crock pot and mix everything together. Make sure the crock pot is on high, put the lid on and let it go! Every 45 min give it a mix. After about 4 hours the peas will have "popped" and will begin to breakdown. At this time you can add chopped ham if you like. (some people start the soup with a ham bone left over from the holidays...) After 5 hours take off the lid, and stir every 10 - 15 minutes for the next hour. This will thicken the soup. Enjoy!!
I make dinner scones to go with the soup, using using original scone recipe and substituting 1/2 cup of finely grated guyre cheese instead of sugar in the recipe and top with dill weed.
I have also been spending some of my winter at the sewing machine, taking a class with a dear neighbor. Who knew Heirloom sewing would be so much fun and incredibly satisfying!! I will post the pictures after the class is over along with the finished product. Make the most of your winter!
Enjoy and Be Blessed. Until next time...
Momma Turner
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Christmas Made in the USA
Going into the 2nd week of December and happy to be able to write to you and share some insight for the holiday season. I keep going back to EXPECTATIONS. One of the worst things we do to ourselves is setting the expectations of the season to unrealistic levels. Be REAL, Be HONEST. Keep in mind that whatever your personal beliefs are, the "reason for the season" is something other than commercial shopping marathons resulting in personal debt. Remember the reason!
After writing our family newsletter, I am finishing the Christmas Cards that I have been making by Stamping card stock. Those to be sent out this weekend.
I took on a personal challenge this year by buying items Made in the U.S.A. It has been an eye opening adventure. Keeping this in mind, I have made the majority of the Christmas gifts that I will be giving this year. It has been really satisfying putting together items and actually looking for items that have been made or grown here in the U.S.A. Gifts this year are made with love!!
On previous pages of this blog, I have demonstrated how to make jelly and pies. I have been busy making cookies and putting together Gifts in a Jar with a girlfriend (Thanks for the fun Denise!) which by itself was a gift!!! I offer these to you now.
RAINBOW BEAN SOUP
Kerr or Ball Quart size jars - Made in the U.S.A.
Dry Beans:
Kidney 3/4 C
Pea 3/4 C
White 3/4 C
Black 3/4 C
Yellow 3/4 C
Dry Spices:
Parsley 2T
Basil 1T
Minced Onion 2T
Chili Powder 1T
Garlic Powder 1T
Oregano1 T
Beef Bullion Cubes 12
Put Beans in jar in order given. Put spices in zip lock bag, take out air and seal. Put on top of beans.
Cut out a 8" round piece of fabric and place on top of lid of jar. Screw on jar band and place ribbon around the band. Attach tag with instructions to put all ingredients in a crock pot with 8 cups of water and a can of diced tomatoes. cook on low 6 hours...enjoy!
Baking Gift
My next really fun gift is a Cookie bag. I got a plain burlap bag and used fabric paint to put my granddaughters name on the bag. Using ribbons and cookie cutters found on sale during the year, I tied the cookie cutters on the ribbons and then safety pinned the ribbons to the bag. Inside the bag was a small wood rolling pin, measuring spoons and measuring cups sprinkles, candy and frosting. Also included was the dry ingredients to my sugar cookie recipe. All my daughter had to do was add the butter, eggs and extract. This is a really sweet gift! ** Make this easy and fun by putting Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix and Frosting in the bag.
Sugar Cookie Recipe:
1 1/2 C Flour (all purpose)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C (1 stick) Unsalted Butter-softened
3/4 C granulated sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Measure all dry ingredients together and set aside. With mixer on low, combine butter and sugar until creamed well, add egg and vanilla and mix until light and fluffy. slowly add flour mixture until blended. Use hands to gather the dough and pat into a round disk and wrap in saran. Let rest in fridge for at least an hour. Remove from fridge, to floured board. Flour rolling pin and beginning in center of dough roll out in even strokes until dough is 1/4-1/8 thick. Flour cutters for ease. Cut out shapes and place on cookie tray lined with parchment paper. Gather dough up and re-roll...continue as quickly as possible until dough is used up. (continue flouring board, rolling pin and cutters) Bake in preheated 350 F oven for 10 - 12 minutes just till edges are lightly brown. Cool cookies before frosting.
Frosting: 2 C Powdered Sugar (Confectioners)
1 T unsalted butter
2 tsp light corn syrup
2 1/2 T hot water
combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and using mixer, on low, mix until well blended. If it is to stiff, add a few drops of hot water. Use piping bags for special decorating. Frost cookies and sprinkle with variety of sugars, sprinkles and candy.
After writing our family newsletter, I am finishing the Christmas Cards that I have been making by Stamping card stock. Those to be sent out this weekend.
I took on a personal challenge this year by buying items Made in the U.S.A. It has been an eye opening adventure. Keeping this in mind, I have made the majority of the Christmas gifts that I will be giving this year. It has been really satisfying putting together items and actually looking for items that have been made or grown here in the U.S.A. Gifts this year are made with love!!
On previous pages of this blog, I have demonstrated how to make jelly and pies. I have been busy making cookies and putting together Gifts in a Jar with a girlfriend (Thanks for the fun Denise!) which by itself was a gift!!! I offer these to you now.
RAINBOW BEAN SOUP
Kerr or Ball Quart size jars - Made in the U.S.A.
Dry Beans:
Kidney 3/4 C
Pea 3/4 C
White 3/4 C
Black 3/4 C
Yellow 3/4 C
Dry Spices:
Parsley 2T
Basil 1TMinced Onion 2T
Chili Powder 1T
Garlic Powder 1T
Oregano1 T
Beef Bullion Cubes 12
Put Beans in jar in order given. Put spices in zip lock bag, take out air and seal. Put on top of beans.
Cut out a 8" round piece of fabric and place on top of lid of jar. Screw on jar band and place ribbon around the band. Attach tag with instructions to put all ingredients in a crock pot with 8 cups of water and a can of diced tomatoes. cook on low 6 hours...enjoy!
Baking Gift
My next really fun gift is a Cookie bag. I got a plain burlap bag and used fabric paint to put my granddaughters name on the bag. Using ribbons and cookie cutters found on sale during the year, I tied the cookie cutters on the ribbons and then safety pinned the ribbons to the bag. Inside the bag was a small wood rolling pin, measuring spoons and measuring cups sprinkles, candy and frosting. Also included was the dry ingredients to my sugar cookie recipe. All my daughter had to do was add the butter, eggs and extract. This is a really sweet gift! ** Make this easy and fun by putting Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix and Frosting in the bag.
1 1/2 C Flour (all purpose)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C (1 stick) Unsalted Butter-softened
3/4 C granulated sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Measure all dry ingredients together and set aside. With mixer on low, combine butter and sugar until creamed well, add egg and vanilla and mix until light and fluffy. slowly add flour mixture until blended. Use hands to gather the dough and pat into a round disk and wrap in saran. Let rest in fridge for at least an hour. Remove from fridge, to floured board. Flour rolling pin and beginning in center of dough roll out in even strokes until dough is 1/4-1/8 thick. Flour cutters for ease. Cut out shapes and place on cookie tray lined with parchment paper. Gather dough up and re-roll...continue as quickly as possible until dough is used up. (continue flouring board, rolling pin and cutters) Bake in preheated 350 F oven for 10 - 12 minutes just till edges are lightly brown. Cool cookies before frosting.
Frosting: 2 C Powdered Sugar (Confectioners)
1 T unsalted butter
2 tsp light corn syrup
2 1/2 T hot water
combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and using mixer, on low, mix until well blended. If it is to stiff, add a few drops of hot water. Use piping bags for special decorating. Frost cookies and sprinkle with variety of sugars, sprinkles and candy.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way."~ Native American
Did you all enjoy your long weekend? Ours started on Wednesday. Having a son in the Fire Dept makes for scheduling changes. My four children, two children-in laws, four grandchildren and Grandma Sue and Tom were all present and sitting at the dining room table...yes the 4 little ones sat at the "kids" table! It was awesome having the 10 "adults" together. (first time Gabie got to sit at the big table). Is it amazing how we define the years...
My friend Kathy posted the title to today's post, and with her permission I used it. There is something so incredible about the meaning of this sentence. Give Thanks for unknown blessings...what a concept. We are asked to think about the many blessings we have and how truly thankful we are to have them. In today's challenging world it did not occur to me to be thankful for what is being sent. Ahhh, the true meaning of FAITH.
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite family holiday. I have learned to not expect the "Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving" image...as this does not happen in my family. And honestly it's OK! I love my kids, my grand kids and my parents! But really...after the dinner is over I am exhausted and so happy when they all leave, so I can reflect in the lovely silence (and mess) and truly give thanks that the evening was as perfect as it was going to get...spilled juice, cranberry stained table cloth, and the boys doing the dishes!!
I wish I had thought to be thankful for that blessing, as I prayed the day would go smoothly...I thanked God for each of the people sitting at my table, and now, I will be truly thankful for the blessings that will be arriving for they are on their way!!!
My friend Kathy posted the title to today's post, and with her permission I used it. There is something so incredible about the meaning of this sentence. Give Thanks for unknown blessings...what a concept. We are asked to think about the many blessings we have and how truly thankful we are to have them. In today's challenging world it did not occur to me to be thankful for what is being sent. Ahhh, the true meaning of FAITH.
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite family holiday. I have learned to not expect the "Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving" image...as this does not happen in my family. And honestly it's OK! I love my kids, my grand kids and my parents! But really...after the dinner is over I am exhausted and so happy when they all leave, so I can reflect in the lovely silence (and mess) and truly give thanks that the evening was as perfect as it was going to get...spilled juice, cranberry stained table cloth, and the boys doing the dishes!!
I wish I had thought to be thankful for that blessing, as I prayed the day would go smoothly...I thanked God for each of the people sitting at my table, and now, I will be truly thankful for the blessings that will be arriving for they are on their way!!!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Making a Plan
When November starts, it seems to be a reminder of all the days that have got away from me, and things that I didn't get finished. The holiday season can be a source of pressure that builds up and by the end of December, we feel exhausted.
Again with the expectations!!
As I moved from one room to the next today, I found myself sort of lost in the amount of "things" that I know need to get accomplished. Like many people, I allow myself to become overwhelmed by the stuff that piles up, needing to be finished or done.
So as my mom-Betty says, "Just for today" I am letting it go. I picked just one thing to finish...I made my plan on how to complete the task and DID IT. Sounds kind of silly, but it worked.
The plan: Start the Christmas Pajamas for the grandkids. I got all 4 pairs of pajamas layed out and cut out. Since I concentrated on getting that done, I was able to save myself an extra hour of time, which I later used to clean the bathrooms...done after the sewing prep work was accomplished. (yes, I know...but it had to be done!)
Tomorrow is another day...dusting and dishes, laundry and floors...it will all get done...eventually! A few phone calls and the Thanksgiving plans are made...will work on the list for the market tomorrow. One day at a time...the key...be flexible and make a plan B just in case plan A falls apart.
Make a Plan...sounds simple...it should be...do not get overwhelmed with to many things at once!
And just in case you need one....HUG!
Until the next time,
Momma Turner
Again with the expectations!!
As I moved from one room to the next today, I found myself sort of lost in the amount of "things" that I know need to get accomplished. Like many people, I allow myself to become overwhelmed by the stuff that piles up, needing to be finished or done.
So as my mom-Betty says, "Just for today" I am letting it go. I picked just one thing to finish...I made my plan on how to complete the task and DID IT. Sounds kind of silly, but it worked.
The plan: Start the Christmas Pajamas for the grandkids. I got all 4 pairs of pajamas layed out and cut out. Since I concentrated on getting that done, I was able to save myself an extra hour of time, which I later used to clean the bathrooms...done after the sewing prep work was accomplished. (yes, I know...but it had to be done!)
Tomorrow is another day...dusting and dishes, laundry and floors...it will all get done...eventually! A few phone calls and the Thanksgiving plans are made...will work on the list for the market tomorrow. One day at a time...the key...be flexible and make a plan B just in case plan A falls apart.
Make a Plan...sounds simple...it should be...do not get overwhelmed with to many things at once!
And just in case you need one....HUG!
Until the next time,
Momma Turner
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Autumn Flavors
Welcome Autumn. Welcome crisp cool mornings and toasty evenings by the fireplace. Welcome comfort foods and the wonderful scent coming from the kitchen!! Have you made the Apple Pie yet? You should if only to fill your home with the wonderful smell of the pie!
I have donned an apron and have begun preparing for the upcoming holiday season. First up, preparing the jars of lovely jellies and jams that will be the centerpiece of holiday gift baskets given to family and friends. To that, I offer you my Pomegranate Jelly, step by step. Grab them while you can, anyway you can. ( I have made several phone calls and trips to friends homes to gather the precious fruit.) As you pick your fruit, remember that you may need A LOT more than you think!!
The first step as with any jelly or jam is to gather all ingredients you will need so that each step is right at your fingertips and ready to go.
Sterilize your jars...use whatever method you choose, whether you do it in a pot, or your dishwasher on sterile heat. All jars, and lids should be done prior to turning on the stove!
Gather fruit and prepare it...peel, remove seeds, puree, whatever is required.
Measure sugar out and have ready to go...all of it.
Measure and have lemon juice (if required) ready to go
Open package of Sure-jell and have it ready.
Pomegranate Jelly
3 1/2 cups Pomegranate Juice
1/4 cup Lemon Juice
1 pkg Sure-jell Powder
4 1/2 cups Sugar
Remove seeds from Pomegranates by gently hitting the back of a wood spoon on the outside of the fruit. Moving around the entire surface of the fruit. This loosens up the seeds from the membrane of the fruit. (yes it does work) Over a bowl, slightly slice with sharp knife and allow juice into bowl. Break open the fruit and turn inside out and remove seeds.
"Beating the Pomegranate and slicing...Turn it inside out and
remove seeds into bowl.
After all the seeds have been removed from the fruit it is time to juice. I have personally used several methods to do this, but honestly there are really only 2 that work well without hours of work. You can use an electric juicer or you can use a food mill. Here I have selected a food mill with the medium grate in the mill used. Fill the bottom of the mill with the seeds (I don't over fill) Turn the mill handle several times to get the juice extracted from seeds. Reverse motion and spread seeds again throughout the bottom and turn again making sure all juice is extracted. I then reverse motion again and remove the "dry" seeds to the trash bin. Continue with the procedure until all but a cup of seeds have been juiced. **I always keep a cup of seeds to sprinkle in the jars** Your juice should measure 3 1/2 cups!!!
At this point it is important to set out the jars where you will be filling them (I place mine on the counter next to the stove so that I don't have to move the hot pot.) Place jars on a towel (one that you don't mind being stained!)
Put all 3 1/2 cups of juice in a 8 qt pot add lemon juice and cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally. Once juice comes to boil, add Sure-Jell powder and stir until fully dissolved and juice once again returns to full boil.(if the juice looks like a little foam is on top you can add 1 tablespoon of real butter to dissolve the foam)
Add sugar and continue stirring constantly, making sure all sugar is dissolved and incorporated fully. Do Not go away from stove! Stir continually and bring mixture to full rolling boil **A Rolling Boil is defined as mixture that can not be stirred down while boiling**
You must continue stirring and when the Rolling Boil starts, time 1 minute (only 60 seconds!!) stirring continually!!! After 1 minute TURN OFF the heat and continue stirring until mixture calms down. The jelly is EXTREMELY HOT!!! Take care to protect hands from liquid! This is the reason I put jars close to stove so I do not have to move the pot.
Put a sprinkle of seeds (from reserved cup) into bottom of jars. Ladle jelly into jars filling to just under the top of jar (Do Not fill to very top) Fill each jar in the same way.
You will probably have some left in the pot, this is yours to enjoy- put in jar even if it only fills part way. (I get 6 - 8oz jars filled with some left over) After all jars are filled, place lids over top, and place lid bands on jars. After all bands are on, put on oven mitt, and hold jar in mitted hand (this protects you from burning your hand on hot jar) and with other hand tighten band. Turn the jars upside down for 30 minutes (this aids in the removal of air and allows fruit seeds to move to bottom of jar) After 30 minutes turn jars right side up and re tighten bands while pressing the center of the lid. This keeps all air pressure from building up. Seeds will begin to float to top. Store jars in cool place. If you are making more jars than you are giving away in the next month, you may want to use the Paraffin Wax method of sealing. (Read up on this on the wax box) Your jars should be a beautiful clear burgundy color with just a glance of the seeds. This jelly is wonderfully delicious and a precious gift to give! Enjoy!
This is the start of many busy kitchen days in my house. Usually I make 4 batches of jelly. Then I start the Cranberry Jam using fresh Cranberries when they are delivered to the market. (usually a few weeks before Thanksgiving) Bags of Cranberries can be frozen until you are ready to use. As with any berry, DO NOT rinse with water before freezing to avoid burning fruit. The recipe sheet enclosed in the Sure-Jell box gives you many ways and fruit types to jam or jell.
Just prior to making the Pomegranate Jelly I actually picked a dozen Jalapenos from my garden, simmered them in 3 1/2 cups of water for 20 minutes, removed them, sliced them in half, removed seeds and chopped them finely. Added the chopped peppers back into the water, added 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar, brought to a boil, added Sure-Jell, brought back to a boil and then added 5 cups of sugar. In the same manner of cooking, I made the BEST Jalapeno Jelly ever!!! It is delicious and so lovely!! Great spread on Ritz Crackers with Cream Cheese!!!
Let the Holidays begin!!!
I have donned an apron and have begun preparing for the upcoming holiday season. First up, preparing the jars of lovely jellies and jams that will be the centerpiece of holiday gift baskets given to family and friends. To that, I offer you my Pomegranate Jelly, step by step. Grab them while you can, anyway you can. ( I have made several phone calls and trips to friends homes to gather the precious fruit.) As you pick your fruit, remember that you may need A LOT more than you think!!
The first step as with any jelly or jam is to gather all ingredients you will need so that each step is right at your fingertips and ready to go.
Sterilize your jars...use whatever method you choose, whether you do it in a pot, or your dishwasher on sterile heat. All jars, and lids should be done prior to turning on the stove!
Gather fruit and prepare it...peel, remove seeds, puree, whatever is required.
Measure sugar out and have ready to go...all of it.
Measure and have lemon juice (if required) ready to go
Open package of Sure-jell and have it ready.
Pomegranate Jelly
3 1/2 cups Pomegranate Juice
1/4 cup Lemon Juice
1 pkg Sure-jell Powder
4 1/2 cups Sugar
Remove seeds from Pomegranates by gently hitting the back of a wood spoon on the outside of the fruit. Moving around the entire surface of the fruit. This loosens up the seeds from the membrane of the fruit. (yes it does work) Over a bowl, slightly slice with sharp knife and allow juice into bowl. Break open the fruit and turn inside out and remove seeds.
"Beating the Pomegranate and slicing...Turn it inside out and
remove seeds into bowl.
At this point it is important to set out the jars where you will be filling them (I place mine on the counter next to the stove so that I don't have to move the hot pot.) Place jars on a towel (one that you don't mind being stained!)
Add sugar and continue stirring constantly, making sure all sugar is dissolved and incorporated fully. Do Not go away from stove! Stir continually and bring mixture to full rolling boil **A Rolling Boil is defined as mixture that can not be stirred down while boiling**
You must continue stirring and when the Rolling Boil starts, time 1 minute (only 60 seconds!!) stirring continually!!! After 1 minute TURN OFF the heat and continue stirring until mixture calms down. The jelly is EXTREMELY HOT!!! Take care to protect hands from liquid! This is the reason I put jars close to stove so I do not have to move the pot.
You will probably have some left in the pot, this is yours to enjoy- put in jar even if it only fills part way. (I get 6 - 8oz jars filled with some left over) After all jars are filled, place lids over top, and place lid bands on jars. After all bands are on, put on oven mitt, and hold jar in mitted hand (this protects you from burning your hand on hot jar) and with other hand tighten band. Turn the jars upside down for 30 minutes (this aids in the removal of air and allows fruit seeds to move to bottom of jar) After 30 minutes turn jars right side up and re tighten bands while pressing the center of the lid. This keeps all air pressure from building up. Seeds will begin to float to top. Store jars in cool place. If you are making more jars than you are giving away in the next month, you may want to use the Paraffin Wax method of sealing. (Read up on this on the wax box) Your jars should be a beautiful clear burgundy color with just a glance of the seeds. This jelly is wonderfully delicious and a precious gift to give! Enjoy!
This is the start of many busy kitchen days in my house. Usually I make 4 batches of jelly. Then I start the Cranberry Jam using fresh Cranberries when they are delivered to the market. (usually a few weeks before Thanksgiving) Bags of Cranberries can be frozen until you are ready to use. As with any berry, DO NOT rinse with water before freezing to avoid burning fruit. The recipe sheet enclosed in the Sure-Jell box gives you many ways and fruit types to jam or jell.
Just prior to making the Pomegranate Jelly I actually picked a dozen Jalapenos from my garden, simmered them in 3 1/2 cups of water for 20 minutes, removed them, sliced them in half, removed seeds and chopped them finely. Added the chopped peppers back into the water, added 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar, brought to a boil, added Sure-Jell, brought back to a boil and then added 5 cups of sugar. In the same manner of cooking, I made the BEST Jalapeno Jelly ever!!! It is delicious and so lovely!! Great spread on Ritz Crackers with Cream Cheese!!!
Let the Holidays begin!!!
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