Canning: Jams and jellies

Our garden has received a lot of produce this year, we’re truly blessed. The end of summer usually marks the time that I begin canning, and so tomorrow my daughter and I’ll be kicking off our canning season by making jams and jellies.

First up on the menu will be fig jam, grape and peach jams and jellies.  Figs, grapes, and peaches all grow in our garden. Which is perfect for us, since the only thing canning requires of me is time, ball jars, and big pot. I’ve got those.

My daughter is looking forward to canning day, and so am I since it means we’ll be stocking up on our homemade preserves. It makes for some wonderful bonding time too, chatting away, while I pass on the tradition of preserving foods on to my daughter.

As a child, I have fond memories of canning with my mother. The kitchen was hot, and so she did all her canning in the morning… with a fan turned upon us. My parents didn’t have air conditioners in our home during the 1970’s. During that time, I imagine that was true with many households. The butters, jams, and jellies my mother prepared were much better than the store bought variety.  During the cooler months, I can remember being disappointed when our homemade jellies ran out since that meant mom would be purchasing them from the store. They simply couldn’t compare to what we made at home.

When it comes to cooking, my mother had a huge impact upon how I viewed food. I learned that I could do a much better job preparing food at home. Since I loved to experiment in the kitchen, it was a chance to unleash my creative culinary skills… and I had fun exploring, and trying new things. I rarely followed recipes. I’m still like that. You know what I enjoy? Sharing the joy of cooking with my daughter. It’s nice to see my daughter show the same enthusiasm as myself for cooking.

It seems I’m not the only one canning, Curls&Q, have recently written a few posts about canning. Check out their simple canned plum butter recipe.

In other news; Recycled bed sheets turned into clothes hamper cover and curtains

Earlier this week, I revamped our clothes hamper… by using a bed sheet. That clothes hamper is older than me, and it’s not the first time I’ve given it a facelift. The bed sheets still look new and therefore were a perfect candidate for the clothes hamper makeover. This morning, I made some curtains from the same bedsheets. I added a ruffle to the top of the curtain, and I fully lined them too. A sash was made with the same sheet, and I added a matching flower. No pattern was used and I must say I’m pleased with my sewn bathroom curtains.

I’ll be sure to post a picture those pictures will most likely will find it way into a finished object Friday post.