Tablescapes, Home Decor, Thrifting, Cooking

Friday, June 25, 2010

My Man Can(s)

Since I have been away quite a bit lately helping my mother recover from her fall, I try to spend some quality time with Mr. Brown Socks when I am back home.  He loves to garden and we eat, give away and Yes, even can or freeze some of our produce.

 

 Garden 2009 005

 

Just beyond the edge of our property before you step into the woods

 

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Mr. Brown Socks has planted several Nanking Cherry Bushes. These are a small, sour cherry.

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Have you ever heard of them?

 

I used to think they were pretty much worthless because they have a pit almost as big as the cherry.

 

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This is the third year of their growth and we have a bumper crop.

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When Dear Husband suggested we make jelly I wasn’t enthused.  Being the good wife I am and realizing I have been away so much I went out and helped pick and pick and pick these little beauties. 

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Aren’t they the prettiest shade of red you ever did see?

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We cooked them up and turned them into jam. 

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Does anyone else but us do things like this anymore??

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Ummm, the last little bit was placed in the fridge to enjoy immediately on toast or pancakes.

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We made two batches, so we will have some to give away.  This is the first batch.  The second batch we experimented and didn’t use quite as much sugar.  That is always a risk because often times it won’t set up.  It took a little longer, but after a couple of days it is also a pretty good consistency.

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Sour Cherry Jam

 

3 lbs. sour cherries (about 4 cups)

7 cups sugar

6 oz. liquid fruit pectin

1 teaspoon almond extract (My suggestion ~~ double this for a very flavorful cherry jam!)

 

1.  Wash, stem, and pit cherries

2.  Chop them into small pieces

3.  Put fruit and sugar in a large saucepan.

4.  Boil hard for 1 minute

5.  Remove from heat and stir in liquid pectin

6.  Skim foam and add almond extract

7.  Put in jars and seal with hot lids.

8.  Some place in a hot water bath, but we live on the edge and do not!

 

I came home yesterday to his dishes NEATLY piled in the sink

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And a creative way to dry the dishcloth from the dishes he DID wash!

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Today I am joining Michael for Foodie Friday and Glenda at Tootsie Time.

Foodie_Friday_Logo_2      Flaunt your Flowers

 

 

I hope you’ll join these ladies.  There are always excellent recipes and inspiring gardens to view!

 

Nice for you to stop by!

12 comments:

Paula@SweetPea said...

I've never heard of these cherries. your jam looks like it is going to be delicious. You'll enjoy this all winter.

Jane said...

A beautiful bounty of cherries! It will be sweet to have all that jam to share and to use. Mmmmmmm.....

Please take a minute and visit Artfully Graced...my blog. There is some very important information there... Thanks,
Jane (Artfully Graced)

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

Those cherries are a gorgeous shade of red. But you didn't say how the jam tasted - was it delicious?

Jane said...

The picture of the cherries in the colander was so pretty. They are a beautiful shade of red.
Sounds like a nice husband/wife project you had going on. The jam looked delicious!
Jane

southerninspiration said...

That jam looks yummy!! Lucky for you Mr. Brown Socks likes to garden!!!

Suzanne

Tootsie said...

My Dad has a few of those cherry trees out at the farm...we used to eat them up as kids...and my mom made jams...but not sure if she used these or not! I loved this post...it is just wonderful to see your garden so lush! thanks for linking in...take care of yourself too friend!!!

Inspired2cook said...

I love cherries so I know I would love your jam! Yumm!!!

stitching under oaks said...

the jam looks wonderful. I don't know that I've ever had cherry jam. So glad you two had some time together...I know you've been stretched thin taking care of your mother. Take care of yourself too!

Michelle said...

Those cherries look gorgeous! I hope the jam was delish.

Mary Bergfeld said...

You have many friends who understand the frenzy of a canning kitchen :-). Your jam looks wonderful. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

Sonny G said...

I never heard of it but i sure would some to have a few of those cherry trees..
thank you for the recipe too..
I hope your Mom is on the mend..

hugs and happy 4th
Sonny

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Looks really good! You'll be glad later on (when the dishes are done and the cherries are out of season!) Thanks for your sweet visit. Hope your Mom is doing well.