New Beginnings Soon

I’ve placed this posting in the “Work in Progress” category because, after all, that is where I always seem to be. My web site is also a work in progress just now; it will soon turn into a new beginning. My site will have a fresh, new look and, I hope, will be much easier for me to maintain on my own. So if you are a regular here, it shouldn’t be a shock; if you are new here, well, just hang in please — it’s still me.

 

I have been driven quite restless by the abundance and beauty of the produce at my local farmer’s market. I arrive each Saturday morning thinking I am prepared for a ‘regular shopping experience’ — instead I am overcome by the bounty I find. I think this state of bliss is because I have finally felt ready to make up for the last few summers which were subdued by the pandemic. All this is to say that the summer has been racing by at warp speed while I have been putting summer’s flavors by nearly every week. This frenzy got kick-started when friends visited in early June bearing bags of Meyer Lemons from their tree. Oh my! I preserved 4 quart jars of lemons and made a batch of Meyer Lemon Marmalade with Scotch. Click on images for a larger view.

 

 

It could not have been easier to make; I cannot wait to sample it on a scone this winter. The citrus inspired me to make some candied orange peel — the perfect ingredient in so many things and just darn good as a little treat.

 

 

Then blueberries hit the scene and I made Blueberry Jam with Mint:

 

 

Preparation for flag waving and the month of July:

 

 

I was excited to see Montmorency cherries in the market (Were they really there the last 3 years? I didn’t see them!) during July.

 

 

And a new recipe using Early Girl tomatoes was tested:  Early Girl Tomato Marmalade:

 

 

I’m sure you can see the citrus slices in there:  lemon and orange. Oh my!

 

And I finally got around to making Rainier Cherry-Peach Jam this month.

 

 

This is not a complete list of the fruit that I have preserved by any stretch. But it should give you the impression that I have been busy. I’ve also enjoyed bouquets of sunflowers all summer.