Raspberry Vanilla Bean Jam (Low Sugar, 2 Ways)

Raspberry Vanilla Bean Jam (Low Sugar, 2 Ways)

As I sit here today, winter is beating at our back door. And I’m here all like, “What. Just. Happened.” Like, for real. Spring didn’t even arrive until our last frost mid-June. Then came the worst biting insect season I’ve ever experienced. So bad that much of the time we could hardly stand to be […]

What to Can in Winter: Raspberry Mango Jam

What to Can in Winter: Raspberry Mango Jam

It may sound surprising, but I make most of my jam during the winter months. Primarily due to two reasons: (1) Berries freeze extremely well. And since you have to mash the berries to make jam, the freezing process makes that part significantly easier. (2) From the time the snow melts until it falls once […]

Winter Canning: Top 7 Canning Projects to Do in the Off Season

Winter Canning: Top 7 Canning Projects to Do in the Off Season

Winter canning is probably my favorite canning because it is in the off season. It means I have more time. It means I have a cold house that needs heating up (totally the opposite case during peak canning season, amiright?). It means I am choosing a canning project not based on the prevention of overripe […]

Raspberry Rhubarb Jam

Raspberry Rhubarb Jam

Sometimes, the best things in life do come at a cost. Berry picking is definitely one of those things for us- and I don’t mean money, either. It means heading out into the woods, husband and children in tow, knowing there’s a very real risk of bears, bugs, bees, thorns, bumps, bruises, scratches, tears, and […]

Traditional Recipe: High Dumpsy Dearie Jam

Traditional Recipe: High Dumpsy Dearie Jam

A very generous friend of mine and her prolific plum tree finds me with the delightful task of seeking out new and interesting ways to use up this delicious fall fruit. And in both my search of a new recipe and my constant desire to reconnect with the ways of the past, I came upon […]

Preserving the Harvest: Raspberries

Preserving the Harvest: Raspberries

Every year, it’s interesting to see what will come first: the blueberries or the raspberries- of if they will come at the same time! This year, blueberries were ready first. With all of the early summer rain and then the nice heat that we got, we had to scramble to get them picked before they […]

Preserving Blueberries: Jam, Syrup, Pie Filling, & More!

Preserving Blueberries: Jam, Syrup, Pie Filling, & More!

Blueberry season is winding down, and even if you aren’t blessed to live in an area full of wild blueberries as we are here, chances are you can find them at a relatively decent cost at your local farmer’s market or grocery store as they are in season. There are so many fun things that […]