I’ve been busy making jam and syrup lately. Our three-year-old raspberry and black raspberry bushes are doing great. Oh yeah, you’re not supposed to be able to grow black raspberries here in northern Minnesota. Ours are Bristol and are doing fine. Some years we do get a little winter die back, but usually they come through great. (I’ve had them for five years now, in less than ideal conditions, and no special care.) I’m pretty disgusted with the price of pectin this year; it’s jumped a lot since last year! Like a lot of other things. So I’m starting to boil down a lot of my jams instead of using pectin. I also ordered bulk pectin online, which is a lot cheaper than the little cute plastic containers that Ball has come out with. Or the really cute, cheap envelopes which make TWO, count ’em, TWO half pints! What will they think of next?

 

I put up a lot of jams, jellies, and preserves, along with syrups. No, we don’t eat that much toast and jam, but you can use it for lots of baking too. I top my cheesecakes with it, use it in cookies and bars, fill tarts with it, mix it with some pancakes (in the batter) for different flavored pancakes with fruit in them, and a bunch of other creative recipes. From past experience, I know that the harder times are, the more your family appreciates a few extra goodies! And times don’t look like they’re heading for the best future, do they?

 I’m so thankful that we live here in the backwoods on our wonderful homestead! — Jackie

4 COMMENTS

  1. Our berries are keeping us busy here too. We put up 42 1/2 pts today 36 last Fri.. I read where you’d taken a fancy to a freinds Steam Juicer well Lehmans had them on sale so I broke down & got one for my birthday. After using it now for berry jelly I don’t know where I found the time to do it the old way. I also think I get more juice with the steamer. Thanks for your comments on differnt tools and supplies it’s a big help when one is not quite sure.

  2. Shirley,

    I got my bulk pectin from Kauffman’s Fruit Farm (Kauffman’sFruitFarm.com). I got two pounds at $9, plus shipping.

    Jackie

  3. I would buy my pectin in bulk if I knew where to get it and how much to use. Will you (Jackie or anyone) share the info? Love the blog and your summer energy. YOu are very motivating. Thanks and I agree, we do need you.

  4. Jackie….

    Love your blog and I have to say…every day I become more and more thankful for the life I have away from society! Today’s stock market crash makes me even MORE thankful to be living in a bountiful place! Thanks for your hard work and time helping us become more self-sufficient. We need you!

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