Spice Blend

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon mace
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Use for beef, chicken or pork.

Boursin Herb Cream Cheese

1 lb. cream cheese, room temperature
1 clove garlic
2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley
1 tsp. each thyme and chives
1 tsp basil
1/4 tsp. marjoram
1/4 tsp. white pepper

Crush garlic with parsley and chives. Cream all ingredients together with cheese and refrigerate at least 12 hours. Serve at room temperature with assorted crackers.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies

COOKIE DOUGH:

1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder

TOPPING:

Sweetened condensed milk
6 oz. bag chocolate chips
1 jar of 48 maraschino cherries

Mix together butter and sugar then add next 7 ingredients. Mix. Set aside cookie dough. In separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk and 6 ounce bag chocolate chips. Melt in microwave. Stir and set aside. Form dough into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press with thumb, add cherry (or half cherry). Top with chocolate topping mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. For Christmas this is fun to use red and green cherries.

Brie and Pecans

Serves 8

• 1 small wheel of Brie or Camembert (about 9 ounces)
• 1/2 cup pecan pieces
• 3 tablespoons light-brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cheese on a rimmed baking sheet; bake until softened, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate; cool about 20 minutes.
2. While cheese cools, place nuts on a clean baking sheet; bake until toasted and fragrant, 7 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle nuts over cheese.
3. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and maple syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat; simmer until foamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Drizzle warm sauce over slightly cooled cheese and nuts; serve with crackers or baguette.

Lemon-Thyme Dip

Serve this simple, elegant dip with crudites such as carrots, fennel, broccoli cucumbers and celery.
Ingredients

Makes 1 1/2 cups

* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon zest and 2 to 3 tablespoons juice)
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
* 1 tbs parsley for garnish
* Coarse salt and ground pepper
* if you want it a bit spicier add a bit of chili powder
Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, and thyme and parsley; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with more parsley and thyme; serve with crudites.



Dip can be covered and refrigerated up to 3 days.

Orange Chablis Jelly

Orange Chablis Jelly


* Yield: 4 1/2 pints

Ingredients

o 3 cups sugar
o 1 1/2 cups Chablis ( dry, white wine)
o 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ( yes, it does require squeezing lemons!)
o 1/4 teaspoon orange rind, grated
o 1/2 cup fresh orange juice ( more squeezing!)
o 1 (3 ounce) packages liquid pectin

Directions

1. combine the sugar, wine, lemon juice, orange rind and orange juice in a dutch oven.
2. Bring this to a boil, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in the pectin and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil and boil for one minute, stirring constantly.
4. Remove from heat and if there is a foam, skim it off with a metal spoon.
5. Quickly, pour the jelly into hot, sterilized half pint jars, filing to 1/4 inch from the top of the jar.
6. Wipe the jar rims and seal with metal lids and bands.
7. Process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
8. Remove and cool.

Meringues for an easy desert with fruit and wipping cream

Meringues

Meringues
Ingredients

2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
Cookie sheets, electric mixer, bowl & foil
Directions

Leave eggs out to reach room temperature. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Cover cookie sheets with foil, dull side up. Whip the egg whites, vanilla and vinegar in a bowl until mixture is white and frothy. Keep beating and slowly add the sugar. Whip until the mixture is stiff and glossy. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto cookie sheet. Bake for one hour or until they are light brown. When cool, remove from cookie shee

Fudge for Xmas Gifts

Makes 3 pounds •
Ingredients

3 cups sugar
3/4ths of a cup Parkway butter
2/3rds of a cup evaporated milk
12 oz chocolate chips
7 oz marshmallow cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions

Microwave butter in bowl on high 1 minute (or until melted). Add sugar and milk, mix well. Microwave for 3 minutes then stir. Microwave for 2 minutes then stir. Microwave for 3 minutes at half power then stir. Microwave for 2 and a half minutes at half power then stir. Stir in chocolate until melted. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Pour in greased 13x9 pan. Cool at room temperature and cut into squares.

Christmas Candy

Christmas Crackle Candy

Ingredients

3 3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon flavoring oil
powdered sugar
Directions

Mix first 3 ingredients in a large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until temperature reaches 310 degrees. Stir in flavoring and color. Pour onto greased cookie sheet. Break into pieces.

Cranberries Apple Walnut Condiment

Coming back from the Duffy Lake via Cache Creek
last week we stopped at out favorite fruit stand.
The mix of fresh apples and walnuts and the cranberry season
got me thinking about making another condiment for over the holidays.
Here is the recipe:

4 cups of chopped cranberries
3 cups of chopped apples (3 medium)
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup of water
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 cup of chopped walnut
Bring to a boil stirring about 15 minutes.
Process another 15 mins, after filling 5 half pints jars.
Label.

Christmas Cake time is approaching

If your one that likes to put that hot rum over your cakes
its time to get all your ingredients together.I like the
Jamaican rum for mine.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

You need:

* Quart Mason jar
* Lid and screw down ring
* 2 cups vodka
* 6 vanilla beans


1. Cut the beans in half lengthwise.
2. Add the beans to the jar.
3. Cover with the Vodka.
4. Store in a cool, dark place and shake every couple of days for at least a month. The longer you let it stand the more intense the flavor will be. I like mine to go at least six weeks. When it is just how you like it, strain it through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into dark bottles and seal tightly.

Wine Jelly

Makes about 6 x 250 ml jars. 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (3 - 1/4 cups) (I use Italian Red Montepulciano d' Abrusso Wine or White 1/2 cup (125 ml) lemon juice 1 pkg (57 g) BERNARDINE Original Fruit Pectin 4 - 1/2 cups (1125 ml) granulated sugar • Place 6 clean 250 ml mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner; cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Heat SNAP LID® sealing discs in hot water, not boiling (180°F/82°C). Keep jars and sealing discs hot until ready to use. • Pour wine and lemon juice into a large, deep stainless steel saucepan. • Measure sugar; set aside. • Over high heat, bring mixture to a full rolling boil. Add all the sugar. Stirring constantly, return mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil hard 1 minute. Remove from heat; skim foam if necessary. • Quickly ladle hot jelly into a hot jar to within 1/4 inch (.5 cm) of top rim (head space). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rim removing any stickiness. Center hot sealing disc on clean jar rim. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Return filled jar to rack in canner ensuring jars are covered by water. Repeat for remaining jelly. • When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover canner and bring water to full rolling boil before starting to count processing time. At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m), process – boil filled jars – 10 minutes. • When processing time is complete, turn stove off, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface. Cool upright, undisturbed 24 hours; DO NOT RE-TIGHTEN screw bands. • After cooling check jar seals. Sealed discs curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars. Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired. Label and store jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use home canned foods within one year.

Canning Shelves Full

Had to get a second place to store all the goodies that I have been so busy preserving. I just cannot help myself when I see all the fresh local fruit and veggies for sale. We have enough on the shelves to last us all winter. Some say it is expensive to can but not so if you buy from farms or local suppliers or pick your own. Thanks Bob! The taste is so very much better.

Tayberry/Blackberry Jam

I don't usually mix my berries for jam. I had some tayberries left over and added blackberries to make up the right quantity. It was delicious. And with the left over juice I got two small jars of sauce as well.. Just add a bit of corn starch and sugar boil and viola a nice desert over ice cream.

Blackberry Jam

Blackberries are ready to pick. Smaller this years as an old man said not enough rain.
Will make my jam and freeze some for pies today.

Four Bean Salad

Great for a summer party.

• 1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained
• 1 15-oz garbanzo beans drained
• 1 15-oz can black beans, drained
• 1 15-oz can white beans, drained
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2cup diced red pepper
• 2 cloves of garlic grated
  
• 3 green onions
• 1 shallot chopped/ white onion is good also
• 1 tbsp Italian spices
  
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
  

Combine all the ingredients and stir gently. Refrigerate a few hours before serving, overnight is even better.

Garbanzo Salad

I came across this recipe and it looks healthy and tasty.

Ingredients: 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 2/3 cup minces scallons 3 medium cloves garlic crushed 1 medium ripe tomato chopped 3 medium ribs celery diced about 1/2-inch pieces 3 TBS fresh lemon juice 2½ TBS chopped mint (or 2½ tsp dried mint) 3 TBS chopped parsley (or 3 tsp dried parsley) extra virgin olive oil to taste 1 small head chopped romaine lettuce, outer leaves removed, and discarded salt & cracked black pepper to taste * optional: ¼ cup feta cheese

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients except lettuce and cheese in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Serve on bed of chopped romaine lettuce and sprinkle with feta cheese, if desired.

   Serves 4

Wine Jelly Inferno

This hot-sweet jelly makes a beautiful gift with flecks of red and green peppers throughout. Spread it on a cracker with cream cheese, or by itself on French bread.

Yields about 7 x 125 ml jars.

1/2 cup (125 ml) finely minced sweet red pepper, 1 small seeded

2 tbsp (30 ml) finely minced jalapeño pepper, 2 medium seeded

3 dried hot chili peppers, halved lengthwise

1 -1/2 cups (375 ml) sweet white wine (#3-4) or Sauternes

3- 1/2 cups (875 ml) granulated sugar

3 tbsp (45 ml) lemon juice

1 pouch (85 ml) BERNARDIN® Liquid Pectin

• Place 7 clean 250 or 236 ml mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner; cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Heat SNAP LID® sealing discs in hot water, not boiling (180°F/82°C). Keep jars and sealing discs hot until ready to use.

• Combine peppers, chilies and wine in a large, deep stainless steel saucepan. Cover and bring to a full boil; uncover. Stir in sugar and lemon juice. To reduce foaming, add 1/2 tsp (2 ml) butter or margarine if desired. Over high heat, bring mixture to a full rolling boil that froths high in pan and cannot be stirred down. Stirring constantly, boil hard 2 minutes.

• Remove from heat. Immediately stir in Liquid Pectin, mixing well. Continue stirring slowly 7 minutes to help disperse peppers throughout the jelly.

• Quickly ladle hot jelly into a hot jar to within 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) of top of jar (headspace). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if required, by adding more jelly. Wipe jar rim removing any food residue. Centre hot sealing disc lid on clean jar rim. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Return filled jar to rack in canner. Repeat for remaining jelly.

• When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover canner and bring water to full rolling boil before starting to count processing time. At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m), process –boil filled jars – 10 minutes.*

• When processing time is complete, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface. Cool upright, undisturbed 24 hours; DO NOT RETIGHTEN screw bands.

• After cooling check jar seals. Sealed lids curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars. Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired. Label and store jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use home canned foods within one year.

NOTE: Boiling this recipe slightly longer than other jellies evaporates wine’s alcohol (that can interfere with gel formation) and concentrates the unique wine flavour. For a milder jelly, reduce quantity or omit the dried chilies.

Red Pepper & Garlic Jelly This is Bob Rouleau’s “signature garlic jelly” flecked with bits of sweet red pepper to dress it up. Adjust the garlic intensity by choosing larger or smaller cloves of garlic. Makes 3 x 250 ml jars. 1 cup (250 ml) finely diced red pepper 3 large cloves garlic 3/4 cup (175 ml) cider vinegar 3 cups (750 ml) granulated sugar 1 pouch (85 ml) BERNARDIN® Liquid Pectin Place 3 clean 250 mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner; cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Heat SNAP LID® sealing discs in hot water, not boiling (180°F/82°C). Keep jars and sealing discs hot until ready to use. Cut red pepper into 1/8 inch slices; cut slices into 1/4 inch (0.3 cm) dice. If desired, pepper can be chopped in a mechanical chopper, but take care to avoid pureeing peppers. Measure 1 cup (250 ml) diced red pepper into a large, deep stainless steel saucepan. Finely slice garlic cloves, then cut slices into slivers. Garlic can also be ground or crushed, if desired. Add to red pepper with sugar and cider vinegar. Over high heat, bring mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Add liquid pectin, squeezing entire contents from pouch. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and quickly skim off foam, if necessary. Quickly pour hot jelly into hot sterilized jars, dividing solids equally among jars and filling each jar to within 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) of top of jar (headspace). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if required, by adding more jelly. Wipe jar rim removing any food residue. Centre hot sealing disc on clean jar rim. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Return filled jar to rack in canner. Repeat for remaining jelly. When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover canner and bring water to full rolling boil before starting to count processing time. At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m), process –boil filled jars – 10 minutes.* When processing time is complete, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface. When lids are concave and jelly is partially set, if solids have floated upward – carefully twist and/or rotate each jar to distribute solids throughout the jelly. The jar can be inverted temporarily but should not be allowed to stand upside-down for prolonged periods. Repeat as needed during the cooling/setting time, until solids are nicely suspended in the jelly. After cooling check jar seals. DO NOT RETIGHTEN screw bands. Sealed lids curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars. Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired. Label and store jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use home canned foods within one year.

Strawberry or Raspberry Margarita Preserve

Margarita Preserve

A combination of spirits added to traditional strawberry preserves creates a product with the pizzazz of expensive gourmet spreads. Use as a topping for cheesecake or as a spread.

Makes about 6 x 250 ml jars.

6 cups (1500 ml) halved strawberries, about 2 quarts (2 L)

2 cups (500 ml) chopped tart apples, about 4

1/4 cup (50 ml) bottled lemon juice

4 cups (1000 ml) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (125 ml) tequila

1/2 cup (125 ml) triple sec

2 tbsp (30 ml) strawberry schnapps, optional

• Place 6 clean 250 ml mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner; cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Heat SNAP LID® sealing discs in hot water, not boiling (180°F/82°C). Keep jars and sealing discs hot until ready to use.

• Wash, hull and halve strawberries. Measure 6 cups (1500 ml). Peel, core and chop apples. Measure 2 cups (500ml).

• Measure sugar; set aside.

• Combine strawberries, apples and lemon juice in a large, deep stainless steel saucepan. Bring mixture to a full boil, stirring constantly. Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. To reduce foaming, add 1/2 tsp (2 ml) butter or margarine to mixture, if desired. Boil gently, uncovered, until mixture reaches gel stage, about 30 to 40 minutes. (Gel test: Remove mixture from heat. Place a spoonful of mixture on plate in freezer for a few minutes; mixture is gelled when it does not run together when separated.)

• Remove from heat and stir in tequila, triple sec and strawberry schnapps, if using. Return to heat and boil 5 minutes longer. Remove from heat; skim foam.

• Quickly ladle hot preserve into a hot jar to within 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) of top rim (headspace). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if required, by adding more preserve. Wipe jar rim removing any food residue. Centre hot sealing disc on clean jar rim. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Return filled jar to rack in canner. Repeat for remaining preserve.

• When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover canner and bring water to full rolling boil before starting to count processing time. At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m), process –boil filled jars – 10 minutes.

• When processing time is complete, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface. Cool upright, undisturbed 24 hours; DO NOT RETIGHTEN screw bands.

• After cooling check jar seals. Sealed discs curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars. Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired. Label and store jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use home canned foods within one year.

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Seasoned Tomato Sauce

Even though onions are added to this tomato sauce, it can still be processed safely in a boiling water canner. This is because its acidity and a safe processing time have been scientifically determined. Do not alter ingredients as this may result in an unsafe product.

Makes about 7 x 500 ml jars.

20 cups (5000 ml) prepared tomatoes, about 10 lb (4.5 kg), 40 medium

2 -1/2 cups (675 ml) finely chopped onion, about 3 medium

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 tsp (7 ml) dried oregano leaves

2 bay leaves

1 tsp (5 ml) salt

1 tsp (5 ml) black pepper

1/2 tsp (2 ml) red pepper flakes

1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar

Lemon juice

• Place 7 clean 500 ml mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner; cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Heat SNAP LID® sealing discs in hot water, not boiling (180°F/82°C). Keep jars and sealing discs hot until ready to use.

• Peel, core and coarsely chop tomatoes. Combine 20 cups (5000 ml) chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, red pepper and sugar in a large stainless steel saucepan. Stirring occasionally, bring to a boil; boil until desired consistency is reached, about 2 hours.

• Press tomato mixture through a fine sieve or food mill; discard seeds. Return tomato sauce to saucepan; cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally.

• Place 1 tbsp (15 ml) of lemon juice into a hot jar. Ladle sauce into a hot jar to within 1/2 inch (1 cm) of top rim (headspace). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if required, by adding more sauce. Wipe jar rim removing any food residue. Centre hot sealing disc on clean jar rim. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Return filled jar to rack in canner. Repeat for remaining sauce.

• When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover canner and bring water to full rolling boil before starting to count processing time. At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m), process –boil filled jars – 35 minutes.

• When processing time is complete, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface. Cool upright, undisturbed 24 hours; DO NOT RETIGHTEN screw bands.

• After cooling check jar seals. Sealed discs curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars. Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired. Label and store jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use home canned foods within one year.

Bread & Butter Pickles Current food safety recommendations indicate that all pickles must be processed to ensure all microorganisms that cause food spoilage are destroyed and that air in the headspace is “vented” out to give a strong vacuum seal. Makes 5 x 500 ml jars. 3 lb (1.36 kg) 3-4 inch (7.5-10 cm) pickling cucumbers 4 medium onions, thinly sliced 1/2 cup (125 ml) pickling salt 6 cups (1500 ml) water 3 cups (750 ml) cider vinegar 2 cups (500 ml) firmly packed brown sugar 2 tbsp (30 ml) mustard seed 1 tsp (5 ml) celery seed 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cloves 1 tsp (5 ml) turmeric • Wash cucumbers, scrubbing lightly with a soft vegetable brush. Rinse well in cool running water. Cut 1/8inch (0.3 cm) slice off blossom end (opposite stem end) and discard. Cut cucumbers crosswise into 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) coins; measure 10 cups (2500 ml). Combine cucumber slices, onion slices, salt and water in a large bowl. Mix well. Cover and let stand for 2 hours. • Place 5 clean 500 ml mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner; cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Heat SNAP LID® sealing discs in hot water, not boiling (180°F/82°C). Keep jars and sealing discs sealing discs hot until ready to use. • Combine vinegar, brown sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, ground cloves and turmeric in a large stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. • Drain vegetables; rinse; drain again. Add vegetables to vinegar mixture and return to a boil. • Pack pickle mixture into a hot jar to within 3/4 inch (2 cm) of top rim. Add hot liquid to cover pickles to within 1/2 inch (1 cm) of top of jar (headspace). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if required, by adding more pickle mixture and hot liquid. Wipe jar rim removing any food residue. Centre hot sealing disc on clean jar rim. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Return filled jar to rack in canner. Repeat for remaining pickle mixture and hot liquid. • When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover canner and bring water to full rolling boil before starting to count processing time. At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m), process –boil filled jars – 10 minutes.* • When processing time is complete, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface. Cool upright, undisturbed 24 hours; DO NOT RETIGHTEN screw bands. • After cooling check jar seals. Sealed discs curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars. Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired. Label and store jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use home canned foods within one year.

Summer Fruit Cocktail

Lovely to behold, delicious to eat, the flavour of this lightly sweetened homemade fruit cocktail is accented with honey and mint.

Makes about 5 x 500 ml jars.

6 cups (1500 ml) prepared peaches, about 10 medium or 2.8 lb (1.2 kg)

3 cups (750 ml) prepared pears, about 6 or 1.7 lb (750 g)

2 cups (500 ml) seedless grapes, about 1 lb (500 g)

2 tbsp (30 ml) Fruit-Fresh® Fruit Protector

2 cups (500 ml) water

1- 1/4 cups (300 ml) granulated sugar

1/4 cup (60 ml) liquid honey

1 cup (250 ml) maraschino cherries, well drained & halved

5 fresh mint sprigs

• Place 5 clean 500 ml mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner; cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Heat SNAP LID® sealing discs in hot water, not boiling (180°F/82°C). Keep jars and sealing discs hot until ready to use.

• Blanch, peel, pit and chop peaches; measure 6 cups (1500 ml). As you work, place fruit in a colour protection solution-2 tbsp (30 ml) Fruit-Fresh® Fruit Protector dissolved in 4 cups (1000 ml) water. Peel, core and chop pears; measure 3 cups (750 ml), add to peaches. Remove grapes from stems; measure 2 cups (500 ml).

• Combine water, sugar and honey in a large stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil. Drain prepared fruit; add to syrup. Return to boil; boil gently 5 minutes; stir in cherries. Remove from heat.

• Place 1 mint sprig in a hot jar. Ladle fruit and hot syrup into a hot jar to within 1/2 inch (1 cm) of top of jar (headspace). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if required, by adding more fruit and syrup. Wipe jar rim removing any food residue. Centre hot sealing disc on clean jar rim. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Return filled jar to rack in canner. Repeat for remaining mint, fruit and syrup.

• When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover canner and bring water to full rolling boil before starting to count processing time. At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m), process –boil filled jars – 20 minutes.

• When processing time is complete, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface. Cool upright, undisturbed 24 hours; DO NOT RETIGHTEN screw bands.

• After cooling check jar seals. Sealed discs curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars. Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired. Label and store jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use home canned foods within one year.

Sour Cherry Jam

Fruit Pectin crystals are a fast and easy way to make good old homemade jams. Be sure not to deviate from the ingredient measurements or methods-fruit pectin requires a certain amount of sugar, acid and cooking time to form a proper gel.

Makes about 6 x 250 ml jars.

4 cups (1000 ml) chopped cherries, about (1.4 kg)

1 pkg (57 g) BERNARDIN® Original Fruit Pectin

5 cups (1250 ml) granulated sugar

• Place 6 clean 250 ml mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner; cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Heat SNAP LID® sealing discs in hot water, not boiling (180°F/82°C). Keep jars and sealing discs hot until ready to use.

• Wash, stem, pit and finely chop cherries. Measure 4 cups (1000 ml).

• Measure sugar; set aside.

• In a large deep stainless steel saucepan, stir together prepared cherries, 1/2 tsp (2 ml) butter or margarine to reduce foaming, and BERNARDIN® Original Pectin.

• Over high heat, bring mixture to a full rolling boil. Add all of the sugar. Stirring constantly, return mixture to full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; skim off foam, if necessary.

• Ladle hot jam into a hot jar to within 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) of top of jar (headspace). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if required, by adding more jam. Wipe jar rim removing any food residue. Centre hot sealng disc on clean jar rim. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Return filled jar to rack in canner. Repeat for remaining jam.

• When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover canner and bring water to full rolling boil before starting to count processing time. At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m), process – boil filled jars – 10 minutes.

• When processing time is complete, turn stove off, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface. Cool upright, undisturbed 24 hours; DO NOT RETIGHTEN screw bands.

• After cooling check jar seals. Sealed lids curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars. Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired. Label and store jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use home canned foods within one year.

French Dressing

French Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed

Directions

1. In a blender or food processor, process all ingredients until smooth and thickened. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Shake well before serving.

Blueberry Muffins

Tried this recipe yesterday and loved the crunchy tops.


Crunchy-Top Blueberry Muffins


Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tsp grated orange rind
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1-1/2 fresh blueberries
Crunchy Topping:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp grated orange rind



Prepare Pan
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.

Make Batter
Pour flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into large bowl; whisk until blended.

Pour yogurt, orange rind and juice, oil and eggs into another large bowl; whisk until smooth.

Pour yogurt mixture over dry ingredients. Sprinkle with blueberries. With wooden spoon, stir just until you can't see any flour.

Fill Muffin Cups
Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling three-quarters full.

Prepare Topping
In small bowl and using fingers or spoon, mix sugar with orange rind. Sprinkle over batter in each cup.


Bake muffins in oven until tops are golden and firm to the touch, about 25 minutes.

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Stuffed Baguette

This is great for a picnic

Stuffed Baguette

A hollowed baguette obviously makes a perfect shell for any filling you are in the mood for. And once stuffed and properly chilled, it becomes a neat appetizer.

This particular one is filled with all my favorite things: goat cheese/cream cheese, sun dried tomatoes, olives, spicy salami, crunchy bell pepper, and fresh herbs.

Makes one 12-inch long baguette; about 24 slices

Ingredients:

• Baguette about 14-inch long

• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 4 oz fresh goat cheese
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper (about 1 medium)
• ½ cup finely chopped sun dried tomatoes in olive oil
• ¼ cup finely chopped Kalamata olives
• 2 oz finely chopped spicy salami
• About 2 tbsp minced Italian parsley
• About 1 tsp minced fresh thyme
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste (very unlikely since there’re plenty of salty ingredients)

Preparation:

Slice off both ends of the baguette. Using a long thin knife and working from the both ends, hollow the baguette out leaving about ½-inch thick crust all around.

Using an electric mixer beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Beat in the goat cheese and garlic. Stir in the rest of the ingredients.

Working again from the both ends, fill the baguette with the cheese mixture. Pack the filling tight. I like to use a slender tequila shot glass for pressing the filling in. Wrap the stuffed baguette very well in plastic and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to two days. Right before serving, slice the baguette into ½-inch thick slices and serve. For the most neat looking slices, treat it as a cheesecake – each time slice it with a hot dry knife.

Swedish Beets

• 4 medium beets
• 2 bay leaves, preferably fresh
• 2 allspice berries
• 1 horseradish root, fresh, about a 3 inch piece, cut into chunks
• 2 quarts water
• 2 cups swedish 1-2-3 vinegar

Directions:

Prep Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 2 days

1. 1 Put everything except the vinegar into a medium pot and bring to a boil.
2. 2 Simmer over medium heat about thirty to forty five minutes, or until the beets are tender.
3. 3 Drain and cool slightly.
4. 4 When beets are still warm (but cooled enough to handle), peel and cut into quarters.
5. 5 Place in a quart jar or other container with a lid and pour the vinegar over the beets.
6. 6 Note: Use glass if possible--anything plastic and some ceramics will discolor.
7. 7 Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least two days before serving.

Pastry Recipe

Pastry is very easy to make.

2 cups of flour
1 Tsp. salt
3/4 cups of shortening
1 Tbsp of butter
1 egg yolk
4 to 8 Tbsp. of ice water

Keep the egg white for the top of the pastry mixed with a bit of water.
After you leave the pastry in the frig for about 1 hour roll to fit pie plate.
Using pastry brush use the white of the egg to brush over the whole pie.

Mango Pie

Made a mango pie the other day. Mangoes are so juicy and flavorful right now.
Just one baked crust, then added some red currant jam on the bottom.
Slice two mangoes then topped it off with apricot jam glaze. Very good.

Time to make mango chutney.

Blueberry Time

I am going to go pick my blueberries this year as they are so easy to reach.
The local ones are ready. Here comes some blueberry muffins.

Raspberry Jam

I made some raspberry jam and mixed some tayberries to the mix.
Don't wait to long to get your berries as the hot weather is burning them.

Strawberry Jam

Make sure you wait for the local berries. Those California ones are woody with no taste.

Herb Butter

When I make herb butter I use a pound of butter to start.
I use half for garlic butter and the other half for a variety.

Garlic Butter:
4 cloves of garlic
Fresh or dry thyme 1 tbsp.
A few pieces of chives cut small
Parsley at least 1 tbsp.

My Herb Special
1 whole shallot cut small
Chives fresh cut 1 tbsp
Basil fresh 1 tbsp.
1 tsp. ground thyme
Crack some fresh pepper into mix.

Make ahead when you get butter on special.

Last in the frig after mixing or freeze for later use.

I always like to have some on hand for putting on many dishes.
Adds to the taste of meats, pasta or chicken.

Plant your Herbs

Time to get your herbs planted for so many uses.
I always do my herb vinegars when the herbs are in their growing stages.
They make great gifts when invited out for dinner. Chives, Parsley, Rosemary
Sage and Thyme and some Mint in a few pots around the patio.
Then at the end of the season, I always freeze some for dishes in the winter.
They make homemade soup taste special.

Get ready for Canning Season

June is the month I start with Strawberry Jam.
In May I check my jars for cracks and lids for rust.
Then stock up with certo and sugar. Get my recipes
out and list all the ingredients I will need for my preserves.
So much easier to go to the pantry and all the spices you need
are there waiting to make some delicious preserve. I always
try a few new recipes every year. Get cracking out there.

Good tip from a friend for summer

To keep flies away place a plastic bag half filled with water with four pennies inside bag. Place near windows or your patio table. the flies will just leave. Thanks Rosemarie.

My husband loves you,me too

Auntiejane.

Thank you.

You have been an inspiration to my husband and I.
Every time I have a problem in the kitchen you come to my rescue.
We have only been married for a year and I had no idea of how to cook.
I feel that you have been my life saver in the kitchen.Your responses to me
saved me when my in-laws arrived from out of town and you walked me through
a dinner that would have been a disaster. Thank you my dear friend as that is how
we feel about you. We will continue to communicate and feel special with your private
responses. Will you be our God Parent in August? Love C@ B

Summer Salad Dressing

I was at a good friends house for dinner the other night. I am sure she won't mind me sharing this great salad dressing with you all.

1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbs. of oil
2 tbs. lemon juice
2 tbs. white wine vinegar
2tbs. mustard
1/2 tsp. salt and pepper.

You can add oranges/avocados to the greens.

It is one of my favorites now.