Thursday, May 28, 2009

No More Freezer Jam Left?

Here in the Pioneer Valley during the month of June the fields of fresh, juicy strawberries will be ready to be picked. Roadside stands will also be selling the local sweet, red strawberries. This is a very pleasant thought, because as of two weeks ago our supply of Freezer Jam is gone. Yes, I did purchase a jar of strawberry jam in the grocery store, but it really does not taste as good as the delicious colorful jam that I prepared and we enjoyed all this past year.

Have you ever made Freezer Jam? What flavor do you make? The three flavors I prepare and freeze are Strawberry, Blueberry and Peach.

Before the season starts I purchase the needed supplies. It is so much easier to have the materials standing by to use when the fruit is ready to be picked. Now is the time for me to pay attention to Sales on the required items. Certo (Liquid Fruit Pectin) will be needed. I use 1- Cup Ziploc Containers. Occasionally, our local grocery stores have specials on Sugar and Ziploc Containers. I might even have a coupon or two to use! Lemon Juice is a staple in my fridge. Suddenly, the local fruit is ready to be picked or purchased and I will be preparing the jam.

Before I know it, the season for making Freezer Jam will be here! (Click here for extra hints.) The process is very easy – but the directions in the Certo package need to be followed, exactly. There are no short cuts. Oh, Freezer Jam tastes so much better than the store purchased varieties. It is time to get ready!

Yummy!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Ah, Sherbet Punch!

It is the season for graduations! This reminds me of the blog entry that I posted a year ago for Sherbet Punch. At family gatherings a punch bowl filled with Diet 7-Up and Sherbet is great for guests of all ages. There are two ingredients and it is easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

(3) 1 Quart containers of Sherbet (choose one flavor)
Orange, Raspberry and Lime are tasty.

(5 – 6) Bottles of Diet 7-Up Soda (refrigerated)

Method:

1. In large punch bowl place (1) Quart of Sherbet.
2. Pour (2) bottles of chilled Diet 7-Up in punch bowl, pouring some over sherbet.
3. Stir a little to mix ingredients.
4. Will result in frothy top and softened sherbet.
5. Ladle into cups, adding some of the softened sherbet.
6. Replenish the Diet 7-Up and sherbet, as needed.

Enjoy!
Easy and Yummy!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Smells Inviting, Tastes Great!

This past Sunday was Mother’s Day and my hubby was the chef!!! Nice!!! He used our outdoor grill – even better! These days we eat many meals of fish or of chicken, so enjoying Luscious London Broil that he prepared and grilled was totally a treat!

Earlier in the day he prepared the London Broil. (Click here for my printable recipe card with the directions.)

Parsley, Chopped Onion, Garlic Powder, Pepper, Basil, Oregano and (2) Bay Leaves were placed in a Gallon sized Ziploc Bag along with Lemon Juice. After rinsing the meat in cold water, add it into the bag. Carefully, remove the air from the Ziploc Bag and zip. Then place it on a dish and refrigerate the London Broil for at least 3 hours. 5 hours is better. During this time, carefully, turn the bag over at least once and continue refrigerating.

Before dinner heat the grill and then remove the meat from the Ziploc Bag. Place the London Broil on a large plate and spread about 2 TBS. Gulden’s Mustard on top. Place this side down on the hot grill. Carefully, place and spread 2 more TBS. Gulden’s Mustard on the meat side facing up.

Grill to desired doneness. Place on a clean plate and slice on the diagonal.

Luscious London Broil served with a Salad and microwaved Baked Potato – Yummy!
How sweet!

Enjoy!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Happy Mother’s Day!


If you have been listening to and watching the commercials lately, we have been reminded that Mother’s Day is approaching. As the day gets nearer, we see more advertisements. Moms always enjoy and appreciate an item that their children make. I still have the Macaroni Necklace that my younger son made for me when he was very young. It was quite a few years ago and I will always keep it. Not too long ago my older son stopped in with a container of chocolate chip cookies. What a nice surprise he had baked!

Baking a special dessert for mom is a great treat for her! What better time to surprise her than on Mother’s Day? Now, moms do believe in sharing, so if you and other family members will be together, everyone will enjoy the delicious dessert that you have prepared.

One of my favorites is Blueberry Delisimo. Ah, there is something about savoring bites of vanilla ice cream, juicy blueberries and white cake. Fresh or frozen (that have been thawed) blueberries can be used. Yes, my husband & my sons have made this dessert! It tasted so good! If you decide to prepare it, do not be fooled by its appearance before it is baked. The result is scrumptious!

Another easy but goodie is Creamy Cheesy Pie. The name describes its soft texture. Snickerdoodles are soft cookies that are flavored with cinnamon. It is hard to eat only one cookie. What will you be baking?

Enjoy!

Yummy!