Strawberry Season Includes Jam

~Local Strawberries~
Some for freezing, some for snacking on and some for freezer jam

The local strawberries are available here in Western MA! At a roadside stand it is easy to purchase a quart or two to enjoy. They are delicious! We purchased a few quarts. Some to prep for our freezer, some to snack on and 3 quarts to make 3 batches of Strawberry Freezer Jam. Preparing jam has been a tradition for me for so many years. For me the commercial jams do not compare in taste to the jams I prepare and my family and I enjoy.

These past two days my kitchen has been hopping! After purchasing the red juicy strawberries it was time to prep some to place in our freezer to enjoy throughout the year. On the second day the Strawberry Freezer Jam was prepared. After placing the strawberry jam mixture into clean containers and snapping on the lids, the containers sat undisturbed for 24 hours. My dining room table came in very handy! After 24 hours passed the containers were placed in the freezer. About a month ago I had already purchased the needed Certo (liquid fruit pectin), granulated sugar and lemon juice. My containers for jam have been used for quite a few years. 

For complete instructions on my method, click here. 

Now that our supply of the fresh buy local strawberries and the strawberry freezer jams have found their spots in our freezer it's time to enjoy a strawberry sundae for dessert tonight.

Enjoy!
Yummy!

 

Local Strawberry Season

"Buying Local" and enjoying the delicious strawberries!

June is the month of local Strawberries and "buying local" is the way to go here in New England.  Suddenly, we learn that the red berries are available at the roadside stands and our purchase is made.  It would not be the typical month of June for me if bags of this prepared fruit were not placed in our freezer along with Freezer Jam.

Click here for my method of freezing strawberries and preparing Freezer Jam.   

Time flies when you are having fun!  It also flies when you have traditional projects to accomplish.  

Enjoy!

      

~Strawberry Freezer Jam~

Fresh Local Strawberries
and Strawberry Freezer Jam

Oh, this year it happened!! There are bags of prepared fresh local Strawberries in our freezer!!  And 3 batches of Strawberry Freezer Jam will also be located there!!  Last year everything was different because of the Pandemic and I did not freeze any Strawberries nor did I prepare any variety of Freezer Jams.  Sure, I purchased the commercial jams, but making jam has been a tradition of mine for decades.  Let's say a LOT of decades.  Homemade Jams taste so much better than the commercial brands, too.  Back in the day I made the "stir over the top of a hot stove" type jam.  That was until I found directions for Freezer Jams.  That first year I made 1 batch of Strawberry Freezer Jam- just to see how it would come out.  It was so good and it was so easy!  So, that has now been my method for the last few decades!

I use CERTO liquid fruit pectin- usually found in the gelatin/ pudding section of your grocery store.  

***Yesterday, I prepped 3 batches of Jam- 1 batch at a time. It's in the Directions- prepare 1 batch at a time!  

***The  Directions are found in the CERTO package. Follow exactly.  As a matter of fact- read all Directions before starting in.  Every year I reread them.

The Jam sits in the containers undisturbed for 24 hours, then it is placed in the freezer. Defrost when needed in the refrigerator.  

For my complete post on Strawberry Freezer Jam, click here. 

It's time for me to place my first batch in the freezer!

Enjoy!
Yummy!               

Freezing Strawberries + Freezer Jam

Yummy Strawberries!

Summer is here and suddenly it was time to purchase the local, yummy, juicy strawberries!  It's a tradition!  The already freshly picked quarts were purchased and after they arrived home it was time to prep/ freeze most of them to enjoy during the colder months here in Massachusetts.  Fresh local strawberries taste just sooo goood!!  Even the prepped local strawberries that are taken out of our freezer and defrosted.  There is something great about eating just ripe fruit.  Yum!!

To Freeze Strawberries:  Each berry was checked and the tops were cut off.  A triple rinse with cold water and draining them was the next step.  I like to cut the larger strawberries in halves or thirds before freezing. 

2 Cups of prepared fruit were placed in each freezer bag.  (Adding a little sugar to each bag is optional.)  Then, the bags were labeled and into our large freezer they went.  Oh, definitely there was a taste test and some strawberries are in our fridge ready to eat!

Strawberry Freezer Jam
Yes, the containers are recycled every year. :)

On Strawberry Day 2- three batches of Strawberry Freezer Jam were prepared.  We are not really partial to the commercial jams/ jellies/ preserves that are sold in supermarkets.  Making Freezer Jams has been another tradition of mine for over 40 years.  WoW!  It is that long.

After following the directions found in the CERTO package, the containers then sat on our dining room table undisturbed for 24 hours.  After the 24 hour time period they also found their place in our freezer.  Yum!

Our local, fresh, ripe, juicy Strawberries make their appearance in the fields once a year.  It's great to take the time to purchase them and then prep them to enjoy for the next 11 months.  Until there are no more found in our freezer, that is.

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Strawberry Freezer Jam

~Strawberry Freezer Jam~

Sweet juicy local Strawberries are just the best!  They also make a wonderful flavorful jam!  For a few decades now, I've been preparing Freezer Jams when the fresh local fruit is available.  This week 3 batches of Strawberry Freezer Jam found its spot on our dining room table to "do its thing" for the required 24 hour period.  My kitchen had this production line set up.  The strawberries had already been prepared. 

My fave containers to use are the Ziploc 1 cup containers.  The circular ones that Ziploc no longer sells.  So, during the year after we've enjoy a container of jam, each container is carefully washed/ dried & stored away for future Freezer Jams.

One day this week was Strawberry Freezer Jam Day!  The strawberries, sugar, Certo (liquid pectin) and Lemon Juice were placed on the counter- ready to use.  The Directions are located inside each box of Certo.

While preparing this Jam follow directions exactly!  I always reread the Directions and also reread my Helpful Hints.  One batch is prepared at a time!

We had been enjoying the very last container of Freezer Jam- Peach - that was prepared last year.  What great timing for our local strawberry season!  Now, our freezer has a new supply.

Do you prepare Freezer Jams?
They are so much tastier than the commercial brands of jams!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

      

Freezing Strawberries

Local Fresh Strawberries

It's Strawberry Season!!!

Now!!!  The time of year when we can drive out to a local roadside stand and purchase a quart/ quarts of the sweet, juicy, red, local strawberries.  This week was the week to drive out to Meadowbrook Farm in East Longmeadow and purchase a flat + 2 quarts of these tasty local berries.  No, there is no way we are devouring them all at once.  The strawberries were prepared for the freezer and then frozen.  There were other plans for 3 of the quarts.  During the remaining months of the year a bag needs only to be defrosted to enjoy as a topping on Belgian Waffles, Oatmeal Pancakes or on ice cream. 

Living in MA where this fruit does not grow year round, I like to freeze the local berries in June.  The quarts purchased during the winter/ colder months in our grocery stores are not very tasty. 

Packaging the Strawberries!

Freezing the strawberries is an easy process.  Well worth the time, too, if you enjoy eating the local tasty fruit during the winter months. 

There is always a little "strawberry snacking" going on after the bags are placed in the freezer.  Some berries are saved out to enjoy now!  Yum!  While preparing the fruit, my kitchen has the aroma of a strawberry field.

Freezing Strawberries

1. Working with a quart at a time, the tops are cut off. 
2. Then, the strawberries are triple rinsed in cold water.
3. Drain.
4. Slice each strawberry in half or thirds and measure out 2 and 1/2 Cups to place in a Ziploc Quart sized Freezer Bag.  
5. I prefer to add about 1 Tablespoon Sugar to each Ziploc Bag before freezing.
6. Move the Sugar/ Strawberries around in the bag to dissolve the Sugar.
7. Close, label & date each bag.  Then, place in your freezer.
8. Defrost in fridge when needed.

This year the Strawberries are so sweet & so juicy!  What a delicious local fruit!  We need to make a return trip and purchase a few more quarts.

Do you also freeze the local fruit??

Enjoy!
Yummy!

     

Oatmeal Pancakes

Stack of 2 Oatmeal Pancakes
with Strawberries

There is something about winter and me thinking about oats.  Not in cookies nor as a topping, but as in Oatmeal Pancakes.  Oatmeal Pancakes!!  Their name may not sound very exciting, but let me tell you they are so good!!  With each bite there is a little crunch going on.  Oats,  fat free Buttermilk, egg whites, olive oil ... all favorite cooking ingredients for me!  I had not make these pancakes in a while.  The memory of enjoying them in the morning with strawberries served on top came back.  I like mine stacked before topping with the strawberries.  Yum!!   

The combination of Strawberries and Oats tastes so good!  So, the night before, a Ziploc bag of frozen sliced (slightly sweetened) strawberries were taken out of our freezer to defrost in the fridge for the next morning.  The Oats and Buttermilk are also combined the night before.  Then, the next morning finish preparing the batter and get your skillet hot!  It was time to combine the Buttermilk and Oats in a bowl and let the process begin! 

This recipe makes a large batch, so I freeze the extra pancakes.  Each is placed in an individual sandwich bag.  The pancakes are stacked and then placed into a Ziploc freezer Bag and popped into the freezer.  They are ready to enjoy at other breakfasts.  Defrosting/ reheating the Oatmeal Pancakes in the microwave works great. 
             
Oatmeal Pancakes

Ingredients:

2 Cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
2 Cups Fat Free Buttermilk
1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *
1 Cup Fat Free Buttermilk- use the next morning
1/2 Cup Flour
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Egg + 2 Egg Whites, beaten
4 Tablespoons Olive Oil for baking & sauteing 

Method:

1.  Combine Oats, Buttermilk, Cinnamon and Nutmeg in a bowl.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2.  Next morning add 1 Cup additional Buttermilk.  Stir.  
3.  Stir together Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder & Baking Soda in a small bowl.
4.  Add to Oats/ Buttermilk mixture.
5.  Add beaten Egg + Egg Whites and Olive Oil. 
6.  Stir all together, adding small amount of Buttermilk if needed.
7.  Pour 1/4 Cup batter on hot griddle for each pancake.
8.  When brown, flip over and cook other side.
9. Serve!

What a great breakfast!  If you do not have Strawberries for a topping, Maple Syrup also tastes so good!   

Enjoy!
Yummy!

 

Fresh Local Strawberries

Local Fresh Strawberries

Today was the day!!!  Every year about the middle of June the local strawberries are ripe & ready for us to enjoy.  When visiting roadside stands or Farmer's Markets, quarts of these sweet yummy red berries are available to purchase.   It's been a tradition with me to purchase strawberries to prep for our large freezer & also to make Freezer Jam.  Oh, years ago the tradition was to go to the strawberry patch & pick the berries I needed.  Traditions change!  :)

This morning quarts of strawberries from Meadowbrook Farm in East Longmeadow, MA found their way to my kitchen.  After cutting off the tops, the strawberries were double rinsed in cold water & drained.  Then, 2 and 1/2 cups of this fruit were placed in Ziploc Freezer Bags.  Some of the larger strawberries were sliced first.  I add about 1 Tablespoon of sugar to each bag before closing.  It works well to move the sugar crystals around in the bag, so it dissolves.  Label & date each bag. 

In the winter months a defrosted bag of this yummy fruit is such a treat to top a Belgian Waffle, Yummy Oatmeal Pancakes or ice cream.

Ready for the Freezer!

Strawberries are always a 2 day project with me.  Tomorrow, I'll be making Strawberry Freezer Jam.

Do you enjoy making jams when the local fruit is available in your area?

Enjoy!
Yummy!

   
  

Strawberry Freezer Jam

Strawberry Freezer Jam

Strawberry Freezer Jam is a great treat to find in the freezer during the year!  Making jams in the summer was a tradition I grew up with & have kept.  My sister & I would help our mom make jams & jellies during the heat of the summer.  That was when air conditioning was not a comfort option.  We were a one car family with my dad driving the car to work every day.  These days central air is so comfy on a hot summer day & 2 cars work great!   

June is always the month when I purchase the quarts of locally grown strawberries from Meadowbrook Farm in East Longmeadow.  They are cleaned & prepped for our freezer.  Three quarts are saved to make three batches of Strawberry Freezer Jam.

In the spring I purchase the 1 cup plastic freezer containers, Certo liquid pectin & needed amounts of sugar (when bags of sugar are on sale).  Lemon Juice is always in my fridge.  When Strawberry season arrives here in the Pioneer Valley, it's time to get busy!

Three batches are prepared, but each batch is prepared separately.  The directions are found in each box of Certo for freezer & cooked jams & jellies.  It's always a good idea to read the directions before starting.

One thing to keep in mind is to:  Follow Directions Exactly.

Click here for my hints for making yummy Freezer Jams.

Before I know it, it will be Blueberry Season.  :)

Enjoy!
Yummy!

               

Local Strawberry Season

Local Strawberry Season!

The month of June brings Strawberries!  Oh, I'm not talking about the packaged fruit from grocery stores' produce departments that have been shipped from another location to the northern states.  I'm talking  juicy fresh local Strawberries!  What a great treat!

Freezing the yummy strawberries (after removing the tops & rinsing in cold water/ draining/ packaging is a yearly tradition with me.  It began decades ago by helping my mom freeze our fam's supply for the upcoming months.  In those days it would always be hot & homes did not have any AC.  My sister & I were reminded in order to enjoy Strawberry Shortcake during the snowy cold winter months, we needed to get busy.  We also enjoyed eating them as we worked!     

We made our Jams back in the days, too.  Homemade Strawberry Jam is just the best.  Stirring the Strawberry/ Sugar mixture while working over a stove always made the day a lot warmer, but we knew how delicious it was!  Fast forward:  I totally read all the directions included inside the Certo box the first year that I was married.  There, I found a non cook method of preparing Jam.  I prepared 1 batch, froze it & 2  days later defrosted a container for my DH & I.  Ah, it was so good, so I made another batch of Strawberry Freezer Jam!  A few weeks later when the local Blueberries were ripe I also made 2 batches of Blueberry Freezer Jam.  From that year on my fave method is Freezer Jam.  

It is easy to prepare & it tastes so yummy!  One batch requires 1 quart of the ripe berries.

Strawberry Freezer Jam is the non cook method that requires:

• Following directions exactly
• 8 ounce containers that have been washed/ dried
• 1 Quart ripe Strawberries
• Granulated Sugar
• Lemon Juice
• I use Certo liquid fruit pectin
• Did I mention follow directions exactly?  Prepare 1 batch at a time!
• My Helpful Hints - I also read these before I begin. (Click on link to read, too.)

My family's tradition continued.  When freezing the yummy juicy red strawberries, I always set aside 4 quarts.  1 quart for our "munchies" & 3 quarts for the Freezer Jam that is always prepared the next day.
  
On Monday, the quick trip to Meadowbrook Farm in East Longmeadow, MA was made.  In the afternoon there was a Strawberry process going on in my kitchen.  The bags of fruit are now on the top shelf in our large freezer.  Tuesday right on schedule, 3 batches of Strawberry Freezer Jam was prepared.  After labeling, the containers sat on our Dining Room table undisturbed for 24 hours.  Each batch of the containers of delicious jam was placed in our large freezer at the specified times, 24 hours later.

Do you prepare Freezer Jam?  

Enjoy!
Yummy!

           

Buttermilk Belgian Waffles

Buttermilk Belgian Waffles
(cooling before wrapping & freezing)

Do you have 1 and 3/4 Cups of Buttermilk in your fridge?  Do you have 1 Cup + 3/4 Cup Milk?  That small amount of Buttermilk is the beginning of a delicious breakfast!

About a month ago after opening the door to one of my kitchen cabinets, suddenly I "spied" my Belgian Waffle Maker!  It's only been "untouched" for about 6 years!  Other than taking it down when cleaning the cabinet shelves.  Remembering that I had Buttermilk in my fridge, the next step- King Arthur Flour's website.  There it was- a recipe for Buttermilk Belgian Waffles!  The photo looked so yummy & I had the Buttermilk!

• I use King Arthur Unbleached Flour whenever I make pancakes.
• My less cholesterol habit:  Substitute Olive Oil for sauteing & baking for Butter.
• Another less cholesterol habit:  Rather than 2 whole Eggs, I'd use 1 whole Egg + 2 Egg Whites.

I was on my way to make a very yummy breakfast.  By using the Olive Oil, no butter/ margarine was needed at our table either- only a topping.  What delicious waffles!  The second time I prepared these waffles for breakfast, defrosted strawberries were a great topping!
 
No, we did not devour the entire batch!  The extra waffles were cooled & wrapped in plastic wrap/ placed in Freezer bags for even quicker breakfasts other mornings.  My method of reheating:  my microwave.

The holidays are in our future!  If you are looking for a quick, easy & absolutely yummy breakfast to serve your overnight guests Buttermilk Belgian Waffles are great!  Take out your waffle maker!  If you don't have one, that small appliance would be a great gift to receive!  My waffle maker is at least 15 years old.  Make & try these.  They are so good!

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside!

Buttermilk Belgian Waffles
             makes 8 Waffles
             adapted from King Arthur website

Ingredients:
1 + 3/4 Cup King Arthur Unbleached Flour
4 teaspoons Sugar
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 Whole Egg + 2 Egg Whites
1 + 3/4 Cups Buttermilk or 1 Cup Buttermilk + 3/4 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Olive Oil for sauteing & baking 
2 teaspoons Vanilla

PAM

Method:

1. In a large bowl combine Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda & Salt.
2. In a smaller bowl beat 1 Egg + 2 Egg Whites.
3. Add Buttermilk, Olive Oil & Vanilla.
4. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until almost smooth.
5. Spray Belgian Waffle Maker with PAM before preheating, only when making 1st waffle in batch.
6. When Waffle Maker is hot, use 2/3 Cup batter to make waffle.
7. Close lid. Cook for 2- 3 minutes - until steaming stops.
8. (With my Belgian Waffle Maker cooking time is 2 Minutes, 30 Seconds.)
9. Carefully remove & continue.

***One AM I had only 1 Cup Buttermilk, so I also used 3/4 Cup Milk & the waffles were also oh, so good!

Using the Olive Oil, no butter/ margarine is needed.  Maple syrup or Strawberries are our fave toppings!  What will yours be?

Enjoy!
Yummy!

   

Strawberry Freezer Jam!

Local fresh juicy sweet Strawberries!

"Timing is everything!"  How often have we all heard or used that expression?  It's been so true these past few days for me.  My year's supply of local, fresh, juicy, sweet strawberries had not been purchased, so they were not yet cleaned/ prepped for our freezer.  June was leaving & it was getting late in the strawberry season, here.  Sunday was designated "Strawberry Day".  The short drive to Meadowbrook Farm in East Longmeadow was made.  That afternoon bags of cleaned sliced strawberries were placed in our freezer.

Yesterday was "Strawberry Freezer Jam" day!  The Certo, sugar & 1 cup Freezer containers had already been purchased.  A little mass production was going on in my kitchen to prep those 3 batches of Freezer Jam.  Henry Ford would have been impressed!  Today those 3 batches of jam will be placed on the top shelf of our large freezer - each batch at a different time. 

***At a different time, because for best results, each batch is prepared separately.

The cleaned utensils, containers & strawberries were ready!  The directions for Freezer Jam is located in the Certo package.  I also read over my own helpful hints (click here) before starting.

Now, I usually make 2 batches of this variety of jam, but this spring, suddenly there were none left of any variety.  Commercially prepared jam/ preserves/ jellies are o.k.  I'd much rather spend the time during the summer making jam when our local fresh fruits are ripe & prepare my own that tastes so yummy!  It is so much more tasty than just o.k.

The Strawberry Freezer Jam is now sitting on our dining room table "doing its thing" for 24 hours.  After the 24 hour time period, the containers will be placed in the freezer.  (The foil covered custard cup of jam will find a home in our fridge.)  The last batch will be placed in our freezer at 4:30 PM. 

Strawberry Freezer Jam

I will definitely need a "place the Strawberry Jam in the freezer" break while watching our USA Soccer team!  Timing is everything!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

   

Strawberry Shortcake

Recipe ready to be used!

Lots of excitement in our family, so I haven't posted in a bit!  The beautiful celebration had been in the planning stages for more than a year.  Our wonderful younger son married his awesome fiancee and we are so happy to welcome her into our family!  A beautiful outdoor ceremony in upstate NY followed by an absolutely great indoor reception.  The weather, the ceremony and the celebration were all - perfect!   

After spending the 3 day weekend with family & friends, suddenly Easter is here.  No, I had not given Easter dinner much thought.  Mustard Roasted Leg of Lamb is now on the menu complete with all of the trimmings.  Dessert???

Strawberry Shortcake!  It comes in quite handy for me to check out my own blog for foodie ideas!  :)  Strawberry Shortcake is definitely a family fave!  Fresh sliced strawberries or in my case - I reach into our large freezer & locate a package of the frozen sliced slightly sweetened strawberries that only need to be defrosted.  Today 2 packages of the frozen strawberries will be placed in the fridge to defrost - ready for Sunday.

The Shortcake will be prepared tomorrow in a 9" round cake pan.  Vanilla Ice Cream & Whipped Cream have been purchased, so we are good to go!  This is a very easy, very delicious dessert!

Strawberry Shortcake
     printable recipe 

Oven: 450°F    Time:  15 – 20 minutes

***Strawberries & Shortcake are needed for this amazing dessert!

Ingredients for Shortcake:

2 Cups Flour 
2 Tablespoons Sugar
3 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1/3 Cup solid Crisco Shortening
1 Cup Milk (can be low fat, reconstituted powdered or soy)

Method: 

1. Heat oven to 450°. 
2. Spray 9" round layer cake pan with PAM. 
3. Measure Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder & Salt into a mixing bowl. 
4. Add solid Shortening.
5. Combine Shortening with dry ingredients using 2 knives or a pastry blender.
6. Stir in Milk until blended. 
7. Spoon & pat into pan. 
8. Bake 15 – 20 minutes until golden brown. 
9. Cool. 
10. Before serving, cut into pie slices.
11. Then cut each serving to be used in half – a top and a bottom.
12. Place the bottom in a dessert dish. Cover with sliced strawberries (that have been cleaned, sliced and mixed with a little sugar, according to taste) & ice cream. 
13. Place other piece on top and cover with berries & ice cream. 

•  Any extra shortcake slices can be sliced and frozen to be enjoyed at a later date.

This is an easy, tasty dessert to be enjoyed in the Spring!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Happy Easter!!!

Strawberry Cornmeal Pancakes

Strawberry Cornmeal Pancakes

With a little Cinnamon & a little Nutmeg!  Oohh, what a great tasting pancake!

There was a quart of fresh Strawberries in our fridge and there was a pkg. of "JIFFY" corn muffin mix in the pantry.  Saturday AM a quick & easy breakfast was needed.  With our current weather of heat and also storms mixed in, our lawn grows quickly.  My DH's plan was to mow the front/ sides and perhaps squeeze in mowing the back.  It all depended on what surprise Mother Nature had for us.

On the side of the "JIFFY" corn muffin mix box is a recipe for Cornmeal Pancakes that I use perhaps once a month - with a few changes.  I substitute:

1. 2 slightly beaten Egg Whites for 1 Whole Egg
2. Olive Oil (for baking and sauteing) for melted Shortening
3. Soy Milk for Milk

I also add:

1. 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon 
2. 1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg

Usually a mashed Banana is added to the batter.  However, Saturday AM the fresh Strawberries suddenly came to mind.  Adding sliced fresh Strawberries to the batter (on the griddle) makes for very yummy pancakes.  Warmed Strawberry slices combined with Cornmeal is so good!   

The lawn?  Our entire lawn was mowed, so we are all set for a few more days.  The few extra pancakes?  They are in our freezer.  :)

Enjoy!
Yummy!

   

~Strawberry Freezer Jam~

Strawberry Freezer Jam

T'is the season for ... local strawberries! Double Yum!  It's a great tradition - driving to Meadowbrook Farm in East Longmeadow to purchase a flat (8 qts.) + a couple more quarts of the sweet, delicious fresh local berries!  Gone are the days of "picking your own" in the fields, for me.  It's so much easier to purchase the fragrant nutritious fruit at the farm and then go forward with the plan.  :)

On Monday the strawberries were purchased.  Yes, there is more to the story!  In the afternoon my kitchen became a production line.  The berry stems were removed and the yummy fruit was given a rinse in cold water.  After draining, each berry was cut into 2 or 3 slices and 2 Cups of the fruit was placed in Quart Ziploc Freezer Bags.  About 4 teaspoons of Sugar was added to the individual bags before sealing, labeling and then placing them in our large freezer.  They will be defrosted during the year - a great topping for Oatmeal Pancakes, ice cream or in a fruit salad.

Ready for the freezer!

Today, sitting on the Dining Room table were 2 batches of Strawberry Freezer Jam doing its thing - preparing itself! Yesterday, the 1 cup Ziploc Freezer containers were cleaned and the Certo, Lemon Juice & Sugar located.  My plans for the 2 quarts of strawberries in the fridge was starting.  I could see 2 batches of Freezer Jam in my future.

(File Photo)

Growing up my mom, sister & I always made the year's supply of jams when the local fruit was in season.  Those were the days of "sweating over a hot stove" and using paraffin wax.  Years later, I discovered the Freezer Jam recipe inside a Certo box.  It was my "Industrial Revolution" moment!  From that day on I make Freezer Jams in the summer.

After following the recipe in the Certo box, the filled covered containers sit undisturbed for 24 hours.  After the 24 hour time period into the freezer they go.  Very easy + very tasty all year long!

1 batch of Freezer Jam is prepared at a time!  Do not double the batch - prepare each separately.  Follow the directions exactly.

Click here for more of my hints.      

It's after 4 PM and now both batches of Strawberry Jam are in the freezer.  Woohoo!  Do you prepare this easy tasty Jam?

Enjoy!
Yummy!

    

Oatmeal Pancakes

Oatmeal Pancakes

"This tastes really great!"  It was a direct quote from my DH this AM at breakfast.  Whenever I hear a positive review after the first bite of a food, I usually jokingly inquire, "May I use that quote?"  "Yes!" was the reply.  That is the story.

Hot Oatmeal Pancakes with a hint of Cinnamon & Nutmeg topped with defrosted slightly sweetened sliced Strawberries were on our Breakfast Menu this AM.  These pancakes are just yummy!  However, it's no secret that my DH's fave is Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes.  Both pancakes require Buttermilk.  (I use the Fat Free variety.)  This week whenever I opened the door of my kitchen cabinet the container of Quaker Old Fashioned Oats beckoned to me.  It definitely was a plan - Oatmeal Pancakes!
 
Last night, 2 Cups of Oats, the Cinnamon & the Nutmeg were combined with 2 Cups of Fat Free Buttermilk in a bowl.  The covered bowl was placed in the fridge.  A package of locally grown frozen sliced Strawberries that I froze last June was defrosted in the fridge.  This AM I was good to go!

(File Photo)

No, we do not devour the entire batch at once.  The remaining pancakes are packed away in the freezer to enjoy on other mornings - after a quick pop in the microwave!

Oatmeal Pancakes

Ingredients

2 Cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
2 Cups Fat Free Buttermilk
¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
* * * *
1 Cup Fat Free Buttermilk – use the next morning
½ Cup Flour
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Egg + 2 Egg Whites, lightly beaten
4 Tablespoons Olive Oil ( for sauteing & baking) I use Carapelli.

Method

1. Combine Oats, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Buttermilk in a bowl.  Cover & refrigerate overnight.
2. Next morning – add additional 1 Cup Buttermilk to mixture so it can be combined easily.
3. Stir Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder & Baking Soda together in small bowl.
4. Add to Oats mixture.
5. Add beaten Egg + Egg Whites and Olive Oil. 
6. Stir all adding small amount of Buttermilk, if needed.
7. Pour ¼ cup portions on heated non-stick griddle. 
8. When brown, flip over and cook other side.

Top with fresh or slightly sweetened defrosted Strawberries.

Enjoy!

Yummy!

***As we celebrate Memorial Day on Monday pause to remember and to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.          

Strawberry Freezer Jam

Getting ready to prep the Freezer Jam

Here in Western MA when the local Strawberry season is ripe, it's a wonderful treat to savor the taste of the fresh, sweet, juicy strawberries!  I always prep a flat of this delicious fruit and store sliced 2- cup portions in Ziploc Freezer Bags to enjoy during the year.  There is a reserved place on the top shelf of our large freezer for them.

On the same freezer shelf, there's also a reserved spot for Strawberry Freezer Jam!  Yesterday, was Jam day.  While growing up my mom, sister & I "put up" jams every summer for our fam to enjoy all year.  Now, I no longer stir the concoction over a hot stove top and use a paraffin wax sealer - like back in the day.  Freezer Jam has been my method for quite a few years.  Those Ziploc 1-cup containers are so handy.

Freezer Jam is very easy to prepare.  A package of Certo Liquid Fruit Pectin contains the directions along with 2 pouches of the liquid pectin.  The directions need to be followed exactly.  Wash & dry the 1-cup containers that will be used. Click here for more of my helpful hints and suggestions!

This year the Freezer Jam is especially craved.  After losing all foods in our freezer last Halloween due to the Halloween Nor'easter surprise (with no electricity for 6 days), we purchased commercially prepared jam this past year.  The purchased jam/preserves do not compare in taste when the competition is Homemade Freezer Jam!

Yesterday, three batches were prepared - one batch at a time.  The line up was sitting on our table for the 24 hours - before each batch would be placed in its reserved place in our freezer.  Each container is labelled, including the time when it would take its place on the top shelf.  The last batch of Strawberry Freezer Jam will be stored at 4:30 PM.  :)

   

Strawberry Freezer Jam Line-Up

Do you make Freezer Jam?  It's scrumptious!  

Enjoy!

Yummy!

                

~Strawberry Season~

It's June!  Our large freezer downstairs has been defrosted and is ready for this summer's bounty!  As of this afternoon the top shelf now has Quart Sized Ziploc Freezer bags each containing 2 cups of sliced Strawberries!

Earlier today a quick trip to Meadowbrook Farm in East Longmeadow resulted in the purchase of 1 large tray (8 quarts) + 2 additional quarts of these luscious berries.  Every year I purchase strawberries at Meadowbrook Farms and prep them for our freezer.  During the frigid winter months in MA, defrosted local delicious strawberries make a wonderful topping for nutritious light Oatmeal Pancakes or on Vanilla + Strawberry ice cream.  I'd never consider buying the tasteless strawberries that are sold in grocery stores when these berries are not in season here in New England. 

This is also a tradition of mine that started in my childhood.  However, then my family would drive out to the strawberry patch and harvest our supply.  The prepping was done after we returned home.  As time went on my DH & I did likewise.  Now, we purchase the fresh strawberries directly from Meadowbrook Farm. 

Strawberries are so easy to prep for freezing.  The tops of these luscious juicy red berries are cut off and then the berries are cleaned:  Double rinse in cold water and drain.  Over the years I've learned that slicing them in half or thirds before freezing results in wonderful shapes when served on ice cream or on pancakes.  

The 2 extra overfilled quarts purchased today are sitting on the bottom shelf of my fridge.  Tomorrow morning 2 batches of Strawberry Freezer Jam will be on my agenda.  The Certo, sugar and lemon juice are ready to go, including the 1 Cup sized Ziploc Containers!  After preparing the Freezer Jam, the containers of jam will sit undisturbed for 24 hours before placing in the freezer.  Whenever jam is needed it's defrosted in the fridge.  You just cannot beat the taste!  :) 

When making Freezer Jam - remember to make 1 batch at a time.  The directions are located inside the Certo box.  Follow the directions exactly.

Do you enjoy storing local produce for future use?  Do you prepare jam or Freezer Jam?

Enjoy!
Yummy!

     

Blueberry or Oatmeal???

As the saying goes, "Variety is the spice of life."  It's also quite amusing at times.  Unless there is a blizzard, an ice storm or a heat wave (like currently here in New England) my hubby & I take a daily walk.  The exercise is important for health and it's a great way to greet our neighbors as we move along.  There is always time for a friendly, "Hi!"

Baseball caps add protection from the sun, so it is not unusual for us to wear our favs.  However, at first not all of our neighbors realized that we cheer on rival baseball teams.  Yup, it the Red Sox and the Yankees.  It's comical when suddenly an individual will discover this fact.  :)  Unfortunately, my team has had many injuries this season...

This past weekend our sons & families were in for a family visit/neighborhood Get Together.  Saturday AM arrived very quickly with many last minute preparations.  Hearty Pancakes that have been prepared, ready and waiting in our freezer always work so well for quick breakfasts.  Earlier in the week a quart of Fat Free Buttermilk was in my fridge.  A dilemna - which Pancake to make - Blueberry Buttermilk or Oatmeal with Strawberry Topping?  You guessed it -  my hubby enjoys the Blueberry and I am so partial to anything containing oats.  Our son likes both Strawberries & Blueberries.  The last couple of batches of Pancakes this summer I've made Blueberry Buttermilk, so this time Awesome Oatmeal Pancakes with defrosted Strawberry Topping it was.

Much to my surprise, our son added his own touch to his breakfast ...

There always is a canister of Reddi-wip on the top shelf of our fridge.  Just like the ole' days!  :)  This week located next to the Reddi-wip is a new quart of Fat Free Buttermilk!

Does everyone in your family have the same fav Pancake?
Enjoy this Labor Day weekend.
If you are in Earl's path - Be safe!

       

Simply Delicious!

There are occasions (like last night) when I'll open our freezer door prepared to make two ice cream cones.  Unfortunately, there will only be about 1 cup of ice cream remaining in the container.  That is my clue that the next day I will be making Simply Delicious!  It's light, it's colorful and it needs only three ingredients.  Did I mention easy to prepare?  The directions below are for 2 servings, but it can be doubled very easily.  :)

Simply Delicious

1. Boil 1 Cup cold water.
2. Place contents of 1 small pkg. flavored gelatin in a medium bowl.
3. Pour in hot water and stir to dissolve gelatin.
4. Add 1 Cup Vanilla ice Cream.
5. Whisk or stir well until ice cream melts.
6. Pour into 2 serving dishes/mugs.
7. Refrigerate several hours.
8. Serve with whipped cream.

Earlier this afternoon I used one small pkg. Raspberry flavored Jello gelatin and 1 Cup of Black Raspberry ice cream.  Sweet!

Sometimes, I use Strawberry flavored Jello, Strawberry ice cream and a few defrosted Strawberries. 

Life sure is good!  Looking out my window at the colorful bouquet of blooming Zinnias eating Raspberry Simply Delicious!  Yummy!  That was after our visit this afternoon to Stanley Park in Westfield.  Stanley Park is a gem in Western MA.  Filled with flowers and beautifully landscaped, a stroll through this gorgeous park always offers wonderful gardening ideas.  It also has a fountain!  :)

Do you have a favorite quick dessert you make during the summer?  Do you have a favorite park you visit?

Enjoy!