~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!

    

Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles - The remaining 4 for my photo op!

The Cinnamon/ Sugar coating smells so good as you bite into a soft delicious Snickerdoodle.  Yum!  These cookies are a fave of my fam.  I've also learned that it ranks tops with my next door neighbor who just graduated from our high school.  The graduation party was on Saturday.   Sunday, the Dads in our fam celebrated their day. What better dessert than Snickerdoodles for both occasions?  On Friday afternoon my 37 year old KitchenAid mixer was put to the test and my oven was in mass production mode.  A triple batch of these cinnamon flavored cookies covered my kitchen counters.

Over the years, Snickerdoodles have filled the role of birthday cakes for my sons after they moved out of our area and began their careers.  A box delivered to their doors containing homemade cookies is one special yummy gift!

When preparing these cookies, after the small balls of dough are formed, I place them quickly into the Cinnamon/ Sugar Topping mixture rather than roll the dough around and cover the entire ball.  

Snickerdoodles    printable recipe card  
Oven: 400°F    Yield:  About 3 Dozen Cookies

Ingredients 

½ Cup Butter or Margarine, softened
½ Cup Solid Shortening ( I use Crisco.)
1 and ½ Cups Sugar
2 Eggs
2 and ¾ Cups Flour
2 tsp. Cream of Tartar
1 tsp. Baking Soda
¼ tsp. Salt
* * * *
Topping:  2 tsp. Sugar + 1 tsp. Cinnamon

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Using a mixer beat Butter/Margarine, Shortening + Sugar.
3. Add Eggs and beat.
4. Add Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda, Salt + ½ of the Flour and mix.
5. Add in remaining Flour + mix.
6. In a small bowl combine Topping Ingredients.
7. Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls.
8. Place ball of dough into Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture.
9. Place ball of dough Mixture side up onto ungreased baking sheet, 12 balls/sheet.
10. Bake about 9 Minutes, underside of cookie will be lightly browned.
11. Remove from baking sheet and cool on rack.
12. Store in air tight container.

***Snickerdoodles do not freeze well.

The triple batch of cookies are g-o-n-e!  They were shared 3 ways and were totally enjoyed!

Yummy!

 

Free Fun Fridays 2013!

It's offered Free of charge in Massachusetts!  It's Fun!  It's on Fridays during the summer!  Free Fun Fridays!

Again this summer the Highland Street Foundation very generously is offering FREE ADMISSION to 60 cultural and/ or historical venues throughout my state of Massachusetts.  The places to visit range from the countryside of Western Mass to the busy streets of Boston and include the salty air of the Cape (Cape Cod).  Click here for complete list. 

Families residing in or travelers vacationing or passing through Massachusetts are all welcome to choose from 6 venues each Friday.  Every Friday the venues change and are not repeated.  So many great places to visit!

June 28 is the first Friday! 

On the 1st Friday, 1 of the 6 places to visit is Heritage Museums & Gardens. Last summer my DH & I drove through Sandwich, MA on our return trip home after spending a few relaxing days at the Cape.  We stopped in to visit the Heritage Museums.  The Shaker style barn is fascinating and houses the antique cars.  Sitting in an antique car and also taking a ride on the carousel was FuN!   

Notice the Lantern Headlights!

On another Friday in August visit the Springfield Museums in Springfield.  There are 4 museums in this beautiful complex.  Works by Monet, Chardin and Bellows along with Currier & Ives prints are a few of the treasures on view in the Museum of Fine Arts.  Decorative Japanese Samurai Suits of Armour & beautiful Netsukes are displayed in the Victorian era Smith Museum.  View the Duryea and Knox cars and Indian "Motocycles" that are located in the Springfield History Museum.  A planetarium is located in the Science Museum along with other treasures.  I spend much time at the Springfield Museums during the school year in my role as a Museum Educator.  It's a wonderful place!            

"Horton Hears a Who" Bronze Sculpture at Springfield Museums

My Grandson totally enjoys the Franklin Park Zoo in Dorchester.  Kangaroos, Emus, Tigers & Zebras are some of his faves whenever he visits.  This zoo is where he learned the names of animals and how to pronounce their names.  A free visit awaits you in August!

This program ends on August 30 with 6 more great treasures to choose from.  The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge is great!  Located in the Berkshires, it's always picturesque driving down Main Street in the town.  Walking into one gallery, "Main Street (Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas)" catches your eye!  Details everywhere!

"Main Street (Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas)"

If you have questions about this program, the Highland Street Foundation has a FAQ.  Click here for FAQ.

As we all plan activities for our families for summer days and if you live in, near to or will be traveling through Massachusetts, check out the list!  Learning while having FuN is the best way to learn!

Thank you Highland Street Foundation!          

We will Enjoy!

 

Strawberry Simply Delicious

Yesterday it was official!  Our 1st heat wave!  This AM when our outdoor thermometer read 90.5°F, our thoughts were that we did not want a fourth day of 90°F + temps.  A tad too early!

However, with the sun shining brightly, the Zinnia seeds have burst upward!

Zinnia Seeds - Day 6

Our Dogwood Tree outside my Computer/ Sewing Room is looking good!  The branches are filled with these pink edged ivory flowers.

Dogwood Tree

When the weather suddenly gets warm, a cool easy dessert tastes so good!  Simply Delicious!  This particular dessert contains 3 ingredients:  1 Cup of Vanilla Ice Cream, 1 small box of (your favorite flavor) Jell-O Gelatin and 1 Cup boiling Water.

Making Strawberry Simply Delicious

 Sugar Free Jell-O works great!

***Last summer this dessert was a hit at our Family Get-Together with the toddlers in our family.  1- Cup Ziploc containers had either Strawberry, Lime or Lemon Simply Delicious.  A squirt of Reddi-wip on top and the little tykes were very happy!  The Ziploc 1- Cup containers were easy to stack in the fridge after filling them - just remember to leave a little "head space" before placing the lid on top.  A FuN dessert for children of all ages!  :)   

Strawberry Simply Delicious - 2 servings

Ingredients:
(1) pkg. small box Strawberry flavored Jell-O Gelatin - can be Sugar Free
(1) Cup Vanilla Ice Cream
(1) Cup boiling water

Method:

1. Boil cold water and measure 1 Cup boiling Water for dessert.
2. Place contents of 1 small pkg. Strawberry flavored Jell-O Gelatin in medium sized mixing bowl.
3. Pour in hot water and stir well to dissolve Gelatin.
4. Add 1 Cup Vanilla Ice Cream to bowl. 
5. Whisk or stir well until Ice Cream melts.
6. Pour into 2 dessert dishes or mugs.
7. Refrigerate several hours.
8. Serve with Whipped Cream on top.

I pour the liquid containing the 3 ingredients into coffee mugs before placing in the fridge.  Yesterday, we enjoyed Strawberry Simply Delicious!  Right now, the Lemon flavored is in our fridge.

Enjoy!
Yummy!

   

Sewing or Sowing?

Zinnia seeds from previous year - still attached to dried flower petals.

It really wasn't a question!  I knew the answer!  My Janome & the fabric for the Envelope Pillows would need to wait.  Sunday's cold temps and the previous days of much needed rain was not ideal for planting the Zinnia and Coreopsis seeds.  Yesterday, the sun was shining, so I was ready to go.  Go outside and plant flower seeds, that is!

During the summer months it's always so relaxing to glance outdoors or to walk past and view vibrant colored flowers in our gardens.  Last year the Painted Lady Butterflies visited the colorful Zinnias.  These butterflies do look similar to a Monarch Butterfly, but after examining closely, a difference can be noticed.  (Click on FuN Facts above.)

Painted Lady Butterfly on Orange Zinnia.  (File Photo)

Last fall many Zinnia seeds (from small, medium and large plants in height) were saved and dried from the beautiful flowers.  The seeds would be planted this Spring.  With our cold weather and then rainfall this past week, the first opportunity was yesterday.  After gently crushing the dried petals, the seeds were ready to be planted.

Sure, the seeds may be purchased in packets, but there is something very satisfying about drying, saving and then planting seeds from a crop of gorgeous flowers that you've enjoyed during the previous summer.  Much like cooking healthy meals for your family to enjoy.

The seeds are in the ground and now will be watered daily.  Depending on our weather, little sprouts will be coming up...soon!

I cannot wait!
The flowers are to Enjoy!

  

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.          

Celebrating My Town's History

O.K., I haven't forgotten where my stove is located nor have my DH & I cut back on the number of meals we enjoy each day!  We've been involved in the planning of Long Meddowe Days.  This great event each May is a celebration of the colonial history of my town, Longmeadow.  Long Meddowe Days was last weekend, so now I need to replenish my fridge and also my freezer!

This weekend festival is enjoyed by town residents and visitors from my area.  History Tours, a Craft Fair, Food, Entertainment and other events for families to enjoy are all part of the weekend FuN!  Below are photos shared - compliments of the Long Meddowe Days Committee.

Craft Fair

9th Massachusetts Artillery -  Civil War Re-enactors

There is always a supply of Yummy Yogurt & Solar Green Tea in the fridge, but it's time to bake a batch of Cinnamon Craisin English Muffin Loaves.  And also so many other foods!  My list is growing, but Long Meddowe Days was great!

We did enjoy!