We don't eat a lot of jellies and jams at our house. I know I like it every so often with toast, and of course, if I take a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch, it is useful to have it around. Although, I've gotten to where I like peanut butter and honey sandwiches as well, but I digress.
I remember years ago when I was living at home and we had an apple tree and the apples weren't really good for plain eating, yet they made delightful jelly. I would wash and peel and core the apples and cook them down. Then, strain until I had juice and add the pectin and sugar and put in sterilized jars. I remember admiring the clear beautiful jelly and thinking it was a good thing. I gave quite a bit of it away for Christmas, but we ate a lot of at home.
I have great respect for those folks who can and make their own jams and jellies because it is hot and sticky work. But oh what a reward when it's in those lovely jars!
I made grape jelly too because we had some grape vines, but unfortunately they weren't seedless. But the jelly was pretty good. My dad wasn't too keen on it. He explained when he was growing up during the Depression; someone gave his mom all the grapes they pick off the arbor. So she and my dad picked the vines clean and she made jar after jar of grape jelly. Back then refrigeration was truly an ice box -- a box with metal insulation and the ice man came and sold them a big block of ice. He said there were many meals that were basically grape jelly on bread. I can see where he got tired of it.
On another aspect, it's always interesting to see the jelly and jams offered at restaurants. Most will have grape and possibly strawberry. Every so often a restaurant that specializes in breakfast will have a bigger assortment.
I haven't bought a lot of jelly or jam or even preserves. I remember I made pork chops with apricot preserves a few times and it was pretty good. I guess I need to pull out that recipe and try it again, but I will need to purchase a jar of apricot preserves -- that's probably why I haven't made it lately.
I just checked our fridge and we have one bottle of jelly -- grape. Do people buy an assortment or just stick to a favorite or what's on sale? I know we used to buy stuff that on sale for our toast when I lived at home -- had to squeeze that dollar as best we can.
So, what's in your fridge?
J is for Jelly and Jam
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I do have a gooseberry bush but have never tried to make the stuff. I also have tons of Juneberries growing out back, but those I usually freeze for winter use on my breakfast cereal.
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