Making Strawberry Jam

Over the weekend, once I was feeling better, I decided to try my hand at making strawberry jam. I am not a pro when it comes to making preserves, so it is always a huge learning adventure when I embark on this type of cooking. Since I had about 5 pounds of strawberries from the Farmer's Market (I went a little overboard in my shopping, but it was such a deal!) I had to do something with all those delicious berries.

I followed several different recipes, which I suppose is a taboo in the preserves world but I like to read and see a variety of techniques before deciding which methods works best for me.




 I watched a few YouTube videos:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gmZ1aC_MFc&feature=related
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNAuf-DV7u4

And read a few books:
The Book of Preserves: Jams,  Chutneys, Pickles, Jellies
Preserving The Taste

Before I decided to just start with the basic strawberry jam recipe included in the pectin packet. I know, sort of a cop-out. Next time I have promised myself to try something totally amazing like sun-cooked strawberry jam or strawberry and cranberry chutney (oh, my!)

 First I cored the strawberry by removing the green leafy stem with a sharp steak knife.I did this to about 6 large baskets worth. Again, I cooked about 5 lbs of strawberries!

 Next, I chopped the strawberries into quarters for large berries and halves for smaller berries.I did this to all of the strawberries. After the strawberries are cut I placed them in my food processor to give the a quick super chop. Chop the berries in the food processor only enough to liquify some but still maintain a lot of berry chunks. Jam is always best with a little bit of chunk to it.

Once chopped, place the berry slurry into a slurry into a large cooking pot. Allow to cook and bring to a rolling boil for 5-7 minutes. Once steadily boiling stir in the pectin packet. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in 7 cups of sugar int the cooked fruit. Stirring constantly. Allow to boil for 5 minutes. Then funnel the jam into 8 oz jam jars with a funnel. Immediately place into a hot water bath, ensuring the jars are covered by at least 2 inches of water. Boil the jars in the hot water bath for 5 minutes. Pull out and allow to cool completely. The tops of the lids should "ping" once they have sealed (this should occur within a 24 hour period).

 Store your preserves in a cool dry place for up to a year.

Do you have any tips for making preserves? What is your favorite food to preserve? Happy Preserving!

Toddler Craft Project {Egg Carton Painting}

A little more than just the carton was painted

The afternoons have been filled with arts and crafts projects for us lately. Providing little fingers with many opportunities to explore and imagine, while allowing those bigger mama hands to get a few things accomplished themselves (like writing this post!)

Recently the paints made their way to the creativity table again. This time instead of paper we painted on card board egg cartons! There is something enticing about painting on a non-flat surface. My wee one enjoyed moving his paint brush through the rivets and dips of the carton.

Our intention is to turn this little project into a birthday gift for dadda. So far, the wee one has done his part, now if only the mama could find some time to finish it off!

What have you been doing to keep little hands busy lately?

New In The Shop

There are fun and new little goodies in the GoatNotes shop, just in time for Valentine's Day! AND, I have been working on my first "collection." I know, how can you stand it!? Right?! You can expect that new little collection of mine to take flight in the first on-set of spring. Around here, in NorCal, I consider spring has sprung when the daffodils come into bloom. Their leaves have recently begun peaking out of the Earth, so expect many new items to make their way into the land of the Etsy shop very soon.

The new collection is a mixture of rustic and romantic and lots, and lots of earth tones. I have been really into browns, greens, mustard (like the color of daffodils), and the many colors of song birds. Oh, there are so many. Hopefully those who stumble across it will like it too.

Until then, take a gander at some of the new items that are in the shop now. Especially check out the "Lucky Penny" gift. You choose the year, and the type of decorative paper to adorn your charm, and I will make you an excellent gift for a birthday, Valentine's Day, or graduation season is just around the corner!