Friday, July 29, 2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Edible Jewels

This time of year is when I look for jewels, "edible jewels" that is! Wild blackberries and raspberries are a couple of the common berries in the Appalachian Mountains.  So this time of year is a good time to carry a basket in your car in case you come across a few.




I like to create jams with the berries I collect.  In case your interest is sparked by looking at the yummy jars of jam below, here is a quick instruction list on how to make it for yourself.



  1. Squish some berries.
  2. Add some sugar.
  3. Add Sure Jell.
  4. Cook as directed. 
  5. To seal the lids invert jars with very hot jam (for at least 5 minutes)
  6. Wait for the lid to pop!
Now, go get your baskets! And don't forget to watch out for chiggers.  Eek!  There will be more on chiggers in my next blog!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Canning Green Beans

I went to see my sister who lives up South Hominy in Candler near Mt. Pisgah in WNC.  Just in time apparently, because she was canning green beans!  I can only imagine the homes along the Appalachians that have their canners out for the next few weeks.


These beans are half runners.  My favorite green beans are greasy cut shorts which I'll can in about a month.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

My, Oh My, Peach Pie!

Some ladies of the Appalachian Mountains love to make things from scratch.  Sometimes scratch means we put a little of this and a little of that. However, I had such a fun time making this peach pie from a recipe on the cover of Southern Living this month.  It was just "peachy". :)  Some ways we can enjoy peaches this time of year is to create jams, cobblers, put them in cereal, or maybe just have peaches with milk & sugar.
                                      




Tip: Notice the lattice work of the pie in the picture... The shine was achieved by brushing the top with an already beaten egg and sprinkling it with sugar before putting it in the oven.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Healthy: Summertime BLT with a healthy twist!

There is nothing like the vibrant red tomatoes that the summertime produces. To complete our "BLT" on the healthy side, we baked turkey bacon in the oven in stead of pork bacon, added natural pepper jack cheese and baby spinach leaves instead of lettuce, light mayo, and whole wheat toasted bread. Great for a quick summertime meal. Enjoy!



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