Jammin' Good Time

We be jammin' in this kitchen.

Blueberry Lime Jam (from Food.com)

4 ½ cups blueberries

1 pkg dry pectin

5 cups sugar

1/3 cup lime juice

1. In a pan crush blueberries one layer at a time.

2. Add pectin and stir.

3. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

4. Add sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

5. Stir in lime juice.

6. Return to a rolling boil and boil for one minute. Stir constantly.

7. Ladle into hot jars, add rings and seals.

8. Process 15 minutes in hot water bath.

Peach Raspberry Jam (from Taste of Home Canning and Preserves Magazine)

2 2/3 cups crushed peaches

1 1/2 cups crushed raspberries

3 cups sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon bottled lemon juice

 

1. In large pan, combine all ingredients. 

2. Cook over low heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is bubbly, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.

3. Bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 15 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Remove from the heat, skim off foam and ladle into jars. Add rings and seals.

5. Process 15 minutes in hot water bath.

Enjoy...

Three of Many Reasons Why I Love Summer

1) Fresh veggies

2) Fresh fruits and

3) Cooking with fresh vegetables/fruit like this yummy recipe:

Summer Vegetable Skillet

2 or 3 ears corn, removed from cob

1 tomato, chopped

½ teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

Fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

2 or 3 zucchini squash, chopped 

Parmesan cheese

1. Mix together corn, tomato, basil and Italian seasoning. Set aside. 

2. Sauté the onion, green pepper, mushrooms and garlic until tender.

3. Add the zucchini and cook until tender.

4. Add the corn mixture and cook until done.

5. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy...

Summer Flowers

“In joy or sadness flowers are our constant friends."

Kakuzo Okakura

Homemade Bread

There is something about making bread that makes my heart skip a beat. 

The aroma of the yeast as it forms the starter, 

the rising of the dough,

the kneading and forming of the loaves or rolls, 

the smell of the bread baking in the oven. 

It's the whole process of making the bread that I love. 

Of course, I have to admit that the bonus of baking bread is its taste, appearance and texture.

Mmmm...hot fresh bread with Happy Cow butter and homemade jam!

Ciabatta Rolls (adapted from King Arthur Flour)

1 1/2 cups flour plus 3 cups flour

1 cup cool water

a pinch of yeast plus 2 teaspoons yeast

2 1/4 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk

2/3 cup lukewarm water

3 tablespoons olive oil

1. Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, water, and pinch of yeast in a large bowl until well combined. Cover and let it rest at room temperature overnight. It will become bubbly.

2. Add the remaining ingredients to the mixture and beat at medium speed for 7 minutes. The dough will be very smooth and soft.

3. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 2 hours, deflating it midway through.

4. Turn the dough out of the bowl onto a lightly greased work surface. Divide the dough in to 12 pieces. Roll into balls and flatten into disks. Transfer to baking sheets leaving about 3 inched apart. 5.  Cover the rolls with oiled plastic wrap and allow to rise for 2 or 3 hours. 6. Bake 425 until golden brown.   Enjoy...

Interest in Pinterest

Like so many others on the Internet, I have a huge interest in pinning on Pinterest. Now that I am on summer break, I am trying some of the many recipes pinned on my "recipe" board. Must say that the first one I tried is definitely a winner especially with the cherry tomatoes ready for picking.

A little olive oil, slice onions, cherry tomatoes and sugar

gives you a wonderful topping for buttermilk chicken.

Buttermilk Chicken with Sweet Tomato Relish (adapted from Your Homebased Mom)

Buttermilk Chicken
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded to about 1/2 inch thick
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 Tablespoons vegetable oil 
 
1. Pound chicken breasts until about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Marinade in buttermilk for 1 hour.
3. Combine flour, salt and pepper into a shallow dish.
4. Remove chicken from buttermilk and dip into flour, turning to coat both sides.
5. Heat oil in large pan and add chicken.
6. Cook chicken on both sides until cooked through.
7. Top and serve with sweet tomato relish.
 

 
Sweet Tomato Relish
2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 cup sweet onion, sliced 
2 tablespoons brown sugar 
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
2 Tablespoons olive oil 

1. Heat olive oil in pan.
2. Add sliced onion and cherry tomatoes. Saute for a few minutes.
3. Add in sugar and Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer until thickened.

Enjoy...