29-52-2014: Preserving the Memories

July 20, 2014 – The fruits of summer are so fleeting, is there any better way to preserve a bit of summer for the depths of winter than with some fresh preserves?

Earlier this week I came across some really nice apricots, unfortunately not the absolutely BEST apricots one can find (tomcots fit that bill, but they are near impossible to find in Vancouver, ever), but still these were still pretty nice.

I haven’t made jam for three or four years, and they were just calling to be preserved for some time later when the fruits of summer have all disappeared for the year.

So I bought them, and got them fully and beautifully ripened on my counter, and then made a very quick and simple preserve out of them.

What a fabulous colour! Apricot jam simply has to produce the most gorgeous jam or any fruit.

I have never, in my life, bought jam.

Ever!

I spent every summer of my childhood on my Grandma & Grandpa’s orchard, and Granny & Grandad’s farm. I was spoiled so badly with fresh grown fruits and vegetable, milk straight from the cow, eggs right from the chicken..and meat…well, I knew where it came from. Chicken, beef, fish, grouse, moose, venison…I understood and participated in the butchering.

The memories that come with making jams and jellies are so wonderful. Some of the equipment I use belonged to my grandmothers. Why would I buy something new that functions exactly the same way when I can use something that has been used now for three generations for the same purpose.

Simply put, there are some things that are just better when you make the effort to do them yourself. Not to mention the fact that I always know exactly what’s in my jars.

And I hope that as long as I have a kitchen, that I will continue to make my own preserves.

Grocery store bought preserves simply don’t compare.

Yum!