The jam was smelling YUMMY, and after using the Ball instant pectin packet I knew it was a breeze. I could then proudly proclaim that I have made strawberry jam with fresh strawberries that I picked myself.
Actually, after looking at my fingers from picking and dehulling (if that's not the right word, please correct me) the strawberries, it looked like a murder had been committed.
So why on earth would anyone go this trouble to make strawberry, or any other, jam when it can be bought at the store!
Good question.
I have this burning desire, thought, stubbornness, craziness…. to be independent, and know that I can “do it myself.”
I’d already made dill pickles and salsa (recipes coming soon) and I was on a roll, even though it was 9:30 at night, I was tired, but I wanted to (stubborn, crazy….) I also knew better. “…But it will only take 30 minutes…” I reasoned to myself as I cut the strawberries into small pieces, measured the sugar, and poured in the Ball instant pectin.
WOW, what a delightful smell – I had mixed it up per the directions, put it in the jar, and I was shaking the jar to mix it up properly. My hands were wet and so was the jar, but I had a good firm grip on “my” homemade strawberry jam.
Hubby, Mr. Cooki, (did I mention I have my own Santa Baby ;)) came into the kitchen to empty the trash can which was rather overflowing thanks to me! I thought he was going to say something about the trash being full (feeling just a little guilty here….) so I was ready with my comeback. Furiously shaking the jar of fresh made strawberry jam, with my wet hands on a wet jar. All the flavors are blending and…
CRASH!
All over the kitchen floor. My washed-that-day kitchen floor, was now splattered with my fresh and homemade strawberry jam. It was EVERYWHERE. The glass from the jar I was shaking included.
That was my comeback to a non-existent comment. Mr. Cooki just looked and asked me very quietly, “what happened?” He told me not to move and quietly swept up the mess I had made. Then he mopped the floor for me, before he burst out with laughter. He told me I was more concerned with what he was doing than paying attention to my shaking……. Humph ;)
Yes, I was actually tempted to make it again, only this time it was 10:30 p.m. I didn't, I went to bed and slept hard.
The jam was made the next morning and tasteted scrummy!
Using the Ball instant pectin makes it so easy. Next time (yeah, I know) I'll use just a smidge less sugar as it was too sweet for me. Even though the recipe only needs 1/2 cup it was too much for me.
