Current list of on hand Jams

Since the program this morning , I've been asked quite a few times what jams I currently have on hand, so below is the list as of right now. 

 (I do have a church bazaar in town this Saturday) so the list will likely change.  (Also, note, that some of the flavors are the last until next summer-namely Black Raspberry.  We were able to freeze quite a bit of Blackberry, Strawberry and Red Raspberry)

• Apple Cider
• Black Raspberry
• Blackberry
• Carrot Cake
• Cherry 
• Christmas Jam
• Clementine Marmalade
• Corn Cob
• Dandelion *
• Elderberry*
• Lilac Jelly *
• Lilac Syrup *
• Monkey Butter
• Peach
• Peach Vanilla
• Pink Lemonade
• Pumpkin Spice
• Razzleberry
• Red Raspberry
• Strawberry
• Strawberry Lime Margarita *
• Sunshine Jam
• Sweet Tea with Lemon
• Sweet Confetti Pepper
• Sweet Red Pepper
• Tomato Basil
• Violet *
• Watermelon
• Carmelized Onion and Balsamic Vinegar Jam
• Cowboy Candy
• Salsa
• Pepperonici

There are about 12 Flavors currently "out-of-stock". * items (flower jellies and "adult" jams) are slightly higher in price

Fast & Easy Appetizers with JAM! Intro!

As you know, earlier today I was on a local morning news show highlighting quick and easy appetizers that you can make with jam.  It was suggested that I post the recipes.  So these are mostly so fast & easy that there isn't really a recipe, but I did try to take pictures to show how to make them.

Now, you also know, I am a farmer, Not so much a food blogger, so some of my pictures may not be as spiffy as those who professionally (or semi-professionally) do this kind of thing...

All of these are somewhat picture heavy so I will do multiple posts, one for each of the dishes shown this morning.

Thanks for tuning in, and here is a link to the segment.

http://myfox28columbus.com/good-day-columbus/quick-easy-holiday-appetizers

Fast & Easy Appetizers (Part 5) - Other Fun with Jam!

Jams make great hostess gifts, or even "clutter-free" Christmas gifts.

4 Jams in a Basket

2 Jams in a Basket

 

Hostess Jam in a gift bag

We even have a "Jam of the Month" club if you can't decide which flavor you want to try (That way you or your loved one can try them ALL!)

Be sure to go like our Facebook Page, and PLEASE feel free to subscribe to the Blog so you don't miss out on any of the farm action!

Thank you for supporting your little local home businesses!

Fast & Easy Appetizers (Part 4) - Carmelized Onion & Balsamic Vinegar Dip

No, NO this is the easiest one!!

This is so easy, I didn't even take pictures! 

You need sour cream and a jar of our Carmelized Onion and Balsamic Vinegar Jam

Put Sour cream in the bowl, pour some of the Jam over it.  Stir.

Add a bit more Jam over the top as a garnish.

Serve with Tortilla Chips or Crackers.

As a side note, the Carmelized Onion and Balsamic Vinegar Jam is mostly savory but also does have a sweet taste to it.  It is also great used over meatloaf, or over the top of a roast cooked in a crockpot.  

Our Tomato Basil is also a sweet/savory that we refer to as "grown up ketchup" it is great over pasta, fish, chicken and veggies.

Also, if you would like to order some of the Onion Jam or any of our Jams, Jellies, and Savories  contact me through the "about me" or Like "Cackleberry Hollow" on Facebook and message me there!

Fast & Easy Appetizers (Part 3) - Pepper Trees

This is quite possibly one of the easiest appetizers!

All you need is cream cheese, a Jam or two, and crackers!

I like to use our Pepper Jams and Cowboy Candy.

the pepper jams are sweet (and made with sweet bell peppers) so it isn't hot, but does have a pepper taste.

The Cowboy Candy, on the other hand, is sneaky hot!!  It is sweet the moment you put it in your mouth, but then the jalapenos come back and kick ya.  The cream cheese does calm it down some.

You can just put out a square block of cheese and then dump the jam or peppers over it, or...

You can be fancy!

Cut it on the diagonal...

Then place them together.

Wet your fingers to smooth the line between the two blocks. 

Then put the peppers over the cheese and serve with crackers (Triskets hold up better than Ritz type of crackers, but your choice.)

Finished picture will be posted after the broadcast.

Also, if you would like to order some of the Pepper Jams or Cowboy Candy, contact me through the "about me" or Like "Cackleberry Hollow" on Facebook and message me there!

Fast & Easy Appetizers (Part 2) - A different kind of Cheese Ball

Like the title says, this is a different kind of Cheese Ball.

It's warm and ooey and gooey!

And easy. 

There are a few different cheeses that work well in this recipe.  

You can use a Brie Round,or Queso Fresco, but I prefer Queso Chihuahua, which is also quesadilla cheese. (I think motzerella would work too, but haven't tried it!)

Also needed is a package of crescent rolls (or you can use puff pastry) and Jam.

I use our Christmas Jam, which is Cranberries, Strawberries (from off the farm), Oranges and spices.

Roll out your crescent rolls so the cuts are closed. I'm pretty sure you can also buy it with out the cuts.  In that case, no rolling is needed.  

Spread jam on the rolls

 (about 3 Tablespoons--I you figured out that I don't much measure!)

Enough so it's the same size as the cheese.

Place the cheese in the jam, and then slather some more jam on top (which will actually end up being the bottom of the cheese ball.)

Fold the pastry/crescent rolls up around the cheese and jam.  Pinch so it's all covered up.

Flip it over and place it on a sprayed cooking sheet.

(I used some extra dough to try to make holly)

Then brush the whole thing with an egg wash.

Place in a 350* oven for about 13-15 minutes (until golden and brown like crescent rolls get)

When it comes out of the oven it will look like this:

Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before moving off of the baking sheet.

Plate it and serve with crackers or pretzel chips.  It can also sliced and eaten with a fork.

Or standing over the kitchen sink!  LOL!

(Plated picture will be added after the broadcast.)

Also, if you would like to order some of theChristmas Jam, contact me through the "about me" or Like "Cackleberry Hollow" on Facebook and message me there!

Fast & Easy Appetizers (Part 1) - Brie Bites

This recipe utilizes sweet jams.  I used our Homestead "Sunshine" which is Peaches and Pears from off the farm, and "Razzleberry" (Blackberries & Raspberries off the farm)

All you need is a package of puff pastry (or you can make your own, but that takes the fast & easy out of the recipe!), a package of Brie and a jar or two of jam.  Strong flavors are best.  These two flavors really stand up to the brie.

Roll the pastry out.  And then cut (I use a pizza roller) into 16-20 pieces.

Even if your muffin/cupcake pan is non-stick, I recommend spraying with baking spray! Between the cheese and jam, plus the delicate pastry, it can be a challenge to get out otherwise

 (Ask me how I know!!)

Anyway, put your squares in with a chunk off of your brie.

Add about a teaspoon (ish) of jam on top of the cheese.

Put in the preheated (350*) oven

Bake for about 12-15 minutes (Depends on your oven, mine is old tends to run hot)

They will be all melty and simmery (technical terms, see??)

Let them cool for a few minutes before using a fork to spin them around to unstick and take out.

Plate, Serve, Enjoy.

Trust me, they disappear quickly!

Be sure to comment, so I know you were here!

Also, if you would like to order some of the Razzleberry or Sunshine Jam, contact me through the "about me" or Like "Cackleberry Hollow" on Facebook and message me there!

"Festival" Season

I've had our "Really Local Farm Market and Craft Fair" for three years now.  Last year I did one additional "festival" at a local church the next week.  In the past, I've sold stuff at the farmer's market and do pretty well because "I have the gift for gab"  Laugh!

Right before our festival this year, the same church that I had gone to last year called me and asked if I would participate in their bazaar again this year.  Personally asked, um SURE!! Then a great friend mentioned their church was doing an event.  Would I like to come?!  Definitely!  Then, Boy's girlfriend's Dance Studio was doing their first ever Craft Fair.  Yes, I'll do that too.

Guess what?  I like doing festivals!!  So I've been looking around on Facebook and the local papers to find more.  That also means making lots more jams and jellies. On the schedule for this week is at least 12 batches to replenish my most popular flavors (the most popular seems to be the "Cackleberry Classics" which are the blends that we have come up with.)

I meet the neatest people at the festivals.  This weekend I met a really nice lady and we talked and talked.  More on that in a few days as I might have A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! (at least it's BIG for me!)

As of right now, my next festival is on November 18th (Friday night) and then another full day one on December 3rd.  Come out and see me!  But if you need some jams, jellies or savories before then, send me a message!

Jam...Jelly...Salsa!

We are in full swing getting ready for the coming "Really Local Farm Market & Craft Fair" and winter.

My whole family has been such a blessing, pitching in to chop, dice and stir stuff.  Both of my guys have helped and just this past week, my parents came out to put in long full days on the farm! Between the 5 of us, we have canned over 175 jars in the past 10 days!!  Mostly it's been Salsa, as I've come up with a recipe that is so yummy that everyone likes it!  We have 30 pints ready for the Festival, and another 60 quarts/pints for the winter.  On the "hot side", I have 27 jars of "cowboy candy" mellowing.


Plus, the jam/jelly machine has started.  Last year we sold out of 3 flavors of jam right away, so already I've been making double and triple batches of those (Strawberry/Rhubarb, Razzleberry, and Elderberry).  Plus Dad came up with a new combo to add to our selection this year of Strawberry/Blueberry--it is outstanding!!  This week, we also added more straight Strawberry and Lilac syrup for Ice cream.  Here's the list of what we have on hand so far:

• Strawberry
• Strawberry/Rhubarb
• Strawberry/Blueberry
• Blueberry
• Cherry
• Apple Cider
• Watermelon
• Black Raspberry (Jelly-no seeds)
• Red Raspberry
• Golden Raspberry
• Blackberry
• Peach
• Concord Grape
• Cinnamon Apple
• Peach Vanilla
• Carrot Cake
• Razzleberry (Red Raspberry/Blackberry)
• Coffee
• Lilac Jelly *
• Lilac Syrup *
• Violet *

*Small Batch, limited quantity, slightly higher priced due to nature of product.

On the current "To Make" list is:

• More Carrot Cake
• Sweet Tea Jelly
• Tomato Jam
• "Traffic" Jam
• Christmas Jelly
• Gingerbread Spice Jelly
• Red Pepper Jelly
• Root Beer or Mt.Dew Jelly (??)
• Pumpkin Pie Jam

What do you think?  What jams / jellies do you love?  What one have I forgotten??

Dandelions....

To continue onward with the "City Mouse"'s Canning Adventure, we then made Dandelion Jelly.  Honestly I thought I would absolutely adore the violet jelly and wondered about the results of the dandelion...I LOVED THE DANDELION more than the Violet!!!

Dandelion Jelly

1 quart tightly packed ripe yellow Dandelion flowers

6 cups water

6 cups sugar

2 Tbsp of Lemon Juice (or the juice of one lemon)

1 package Pectin

First, make sure your flowers have not been sprayed, pick and wash. remove the ends, and as much green as possible.



Place petals, water and lemon juice large heavy bottom pot, bring to a boil, then transfer to a bowl. Place a piece of waxed paper over top and refrigerate until morning.

Strain through a sieve, discarding petals


Return to pot, and sugar and bring to a hard boil. Stirring occasionally. Boil for 10 minutes.

Add pectin to the liquid and return to a boil for 5-10 minutes, until it begins to set.

Pour into hot sterile jars, and process in a hot water bath for 5 minutes.

It tastes a bit like honey

To keep the foam down, add 1/2 tablespoon of butter when you add pectin. It could take up to 2 weeks for jelly to set properly. If it doesn't set, makes a great syrup

Pictures courtesy of "City Mouse" (Except the picture OF City Mouse, and the very first flower picture, and petals)  To follow her adventures visit : www.thenikiverse.blogspot.com

Fun with Lilacs!!

Lilac Jelly

4 cups lilac blossoms, green parts removed

4 cups boiling water

8 tablespoons lemon juice

2 packages powdered pectin

8 cups sugar

First, pick all the flowers off the stems...don't leave any of the green or the bugs...

Rinse lilacs and place in a large glass or stainless steal container. Cover with boiling water, cover with a lid and let sit for 24 hours. This will make a nice lilac infusion which smells nice but doesn’t look anything like you would expect. It is murky and either greenish or brownish.  Ours looked like iced tea...and when we tasted it with honey...well, it tasted like tea without the bitterness.

Strain the lilacs, squeezing out the excess water, and discard. Add lemon juice to the infusion, stir in pectin and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

Add the sugar all at once and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for one minute, skim and pour into jelly jars.  Finish with a 10-Minute Hot Water Bath.

I have read some websites that had their greenish liquid turn vivid pink when they added the lemon...mine didn't :(  I'm not sure if I have defective lemon juice or not...because other websites said nothing about it turning pink.  I actually was hoping it would turn out purple...but it now looks like "tea jelly."  I'll add finished pictures once it cools!  8 half pints and 2 quarter pints done!  We are well on our way of 800 canned.

Lilac Sugar

Make lilac sugar: This is the simplest thing to do, and flavored sugars are always a fancy little treat. Pick some lilac blossoms, clean and not buggy, and sprinkle them in a jar of white sugar, making a few layers, then cap the jar and forget about it for a couple of weeks. For a fancy tea party make little open face sandwiches with a sprinkle of lilac sugar and a few blossoms chopped into cream cheese, and a few petals for garnish, or use the sugar to make shortbread cookies.

Pictures of this once it has sat for 3 weeks and I can take a picture!!

It's....ARTISIAN!

You may have remembered my summer of jelly canning craziness....yes? So I was talking to a friend about some of the unique jellies that I want to try this year.  Another new friend was listening in...and said "What about doing some NORMAL jelly??" 

My friend explained that I canned over 300 jars of "normal" jelly last year and probably still had about 1/2 left after all the Christmas gifts...I loved the stunned new friends face at the number of jars of jelly we did!

So I was relating this conversation to my DH tonight as I was starting to prepare my "fruit" for my first jelly of this year (Stay tuned for the post tomorrow...or the next day...or...) and bless his heart.  He said, "Last year was "normal" jelly...this year it's ARTISIAN jelly."  SMOOCH!  Doncha just love him?!?