Getting Ready to Make Some Jam...

So far today Jerry and I have had a great day.  We got up and went to Yoga then headed down to get his hair cut then it was off to the Farmers Market.  We have a BIG Farmers Market here and being we are in the south we are already getting fresh local produce.  Sooo you know what that means?  It's canning time!

Our strawberries laying out to dry

This year for the first time I have started canning.  Last weekend Jerry and I made the best strawberry jam from local strawberries, honestly it was the sweetest jam I have ever had and I know what went into it (no high fructose corn syrup that is for sure). We are big on watching documentaries and let's just say the things that go into our food is scary and we have started eating Organic and/or Local (watch Food Inc. for starters).  So this summer we are taking advantage of when things are in season and we are going to can and freeze the produce to not only eat healthy but to save money (it isn't cheap to eat right).

Blueberries washed and ready to go

We are both big on supporting the local farmers and we are both foodies and you can't beat the taste of local fresh produce.  This weekend we are planning to make some more strawberry jam and try to make spicy blueberry jam (never had it before).  The blueberries and strawberries taste soooo good! 

Mangos waiting for my cutting challenge

In the past I had also made spicy mango chutney for Christmas gifts (did up baskets of home made items) and whole foods had Mangos on sale today and I thought I would give that a shot again.  I think this time it will be easier because I watched a video on how to cut and peel a Mango (hey don't laugh, have you ever tried to peel and cut one; it's not easy LOL).

My friends used to joke with me and call me Martha because I love doing all kinds of crafts and baking and cooking and I always try to make thoughtful gifts.  Hey she might not be the nicest lady but she is talented so I do take that as a compliment.  I am going to be one of those moms that makes my own baby food (or at least give it a try).


The canning and cooking marathon will probably start tomorrow as tonight we are going out for Sushi (trying to go once a week before I no longer can have sushi again), DATE NIGHT!  I will keep you all updated on the canning progress we make tomorrow...