Something new

     In our canning and preserving journeys, Shawn and I are taking in a ton of knowledge. We not only learn something new every day, but some days it feels like we learn ten new things. And one of us is always reading to the other, whether it's an article in a canning magazine, a fellow blogger daily canning experience or even from the friendly canning fan facebook pages. We're forever stumbling onto a new fact or food and excited to share with the other.
     About a week ago on our favorite canning facebook page, someone posted a picture of their latest try, pickled cherry tomatoes. She had tried it for the first time and was asking if it was normal for the cherry tomatoes to float to the top. I was intrigued right from laying my eyes on the pictures because we are expecting a large harvest of cherry tomatoes this year and I would love to try something rather than just shoving them in the freezer. So I read through the 30 or so comments from more experienced canners.
     I learned that yes, it is normal for the tomatoes to float to the top. Once they suck in the pickled brine they'll sink to the bottom. In the jar, my eyes spotted garlic and maybe dill or an herb of some sort. Many of the comments were how to use them once ready and I noticed an abundant amount of comments stating they were great in pasta salads, which are huge in my house. I started the quest of googling for a recipe and also located one in my trusty Ball canning book. The Ball recipe called for a full sprig of fresh rosemary in each jar. I love rosemary.
     So throughout the week I had collected a couple huge handfuls of cherry tomatoes from our generous plants. I kept piling them on the counter, watching them turn from orangish-red to bright red juicy looking treats. Even though we eat them constantly, it was still time to make a preserving decision and I knew I wanted to try a couple of jars of the pickled tomatoes. I'd rather try one or two jars before I do 50 just to crack one open and discover I had just wasted my surplus making something I won't eat. So Shawn and I cleaned and prepared enough to make 2 jars. Of course, it started as one... then went to two and really, it ended up being two and a half so we could dig into the half jar right away for a tester.

     As you can see, they are so appealing to look at in the jar, especially with the sprig of rosemary jumping out at you. They look perfect with just a little floating, but I knew from the research that they'll sink. So once we pulled them out of the canner we put them on the counter and walked away. I have to walk away just to keep myself from digging in too early and burning my tongue. So we decided to kill some time before dinner on this Saturday afternoon and watch the B-rated zombie movie Chernobyl Diaries. In all it's cheesyness, I liked it, but I'm a fan of the low budget horror movies. Nothing like planning the month of October (Shocktober in my house) around the worst horror flicks we can find. We have more fun trying to scare each other and laughing at the movies than we do being scared.
     So back to the tomatoes. Sounds kind of Gross, right? Pickled tomatoes. Once they were cool enough I asked Shawn to pull out the grill and I tossed on a couple thick steaks. While that was cooking I fried up some taters and made little salads. Then it was the moment. I twisted off the jar ring and popped the lid off. Right away I could smell rosemary and I was excited. I topped our salads with only 2 each, not knowing what to expect, plated the steaks and taters and we went against our policy and headed for the living room to watch TV while we ate. Really, we had the tail end of the 2 star zombie movie to finish up.
     We sit down, share a little smooch like we do before every meal and then Shawn grabbed his fork, "I'm starting with one of these bad boys right here", as he held the dripping tomato from his fork. I was nervous. I don't know... He popped it in his mouth and immediately as he chewed, he was boobing his head up and down to say "yes". So I did the same. It was a burst of flavor.
     Do they taste pickled? Yes. But the rosemary really shines through and cuts the vinegar down to an enjoyable level. They were awesome. Then I wished I had added a few more to my plate, but at the same time, I know they'll be even better in a week or so once they've soaked up the brine and rosemary and garlic. I can't wait to try them again.
     The day went by too fast, but we still have a goal to make some bread tonight so I'm off to the kitchen again. I'm thankful my husband enjoys hanging in the kitchen as much as I do. :)
Chat soon
Penni

Up and rolling

     Today was an exciting day. The logo is ready for our new business and that finally means full steam ahead. Tonight I get to play with all the marketing materials. Foorever Jammin' is already getting requests and I don't even have the labels on the jars yet. I hope that's sign of things to come and we need to get our butts in gear and fill some orders!

     Take note of the awesome logo because it'll be sweeping the country one day. :) We really do have the bar set pretty high for ourselves here. We are working very hard and excitment levels are through the roof. My goal is to be up and running by Labor Day so I can sell at a few local markets before the cold weather comes. We still have so much work to do though. Right now, I'd sell out of jams and jellies in a day. I will be spending my spare time building inventory, but that's the fun part so I don't mind.
     We're also going to be trying a few flavors we've never done before. Some don't really appeal to me, but have me curious, and just because I don't like something, doesn't mean someone else doesn't. I'm sure as we grow, we'll get a feel for what is popular and what is a flop. This weekend we'll be trying a small batch of strawberry basil jam. Not something I would of ever saught out, but since Shawn stumbled on the idea and people seem to like the sweet and savory combo, I'm willing to give it a shot. I do love both strawberries and basil. I'm curious, to say the least.
     Another gift I received today was freshly harvested garlic. My friend Theresa sent it over with her son, who is my son's other half, and it smelled wonderful. I've actually never experienced freshly dug up garlic before and I think I like it. It was smaller than what I buy in the store, but it sure packed a punch.
     The garlic couldn't have come on a better day. I really needed to harvest my basil, but after working all day I wasn't up for making the strawberry basil jam tonight. So when I got home and saw the garlic on the counter, I thought, "Score!" and I whipped up a nice batch of pesto and that's now in the freezer. During harvest season, I can't seem to make enough pesto. We freeze it in individual containers and through out the year, it's perfect for a quick easy dinner that has that fresh taste of summer no matter how much snow is on the ground. This was only my first batch so I have much more to go.
     So, Thursday night Smakdown is on. Ahhh we love our cheesy wrestling nights. I'm off to enjoy the fun with my boys and play with some business cards. I hope your day was as thrilling as mine was. New logo, fresh harvests and a handsome husband who just wants my company. My life is awesome.
     Enjoy your night!
Penni

    

Making friends

     One of our favorite things to do is hang out in our yard. We take great pride in the care and appearance, and absolutely consider it our little haven. Kota agrees. Kota is our 7 year old husky and fits every stubborn stereotype you've ever heard about husky's. This includes him being very territorial over his yard.
     Last summer was the best so far. I believe the count was up to him winning the battle with 3 very large possums and one turtle. I felt bad about the turtle. They have a tendency to climb up from the wetlands behind our yard and make the unfortunate decision to tread on Kota territory. We've saved several, but one did slip by without us knowing. I can live without the possums. In fact, last year was an oddly populated year for quite a few animals, but our yard stays clear. Nothing catches you off guard more than when Kota prances proudly up on to the deck with a 15 pound possum in his mouth that has curled itself around the dogs face, as it breathed its last breath.
     Since those more vicious of animals have seemed to gotten smart and moved on to other territories, this year the rabbit population has gone up, as well as the birds. They love our quiet yard just as much as we do, but sometimes we worry about the bunnies. And boy, they sure were some very small bunnies roaming on their own this year. We just kept trying to keep Kota calm and telling him to , "Be nice..." whenever the bunnies were having dinner in the yard.
     So imagine our surprise watching him for over a half hour lay next to a bunny as it ate. Neither one seemed to really be bothered by the other, though Kota did want to lay close and watch him. I think the bunny was safe as long as it didn't make any sudden moves, which it didn't.

     Introducing our fur baby, Kota. The bunny is pretty camouflaged in the picture so just to point out, hes on the the left of Kota, just munching away. With our kids grown, Kota is the current baby of the house, and treated as such. I don't deny it. I've absolutely turned into one of those gross baby talking dog owners whom I used to loathe. At one time, people who chose to plan their lives around a pet were a mystery to me. I grew up with  a dog and even had one as an adult, but I had gone 7 years without any pets, without any dependency.
     Then my friend came across Kota, who was just turning 4 at the time. Kota's loving owners had sadly fallen on hard times and had to make extreme life changes, which included trying to find a loving home for him. She had asked if I would be interested and I thought about it for a month or so while Kota stayed with her, waiting. I took a long time to weigh out the life change owning him would cause. The time, the walking and upkeep, the dependency and the poop.
     Eventually, we decided we were ready to take that leap and it's been a wonderful ride ever since. We feel like we've hit a lottery with Kota. Not only is he beautiful, but he's really a good boy. And I consider him the Jim Carrey of dogs as his actions can get quite animated, comical and clumsy. I will fully admit he is not a dog I could of had while the children were younger. He's an adults dog for sure. He's a good boy, but he doesn't do a darn thing that he doesn't want to and I'm only guessing he's tolerate toddler tail yanking to a certain point, but then I can't promise he wouldn't let someone know he's had enough.
     He's fit right in perfectly with Shawn and I and completes our lives. Taking care of him has never been a chore, but an absolute pleasure. So now you've been introduced to the first member of our family. The dog, who thinks he's a horse, unless he thinks he's a small lap dog... Thank you Streeter for thinking of us when looking for a loving home. Kota is treated like a king and will be loved forever.
Chat tomorrow!
Penni

Proud momma

     So today I harvested my first handfuls from our garden. I plucked about 20 cherry tomatoes and 4 jalapenos,  grinning the whole time. What a great feeling it is to plant a seed, give some care and then be rewarded with such a gift. I was simply giddy.
     Shawn was down in the "Enchanted Foorest" and I couldn't wait for him to come out of the woods to show him. With arms stretched out in front of me, cupped hands full of tomatoes,  I brave mosquito heaven and headed for the woods. Luckily,  he was coming out at the same time, ( I don't know how he can stand the mosquitoes that long). He looked up at me coming at him with a goofy look on my face and just laughed at me.
     I said, " I feel like a proud momma!"
     He just laughed again, but he did look in my hands and was pretty impressed.
     " Holy cow! Well hold on. Let me get the camera..."

     Look at those beauties! Some fat, juicy things. The larger tomatoes are just starting to turn the slightest bit orange.  I know canning salsa is just around the corner and we have to do quite a bit of salsa this year due to the requests! It's so good that we can eat a jar in one sitting. Fresh is so much better. Hear that? Grow your salsa!

     It was a wonderful night. I think in the next few posts, we'll start introducing you to our family. They are too wonderful not to share! 

Have a wonderful evening! 

Penni

For real??

Happy Sunday!
     Shawn and I have been working hard at getting ready to launch Foorever Jammin and get our treats out on the market. We've been playing with recipes, choosing our favorites and trying our hand at whipping up new concoctions. This weekend was a blast.

      Yes, that's exactly what it looks like. This weekend we made Mt. Dew jelly. For those of us who are Mt Dew addicts, this was a must try. It was fun to make, a novelty, and I'm sure it'll appeal to the younger crowds when we sell. Jam is no longer for the stereotypical old grandma any longer and nothing would thrill me more than to see a teen walk away from my counter with a jar. I think this will do it. I can't say it changed my biscuit eating days forever, but it's a fun jelly.
     Thanks to my husband, Shawn, giving me strength and company, I've learned to expand my jam and jelly recipes this year. We've really made leaps and bounds from the basic apple butter we started canning years ago. Now don't get me wrong, we still make that classic recipe, but we also make a version with red hot candies in it now. We also did peach butter this year and from the scraps and peels, we made the most amazing peach honey. I'm making things I never even heard of.
     We also did mango raspberry jam this weekend. Again, not something I would of tried, but I'm so impressed with the flavor. I never would of thought of pairing mangoes and raspberries, but I came across it while searching for other recipes. So we thought we'd give it a shot. We'd like to have a Cabana Series of jams, highlighting tropical  flavors, and this fit the bill. The mango really adds a softness. It almost takes the EEK out of the tart raspberries and together they combine perfectly. I hope you all get to try it!
      If we aren't making jams, jellies, breads and candies, we're watching WWE and working. Tonight happens to be a WWE pay per view. This is always an exciting day in my house. Dinner early, showers out of the way and chores complete, because by 7:30 pm we'll be flopping down in front of the TV to watch someone else give blood, sweat and tears, (and vomit if you're a Lesner fan). There is usually a pin or two during some quick wrastling sessions as well. At least until the dog feels the need to jump in and save his momma.
     So big night ahead. While watching the pay per view, we'll also be working on some jar labels and some new recipes. Let's see what kind of inspiration the WWE can bring to the jelly world!
Chat soon!
Penni