Canning

I learned a valuable lesson in canning. First, let's start by letting you know that I'm a novice at canning but I'm learning. The plan was to make peach jam and cherry jam. I got the peaches and cherries from the local farmer's market and went to the store to get "Sure Gel" to make the jam. The only other ingredient is sugar and lots of it.

I decided to do the peach jam first and this is when I learned the lesson. I thought I was following the directions but I put the sugar in with the fruit, heating, and then the "Sure Gel" and heating. The directions had me doing it the opposite way. I thought to myself how big of a deal could that be. Well the peach jam looks good but it did not set. So I have four pints of peach "slurry". It is excellent on vanilla ice cream however.

The finished product

By following the directions I successfully made cherry jam for the first time.

Garden Pictures 2

My tomatoes are growing slower and smaller than in years past. I think the cold spring, minimal water in June and July are the main reasons. I'm starting to get some off them the plants now but I'll probably have to buy tomatoes to make all of the spaghetti sauce that I plan on making.

Tomatoes - finally starting to bear fruit

I grew green peppers somewhat successfully but I've never been satisfied with the size, quantify or taste of the green peppers that I grow. Anyone have any tips?

My harvest today