I made my very first batch of jam, ever, today - Rhubarb-Ginger. It is pretty tasty!

[Siwsan]

All of the women in my family, except for me, made jam. Even some of the men made jam. I just never got around to learning how to do it for myself. Truth is, the whole 'canning' thing just intimidates me.

This year I have a bumper crop of rhubarb, and not being a fan of rhubarb pie, I needed a recipe for something other than rhubarb/cherry cobbler, so as not to waste it. So what the heck. I stumbled across an easy Rhubarb/Ginger Jam recipe, that makes just 3 small jars, bought some small jars, dragged out a big pot, and crossed my fingers. Right now I'm pretty pleased with myself!

Who knows - maybe I'll even try canning some veg, this summer!

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[miss-nasty]

1. This made me smile

I've been missing my mother this week - she just passed in January. Anyway, my mother couldn't boil water but made the most delectable apple butter, jams and jellies... would I ever lover to have some on a biscuit right now. Congrats!!!

[Siwsan]

4. I remember my mom always sealed the jars with paraffin wax

I think that has kind of faded out as a practice.

My mom and sister were wonderful jam makers. I lost them both in 2015. So teaching myself to do this kind of makes me wonder if their spirits are smiling.

When I lived in Iceland, they make 'Icelandic Pancakes' that were actually crepes - they spread rhubarb jam on the crepe, add a big dollop of whipped cream, fold it and sprinkle the top with powdered sugar. It is heavenly. Great memories, all around.

[Wellstone ruled]

12. Quit that!!!!

[irisblue]

2. Pretty!

Do you can tomatoes? I did once, with friends. It was fun, humid, and they were so good all winter.🍅🍅

[Siwsan]

5. I usually make a freeze ratatouille. Maybe I'll try to can some, this year

My freezer will appreciate the lessened load. I grow my own tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash and garlic so there are plenty of things to can.

When I inherited this house from my aunt, the cellar was FULL of canning jars. I just need to buy new lids. I'm actually pretty excited about this.

[Phoenix61]

3. I'm still stuck in intimidated by the whole process

My grandmother learned to can when she moved from NY to the Deep South. She made the best jams. She used a pressure cooker when canning. I wasn't there when it blew but it put a little hole in the kitchen ceiling.

[Siwsan]

6. Give it a try! Make some jam, first. If it doesn't seal - just freeze it

That was my plan because I was convinced I'd screw up the process. But I just checked, and all of the jars sealed.

I used a big pot and had enough water to cover the jars by 1". The instructions said to boil the filled jars for 10 minutes, so I boiled them for 12, just to be sure.

I am going to invest in buying a canning pot with a rack that will make getting things in and out of the boiling water MUCH easier and safer than what I went through, that's for sure!

[Phoenix61]

7. Thanks for the encouragement

I hadn't thought of freezing it if it didn't seal. I may just give it a try. Homemade peach jam sure would be good.

[Cicada]

8. Rhubarb Ginger? That sounds so exotic and wonderful

If you had that flavor at a farmers market almost everyone would buy it. Seriously, only someone who hates life would pass without buying it.

[Siwsan]

10. It is an amazing compliment to the rhubarb

I'm not a huge rhubarb fan, not even with strawberries, but when I inherited this house/land, it already had quite a substantial rhubarb crop so I decided to figure out how to use it. I've also learned that rhubarb/cherry cobbler is very tasty.

[livetohike]

9. Sounds delicious! I love rhubarb. I used to make elderberry

jam with my mother in law. Good memories .

[Siwsan]

11. Jam making does tend to bring up some lovely memories, doesn't it.

I remember going berry picking with my mom and grandma - strawberry, raspberry and blueberry. They'd make enough jellies and jams to get us through the winter. Home made is always best, IMHO.