A memory of a summer day

Here I sit on this rainy night.  So rainy.  Not yet cold but wet, dark, and oh-so-reminiscent of fall.  I can smell it - the change of the season is lingering in the air.

WAIT!  STOP!

Before we go there...let's celebrate summer just a bit more shall we?

We were berry pickers and jam makers this summer.  Fingers were stained, bellies were filled, treats were baked, baskets of goodness were delivered to friends.  Then, after we could eat no more, jam was made.  We made strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and peach.  Along the way, I learned some things.

• making jam is easy the second time
• using the right pectin is worth it (my favorite is Pomona's Universal Pectin - it works well low sugar or when you are using alternative sweeteners)
• it is better to make small batches of different types as the particular fruit or berry comes into season than to do the huge batch of one type (coming from the girl who is quite tired of last years blueberry jam)
• it's worth it to pay the extra money for organic berries
• kids can help (yes, truly help) and it makes it so much more fun to share the experience with someone