Long over due...Small Batch Jam

I've been wondering if I should start my post as an apology letter to my blog... 

“I contribute my lack of content to my busyness with my work, my other hobbies besides cooking, and keeping up with married life and some of its hardships. I know I should have been more committed to you, blog, you’ll have to accept my absence as an extended vacation/sick leave. Sincerely, ~Am” 

I lost my enthusiasm for writing or doing much of any project after October 2012 when I was hospitalized for food poisoning; my job was terminated; my stepfather’s father, Dick, passed away; and I felt lost in a big city with no purpose. It was a huge blow. Most of the projects I was currently working on went to the back burner. Especially my wedding pictures, which I was organizing into a photo album. They were too painful to look at since Dick wasn't able to attend the wedding and I didn't get to show him any of them. It took some months for me to really pick myself back up after his death. He was the first person of my immediate family to pass away and I took it much harder than I ever expected to. I was fortunate in the Spring of 2013 to have met two wonderful families that carried me the rest of my time in Austin. I didn't look at our relationship as a job per say but more of a friendship that I desperately needed and was honored to be a caregiver for. Kalen’s grandfather also passed away in the Summer of 2013 before we were able to visit him. It was also a painful blow for the both of us in our first year of marriage since he also did not attend the wedding and he could not see the wedding photos. I never thought I’d cry so much after being married. I knew what hardship already was due to my own illness but this hurt was just unreal.  I do think it’s made my relationship that much stronger. And has made me realize that I am in fact growing up.

Now married for two years and some, I feel fortunate to have left Alabama and venture to Austin, Texas. She has had a profound impact on my outlook on lifestyles, love, friendships, and food. I feel much more competent in my culinary skills. In fact, I understand my recipe blunders more easily; I have changed my eating lifestyle to more whole foods and less processed; taught myself to eat and buy seasonal vegetables at the farmers market; and be more frugal on a low income. I never imagined that I’d cut almost all canned goods and boxed foods out of our diet while managing to save money. I think it contributes to the lifestyle that is Austin. There is more availability of quality products and fresher options than just chain groceries. Its contributed to the higher population of Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, and GMO-free eating. Don't get me wrong. Kalen and I did eat Texas BBQ which their courses consist of Sausage, Pulled Pork, Brisket and Ribs. Not much room for Vegetables. Oh Franklin's BBQ, you will be missed.We just now make a more conscious effort to eat better for our health.

When I originally left home, I choose actively not to like Austin. She in essence was supposed to be just a pit-stop. Less than a year, I was expected to inhabit this “weird” city.  However as much as life has unexpected twists and turns, so does your expected time line. Now, I will miss the incredible adventures we had. Austin you will be very much missed. Thank you for the last two and a half years of my life.

Now for something a bit sweet and tart to begin again another adventure in my "pit-stop" in Alabama.

Small Batch Blueberry Jam Preserves

I love blueberries. Especially the bushes I planted at my parent's house not long before getting engaged. Now those bushes are in their second season of fruiting and I couldn't be more excited to have the opportunity to make Jam. Not to sweet, the sugar content was significantly reduced since blueberries are naturally sweet and the abundant amount of sugar required in most jam recipes is unnecessary in my opinion. As blueberries cook, they will look red but darken once they are canned. 

Dusted with Nutmeg and Cinnamon

In 4-quart pot, heat on low-medium

·        3 C fresh blueberries

·        1 T fresh lemon juice

·        3 T filtered water

·        1 pinch of nutmeg (1/8 t)

·        1 pinch of roasted siagon cinnamon (1/8 t)

·        6 T sugar (organic preferably)

When most of the berries have popped/split, add

·        3.5 T pectin

Continue to stir to ensure pectin is evenly distributed and turn off stove. Prepare Jars for Canning.

Canned Blueberry Jam Preserves

I choose to place jam into six 4-oz mason jars for canning. You could use three pint size. 

Submerge jars with lids in a water bath that will come to a boil for 15 minutes. Remove and wait to hear a pop sound for each jar. That means its sealed.

Enjoy!