Freezer Jam - Apricot

So, I inherited a lot of apricots last month. I couldn't eat them all by myself. They were very large and tasty, so I decided to make freezer jam with them. I made SEVERAL batches of jam. (It's been about a month, so I don't remember exactly how many I did and I am not in the mood to go dig into my freezer and count them. oh well...)

If you need encouragement for making freezer jam - it is way easy. It really takes closer to 45 minutes by the time you stir everything and get the sugar dissolved. The package claims it only takes 30 minutes. Not true. But they aren't far off. Scroll down for a killer recipe using apricot or peach jam.





Ready? Here is my most favorite killer recipe for using apricot or peach jam:

SWEET AND SPICY CHICKEN:

Cut 2 uncooked chicken breasts in 1/2 inch squares.
Toss with 3 Tablespoons taco seasoning. Brown in oil.
Add:
1 - 1-1/4 c. salsa
1/2 - 3/4 c. peach or apricot jam

Simmer together and serve over rice.

Easy and VERY yummy! Enjoy!

Pretty Peaches Direct from Idaho

In an earlier post, I talked about going to the Boise area to get peaches and pears. Well, we've ended up going 3 times, plus trucking some in. The response has been amazing! We can hardly keep them in stock.

The fruit is beautiful and it has been a long time since I have had such sweet, wonderful fruit. I'm hooked. And I still have some more to do.

This first picture is of our garage after our first run to Boise. We were amazed how much we had here in our garage. And it was gone in a flash - with people anxiously picking up their fruit.

Peaches - closer up. I've learned a lot about later variety peaches this year. I've enjoyed all of them - Red Globes, J.H. Hales, Summer Ladies, and Elbertas have been our most favorites.

These are the Red Globes. I had my cousin over and we bottled 77 jars in one day - with 4 kids running around us. Talk about a marathon! We were worn out when we were done.

I tried peach pie filling this year. It is tasty! I used the Summer Ladies for this one and am glad I did. They were just right - firm, pretty and really tasty sweet. I'm drooling thinking about it. (Need the recipe? Email me and I'll send it to you revealing my secret ingredient(s).)
This is not the best picture (not clear at all) but I think you can tell the color difference between the Red Globe and these Summer Ladies. They have just a little more color to them.
I love peach season - especially when I can get inexpensive fruit and then also help my friends and neighbors get some, too. It has been a fun adventure.

We are talking about doing it more next year. (Getting more fruit.) So, if you missed out, plan on getting in on the action next year. (Unless you let me know soon - we are getting one more shipment together before we start potato harvest.)

Quick update

I just want you to know I did not fall off the face of the earth- I've just been running crazy.

We made the "run" to the other side of the state of Idaho for Peaches and Pears, as I mentioned earlier. We had such a great response, we decided to make another run. So, off we go again.
I love Idaho Fruit - they come in real 1/2 bushel boxes for a great price rather than 1/3 bushel boxes for lots of money.

My cousin came over today and we had a marathon canning day. You will be impressed to know we did 11 batches of peaches today and 2 yesterday - grand total of 91, so far. We still each have at least one more full box to do something with. I am excited to make desserts, pie filling and waffles with mine. =)

I am anxious to show off pictures of our latest adventures and will do that soon. I think a good blog has pictures, so I'm taking them, I just need a little more time to post them.

Talk to you again soon... at this time of year I think of hundreds of things to post, but there just isn't enough time in the day for me to keep up with everything. I will do my best to post again soon.

Fresh Peaches and Pears

Hello again. I decided to get peaches and pears for canning - anyone want some? I'm getting them for such a deal and would love to share.

Most people are selling them for at least $17-$24/ half bushel box. (Half bushel is about 24 lbs)
I can get them and sell them for $12/ half bushel.

Then I am also able to get pears for a deal, too. $13.50/ half bushel.

If you want them, I will deliver (meet you) anywhere from Boise to Rexburg, Idaho.

I am needing to go this week, so don't delay. I will place the order on Wednesday and go get them on Friday. Contact me on my business phone: 208-390-0595 or email: info@HiStakes-Spelt.com