This morning was a bit of a defeating day in terms of achieving my "Stepford Wife" aspirations. Not that I claim to be any sort of Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart, but I'm usually not a total failure either.
So, last night, I had purchased some raspberries to make jam and before getting started, checked my remaining supply to see how much I needed to make.
Much to my domestic horror, at least 10 jars had to be dumped because they practically exploded as soon as I loosened the screw top lid (think carbonated pop that has been shaken). I don't know what I did wrong. The lids were all securely "caved in" to indicate they had sealed when I stored the jars.....who knows. But, obviously, I'd done something wrong. Bad news...
Oh well, off to make the new batch, but oh look - HALF of the berries from the 4 boxes I'd gotten from Costco had to be thrown out. Nice job picking those out, Steph. Good thing, because I only had enough sugar for two batches of jam anyway. Nice prep, Steph.
To add insult to injury, as I walked out to dump the moldy berries, I was able to peer through the fence to our neighbors side yard and what do I see, but a big old green/orange pumpkin. Growing happily in their mini-garden. Mmmhmmm, that mini-garden I've got going on the other side of the fence has produced, as far as I can find, one walnut size bulb thus far. I can't figure out what the problem is - the water has been on a timer - every day... I struck out as a gardener this summer too!
Thank God these are way, way down on the list of credentials my husband values in a good wife. And that grocery stores are available to fill in my gaps.... =)
6 comments:
At the risk of sounding like an obnoxious know-it-all, you might be watering your pumpkins too much. I hardly water mine and they are coming all O.K. As far as the raspberry jam, I'm quite impressed that you are a "canner." I only make freezer jam because I'm afraid I'll poison my family and friends!
Whoops! Forgot to sign off...that last comment was from Steph H.
I was actually wondering the opposite about watering - last year I'd leave it on for hours and this year they get a short spray. Who knows? I can never seem to get it right with pumpkins.....
LOL!!
I have never had my jam "explode" like that. But maybe you filled the jars too high? Or maybe your pectin was old? not sure.
bah.hah. that post just simply made me chortle. namely due to the fact i can see your expressions as you were writing this :)
LOL!!! I rarely make homemade items...unless it's baked goods...lol!! Kudos for you for that much effort!
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