As I look out my window this morning, I see a few leaves starting to turn a lovely golden orange colour. Summer is dwindling and fall is rapidly approaching. School has started and my garden is yielding wonderful bounties. I do admit I start to get a bit sad when I know that winter will be here before long. But like many other people, I do prepare my family for winter by freezing a few vegetables and fruit harvested and I even make some of my own jams, jellies and relishes. When tomatoes are plentiful, I even manage to make some of my own salsa.
Nothing tastes better to me than homemade. I admit, I am spoiled, my mother had a very large garden when we were growing up. We were spoiled with homemade jams and other goodies. Now I am happy that I can make some of the things mom and grandma made for my children. My oldest started school this fall and she is very happy to have some of mommy's strawberry or raspberry jam on toast. My husband loves my homemade salsa, especially when I make it a little spicy.
I use my own fruits and vegetables when I can but also buy locally what I can't produce myself. I also try to buy Canadian grown fruits like peaches and cherries.
I am so pleased to blog about a Canadian company that have all the necessary tools for making your own canned goods. This company is called Bernardin and I use their products all of the time in home canning.
For those that are afraid of using a canner, they also offer Freezer Jam pectin. Nothing is easier than making freezer jams and you certainly can't beat the taste either.
There is also a recipe section on the Bernardin website for use with their products. I have used these recipes and they do turn out well. There are lots of interesting and delicious recipes. There is even a recipe for a Tomato-Peach salsa that was featured on the television show CanadaAM.
Bernardin products can be found in your local grocery stores and you can even purchase their products online.
Why not try your hand at making your own jam or jelly? Do you have a favorite recipe? Feel free to share with us your comments!
Image source: Bernardin, Tina Farthing