Archive for November 2009

 
 

Jalapeno Strawberry Jam

This jam is not spicy, but heat can be increased by adding a few habanero peppers. Alternatively, you can add red pepper flakes when serving to increase heat. It is a good appetizer on small corn bread squares or heated and poured over a block of cream cheese with crackers. It would also be a good glaze on chicken or pork.

4 cups crushed strawberries
1 cup minced jalapeno peppers (include seeds for more flavor)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
7 cups sugar
1 pouch Certo

Prepare crushed strawberries and add finely minced jalapenos (and seeds if desired), lemon juice and sugar. Bring to a full boil. Add Certo and allow to boil for another minute. Pour into steralized jars and top with clean, new, hot lids and rings. Process in boiling water for 10 minutes. Makes approximately eight 8 ounce jars.

Spiced Pear Jam

4 cups peeled, cored and chopped pears (appx. 8 pears)
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice (optional)
7 cups of sugar
1/8 tsp. allspice
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 pouch of Certo

Combine pears, sugar, lemon and spices in heavy pan and bring to a boil. Add Certo and allow to boil for 1 minute. Pour in steralized jars and top with clean, new, hot lids and rings. Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal. Makes about eight 8 oz. jars.

Cranberry Orange Marmalade

This is good on biscuits, scones, or toast, but could also be used as a glaze on chicken, turkey, or pork.

4 large navel oranges, unpeeled and cut up
2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened cranberries
1 pouch Certo
1 cup water
11 cups of sugar

Chop the oranges and cranberries in your food processor until they are mushy (or desired) consistancy. Add to large pot with rest of ingredients.

Bring to a boil. Reduce and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring often. Add pouch of Certo and boil one additional minute. Remove from heat.

Place in steralized jars with new, clean, hot lids and rings. Process for 10 minutes in boiling water to seal. Makes approximately twelve 8 ounce jars.

Cranberry Nut Bread

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 3/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 Tbs. grated orange peel
  • 2 Tbs. shortning
  • 1 well-beaten egg
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Sift or blend dry ingredients.  Stir in orange juice, peel, shortening and egg until well blended.  Stir in cranberries and nuts. 

Bake in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pan for 55 minutes or until toothpick placed in center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan.

Cranberry Orange Relish (Thanksgiving Side Dish)

1 medium orange
12 oz. bag of fresh cranberries
1 cup of sugar

Remove the stem and/or seeds from orange, cut into chunks, and put through food processor. Wash and sort cranberries and add to chopped orange. Add sugar. Pulse all until desired consistancy. Refrigerate several hours before serving. Freezes well. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.