Thursday, September 4, 2008

Makin' da jelly

I spoke yesterday about loving my husband because he bedazzles with my daughters. That speaks volumes about him as a man, husband and father. But, I gotta say, another reason why I love him so much is because over the weekend while I was out doing a show all day Saturday and Sunday, he was home turning our grapes into grape juice.

Why?



Cause I asked him too.



And because it was jelly makin' time.






You don't want to be in the kitchen when I make jelly. It's a big ole' mess. Sugar is everywhere. Somehow I flip sugar skyward everytime I open a new bag. Let's just say that I had sugar stuck between my toes. Eh-hem.










I ended up making 13 quarts and 4 half-pints of the delicious purple stuff. Enough to last us until next jelly making time. Luckily for me I had just enough grape juice left to make a huge pitcher of this heavenly elixir.




Goodbye summer.

-dana

30 comments:

Unknown said...

He sounds like a keeper for sure! It's past time for me to make jam too. I froze my Loganberries already though so they are waiting patiently. I love berry picking time....

Anonymous said...

Oh, Dana!

You make me homesick. Well done for putting food by!

Anonymous said...

What kind of grapes are you growing? I've been looking for a variety that would work for jelly, juice & wine.

Tine said...

YUM! I'm coming over for a glass :-)

WhiteStone said...

Oh, man, that juice looks good! I don't make jelly anymore but would surely enjoy the juice. We planted a couple vines this spring...perhaps next year? Or surely the following!

Jen said...

LOL! I have been making tons of canned peaches, jam, and peach syrup and I had sugar everywhere too!

sarah, rsm said...

Looks deli! I have really been into grapes lately ... the green ones ... I love to de-vine them, wash them, put them into sandwich bags and into the freezer. They are WONDERFUL frozen. It's like eating a tiny grape slush in every one. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm 8-b

Anonymous said...

You're brave to be dealing with purple grapes in the house! Looks delicious.

Scottish Nanna said...

yum I think will come and visit,LOL
Hugs Mary.

Elissa said...

lovely, lovely pictures! looks delicious, so well worth the mess!

LeeAnn said...

Do you have a special recipe to make grape juice? I remember making fresh grape juice when I was a young 4-Her. So yummy!

CJ, The Purple Diva said...

OH you so rock! I am so jealous that you know how to do this! Thanks for sharing the process with the rest of us! Looks DIVINE!

Anonymous said...

You are by far my coolest friend! Is there anything you can't do?

susan said...

i keep meaning to call the woman who we bought this place from, she has a nice area of concord grapes. i would like to get another large bag if its not too late this year. i just rip em off the stems and drop em in my little juicer...i get the juice with about 50% of the skin, and the rest of the skin and seeds fly out the back of the juicer into the little trash bin. makes perfect jam. mark will not let me give this away since i make so little of it and its his fav. will try and remember to call rebecca tomarrow. wish we had a root cellar...learning more about them and they sound pretty kool.

Anonymous said...

One of the things I will forever miss about living in north america (apart from sunflower seeds) is grape flavoured everything. It's a delicious, sweet flavour that they just can't replicate here in Australia. Maybe I need to make another overseas trip....

The Army of Four said...

My kid brother Zim is really helpful in the kitchen; he's be willing to come help with clean up! Mom would help, too ... especially if it means homemade jelly!
Woo.
Luv,
Dave, GDFTCB

Brenis said...

Hi :)
Just found your blog this morning, and am having fun reading! I am amazed you have a hubby that will make jam!! And after reading your posts bragging about how great you think he is (because he obviously IS great!) i knew you needed a "my husband rocks!" tshirt!! Have you seen their shirts? omgosh... well.. prepare to fall in love with the whole purpose! Check em out at FromMeTees.com !!
Hope you have a blessed day!

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Dana, can I be you when I grow up? Pretty please?

I made jelly and used all my tomatoes in marinara sauce too, but somehow it's cooler when you do it.

:)

~Caroline~ said...

That is awesome! I hope to try my hand at making jelly some day. Maybe when my littles are bigger!

Heidi Zawisza said...

oh, I am so sad to say goodbye to summer.....your jelly and drink look Fabulous with a capital F!!!

Cinnamon*Sticks Boutique said...

What an awesome Man Dana!
The Jelly looks so Yummy!
Canela

*jean* said...

ooo yeah! my grapes are just starting to turn purple...couple more weeks and we're having grape juice too!! we also had our first year of incredible, imperfect heirloom to'maters...yum

jean

Jaimee McClellan said...

Yummmmm. We're just finishing up our berry jam we made this summer! I'm savoring every last bit!

Unknown said...

My Dad makes all the jelly and jam - whenever they come for a visit there's a fresh batch. We're so spoiled! Glad you have help - oh and I make a mess in the kitchen every day! It tastes better that way! :)

Mom IsAmagpie said...

I don't think you're fully into the process unless you are covered in sugar. Think of it as a reminder to exfoliate after the hard work. LOL

Emily Cole said...

Oh... my.... Yum! You're a lucky girl you know!

Lene said...

He is most certainly a keeper!

My Mom put up grape juice and grape jelly every fall - nothing like homemade grape jelly.

Pony Girl said...

There is nothing like homemade jelly! I remember my mom making strawberry jam when I was a kid. I think that is my favorite.
And there is nothing like your photos! They are always brilliant! ;)

amylouwhosews said...

Looks like fun! I love making jam/jelly! I spilled about 4 cups of sugar on my floor the other day when my container fell off the counter - I had sugar between my toes too!!

Kirstin said...

That looks absolutely amazing! I hope to do more canning next year when I can have my own garden.