On Aug 13, 2:58*pm, "Gregory Morrow"
> wrote:
> Christine Dabney wrote:
> > On Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:14:15 -0500, "Gregory Morrow"
> > > wrote:
>
> > >One thing that always got accolades around Christmas was pickled
> asparagus
> > >with slivers of red bell pepper...very "Christmas - ey" and simple to
> do...I
> > >did these in pint jars.
>
> > >'Course asparagus season is somewhat past but it's an idea...
>
> > >Brandied cherries were another much - appreciated gift...
>
> > >Cranberry conserves are another idea...also corn relish and picallilli..
>
> > Well, it's late for some of those things, as you know...I like to do
> > stuff in season.
>
> > How did the corn relish go over? *Corn is just starting to come in
> > here....
>
> > And how about the picalililli?
>
> Both were made using the basic recipes, IIRC from _The Ball Blue Book_.
> Both are easy to make and can be made from even stupormarket ingredients if
> need be...and IMO putting up stuff in pint jars is less arduous than doing
> quarts of things.
>
> Hmmm...in fact I see that sweet corn, pickling cukes, bell peppers, etc. are
> on sale for pretty low prices at my store, maybe I'll put a few pints by
> this weekend (weather is very cool for August in Chicawgo). *I have all the
> canning equipment and even boxes of virgin Ball jars in the closet, might as
> well use 'em (have not canned for years now). *This stuff is simple to make.
> And I am already squirreling away gifts for the upcoming birthday/holiday
> season...
>
> And that l'il "ping" sound that jars make when they are taken outta the
> water bath is one of the quitessential "sounds of summer", very nostalgic....
>
> > Good ideas....
>
> > Thanks Greg!! * Let me know if you have more. I am thinking of pairing
> > whatever I make, with some artisan bread....hence that leads me to
> > think of jam...or preserves..
>
> Now that's a good idea, I think I'll do that too. *People like my bread and
> you can't believe how THRILLED folks are to receive home - canned victuals.
> Most of my friends are from rural places like Iowa anyways and this stuff
> reminds them of home...
>
> I can't believe the exorbitant prices places charge for little "designer"
> jars of picallilli or relishes or whatever...peeps appreciate ho' - made
> stuff better in any case, e.g. "You MADE this...!!!???".
>
> > *Tammy has the corner on cranberry conserves..but I might steal it
> > from her...
>
> I like cranberry conserves made with brandy and some sorta nuts, e.g. pecans
> or almonds. *Very easy to make. *I'll be doing a few jars of this come
> November...
>
> --
> Best
> Greg- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

My Blue Book cost 35 cents, new. I bought it that long ago. ;-)
Still works for me.

N.