Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!

The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
0600.

Several years ago they started making competition results available
online so that interested parties don't have to drag their sorry
carcasses to the fairgrounds at 0900 to check The Lists when the
buildings open. The Lists list the winners in each lot for canning and
baking. Chris and I used to be there when they opened the building
doors at 9:00 a.m. Now we can be more relaxed about our arrival and I
can know the proper demeanor to effect, jubilant, reserved, or pouty.
:-) Jubilant is way out in front.

Cutting to the chase, I entered the maximum number of canning entries,
20.

Gentleones, the envelope please.

Blue ribbons (first place) for Blackberry Jelly, Blackberry Jam, Stewed
Tomatoes, and Tomato Juice. The tomato products have won their lot for
three consecutive years each, thus prohibiting me from entering those
lots for two years. Well, FINE, then!

Red ribbons (second place) for nothing. Weird, but that's how it shook
out.

White ribbons (third place) for Plum-m-m-m Jelly, Raspberry Jelly,
Strawberry Jam (berry-smashing aided by the Blue Ribbon Grandchild),
Bread & Butter Pickles,

Pink ribbons (fourth place) for Crabapple Jelly, Pickled Boiled Dirt
Chunks (yeah, that's what the label said‹with the entry booklet name
following it),

No ribbon, but fifth place for Watermelon Pickles.

and a Gedney prize for Best Cucumber Pickle with Balsamic Vinegar.

Bombed in Grape Jelly (wild grape jelly, see my web site blog about that
one), Mint Jelly (It's lovely, but puny in flavor ‹ see my website blog
for that one), Strawberry Jelly (it vas so-o-o pretty, too), Peach Jam,
Raspberry Jam (harrummpphhh!), Rhubarb-Orange Jam with Candied Ginger
(some people don't know what's good), and Lemon-Apricot Jam (a reduced
sugar recipe that may be the best thing I've made all summer
long‹skroom!), Corn Relish (I don't get that either‹maybe somebody's
using the recipe I've published so many times and doing it better than I
do it‹fair enough‹or maybe they are not. Interesting, though.), and
H-hot Ch-cherry Blackberry Relish (OK, so it sounds weird and it looked
mooshy rather than relishy, it was still good, dammit).

Then there was the baking. . . . The most gorgemous loaf of plain white
bread I've ever baked came in‹somewhere in a galaxy far, far away; it
didn't place. It has won first; last year it beat out the White Bread
Queen's loaf, and this year? Bupkes.

Boy and Girl brownies? Bupkes. Zip. Both have won blue ribbons in
other years, though with not necessarily these recipes.

Banana Bread that needed its bananas to rot for another two or three
days I didn't have to be good? Fourth. A ribbon. Go figure. The
streak continues.

This is why I have so freakin' much fun doing this, even though I am
ready for a rehab unit somewhere warm with scantily lad handsome and
youthful men to minister to my aching bones and muscles and stuff ‹ it's
always a crapshoot.

Because of what began with some nasty words about fallen plums, I've had
my moments in the sun and expect a few more. I clean up nice and
generally show well. A basket of my stuff ‹ stuff *I* made‹ brought
$650 to a great charitable foundation last week. How good is THAT?

I'm scheduled to do an interview tomorrow morning for NPR's All Things
Considered (don't know when it will be broadcast, this weekend or
next?). I've been interviewed for a story in the New York Times. The
NEW YORK TIMES, fercryin'outloud! How much fun is THAT? Last Sunday I
got to encourage a little girl to learn to do what I can do. Sweet
girl. I hope she needs to call me for help; I would love nothing more.
Chris son has been emailing to his AZ friends all day; recipe requests
have already come in from a couple of them. What? Nobody's got a good
banana bread recipe except me? Unlikely.

It's the Great Minnesota Get-Together and as it is with so many things,
your interest and joy increases with the level of your involvement.
I'm involved. My interest is way up there. :-)

Somebody call Letterman or Craig Ferguson. Please. :-)

The beat goes on. (Shut up, Bubba!!)
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
needs updating with Fair results and pics, but I'm tired right now.

On Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:20:22 -0500, Melba's Jammin' >
wrote:

>Pink ribbons (fourth place) for Crabapple Jelly, Pickled Boiled Dirt
>Chunks...

OK, I'll bite....what the heck are "Pickled Boiled Dirt
Chunks"?



- Scott Smith:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/choppersmith

Melba's Jammin' wrote

> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
> The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> 0600.
>
> Several years ago they started making competition results available
> online so that interested parties don't have to drag their sorry
> carcasses to the fairgrounds at 0900 to check The Lists when the
> buildings open. The Lists list the winners in each lot for canning and
> baking. Chris and I used to be there when they opened the building
> doors at 9:00 a.m. Now we can be more relaxed about our arrival and I
> can know the proper demeanor to effect, jubilant, reserved, or pouty.
> :-) Jubilant is way out in front.


Congrats, darling, I knew you'd do well with your entries - I mean we don't
expect *less*, do we...???

:-)


--
Best
Greg

Scott Smith wrote:

> On Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:20:22 -0500, Melba's Jammin'
>
> wrote:
>
> >Pink ribbons (fourth place) for Crabapple Jelly, Pickled Boiled Dirt
> >Chunks...
>
> OK, I'll bite....what the heck are "Pickled Boiled Dirt
> Chunks"?


"Beets" for you parvenu's...


:=D


--
Best
Greg

CONGRATULATIONS, woman!!! A year well done! Youse is one crazy
woman! If I'da been a judge, you would have ALL blues just for
"content". Is that pronounced "content" or "content"? <G>

AnnE how come you never do tomato jam?


"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
...
> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
> The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> 0600.
>
> Several years ago they started making competition results available
> online so that interested parties don't have to drag their sorry
> carcasses to the fairgrounds at 0900 to check The Lists when the
> buildings open. The Lists list the winners in each lot for canning
> and
> baking. Chris and I used to be there when they opened the building
> doors at 9:00 a.m. Now we can be more relaxed about our arrival and I
> can know the proper demeanor to effect, jubilant, reserved, or pouty.
> :-) Jubilant is way out in front.
>
> Cutting to the chase, I entered the maximum number of canning entries,
> 20.
>
> Gentleones, the envelope please.
>
> Blue ribbons (first place) for Blackberry Jelly, Blackberry Jam,
> Stewed
> Tomatoes, and Tomato Juice. The tomato products have won their lot
> for
> three consecutive years each, thus prohibiting me from entering those
> lots for two years. Well, FINE, then!
>
> Red ribbons (second place) for nothing. Weird, but that's how it
> shook
> out.
>
> White ribbons (third place) for Plum-m-m-m Jelly, Raspberry Jelly,
> Strawberry Jam (berry-smashing aided by the Blue Ribbon Grandchild),
> Bread & Butter Pickles,
>
> Pink ribbons (fourth place) for Crabapple Jelly, Pickled Boiled Dirt
> Chunks (yeah, that's what the label said > following it),
>
> No ribbon, but fifth place for Watermelon Pickles.
>
> and a Gedney prize for Best Cucumber Pickle with Balsamic Vinegar.
>
> Bombed in Grape Jelly (wild grape jelly, see my web site blog about
> that
> one), Mint Jelly (It's lovely, but puny in flavor < see my website
> blog
> for that one), Strawberry Jelly (it vas so-o-o pretty, too), Peach
> Jam,
> Raspberry Jam (harrummpphhh!), Rhubarb-Orange Jam with Candied Ginger
> (some people don't know what's good), and Lemon-Apricot Jam (a reduced
> sugar recipe that may be the best thing I've made all summer
> long > using the recipe I've published so many times and doing it
> better than I
> do it > H-hot Ch-cherry Blackberry Relish (OK, so it sounds weird and
> it looked
> mooshy rather than relishy, it was still good, dammit).
>
> Then there was the baking. . . . The most gorgemous loaf of plain
> white
> bread I've ever baked came in > didn't place. It has won first; last
> year it beat out the White Bread
> Queen's loaf, and this year? Bupkes.
>
> Boy and Girl brownies? Bupkes. Zip. Both have won blue ribbons in
> other years, though with not necessarily these recipes.
>
> Banana Bread that needed its bananas to rot for another two or three
> days I didn't have to be good? Fourth. A ribbon. Go figure. The
> streak continues.
>
> This is why I have so freakin' much fun doing this, even though I am
> ready for a rehab unit somewhere warm with scantily lad handsome and
> youthful men to minister to my aching bones and muscles and stuff <
> it's
> always a crapshoot.
>
> Because of what began with some nasty words about fallen plums, I've
> had
> my moments in the sun and expect a few more. I clean up nice and
> generally show well. A basket of my stuff < stuff *I* made< brought
> $650 to a great charitable foundation last week. How good is THAT?
>
> I'm scheduled to do an interview tomorrow morning for NPR's All Things
> Considered (don't know when it will be broadcast, this weekend or
> next?). I've been interviewed for a story in the New York Times. The
> NEW YORK TIMES, fercryin'outloud! How much fun is THAT? Last Sunday
> I
> got to encourage a little girl to learn to do what I can do. Sweet
> girl. I hope she needs to call me for help; I would love nothing
> more.
> Chris son has been emailing to his AZ friends all day; recipe requests
> have already come in from a couple of them. What? Nobody's got a
> good
> banana bread recipe except me? Unlikely.
>
> It's the Great Minnesota Get-Together and as it is with so many
> things,
> your interest and joy increases with the level of your involvement.
> I'm involved. My interest is way up there. :-)
>
> Somebody call Letterman or Craig Ferguson. Please. :-)
>
> The beat goes on. (Shut up, Bubba!!)
> --
> -Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
> http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
> needs updating with Fair results and pics, but I'm tired right now.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
> The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> 0600.
>
> Several years ago they started making competition results available
> online so that interested parties don't have to drag their sorry
> carcasses to the fairgrounds at 0900 to check The Lists when the
> buildings open. The Lists list the winners in each lot for canning and
> baking. Chris and I used to be there when they opened the building
> doors at 9:00 a.m. Now we can be more relaxed about our arrival and I
> can know the proper demeanor to effect, jubilant, reserved, or pouty.
> :-) Jubilant is way out in front.
>
> Cutting to the chase, I entered the maximum number of canning entries,
> 20.
>
> Gentleones, the envelope please.
>
> Blue ribbons (first place) for Blackberry Jelly, Blackberry Jam, Stewed
> Tomatoes, and Tomato Juice. The tomato products have won their lot for
> three consecutive years each, thus prohibiting me from entering those
> lots for two years. Well, FINE, then!
>
> Red ribbons (second place) for nothing. Weird, but that's how it shook
> out.
>
> White ribbons (third place) for Plum-m-m-m Jelly, Raspberry Jelly,
> Strawberry Jam (berry-smashing aided by the Blue Ribbon Grandchild),
> Bread & Butter Pickles,
>
> Pink ribbons (fourth place) for Crabapple Jelly, Pickled Boiled Dirt
> Chunks (yeah, that's what the label said‹with the entry booklet name
> following it),
>
> No ribbon, but fifth place for Watermelon Pickles.
>
> and a Gedney prize for Best Cucumber Pickle with Balsamic Vinegar.
>
> Bombed in Grape Jelly (wild grape jelly, see my web site blog about that
> one), Mint Jelly (It's lovely, but puny in flavor ‹ see my website blog
> for that one), Strawberry Jelly (it vas so-o-o pretty, too), Peach Jam,
> Raspberry Jam (harrummpphhh!), Rhubarb-Orange Jam with Candied Ginger
> (some people don't know what's good), and Lemon-Apricot Jam (a reduced
> sugar recipe that may be the best thing I've made all summer
> long‹skroom!), Corn Relish (I don't get that either‹maybe somebody's
> using the recipe I've published so many times and doing it better than I
> do it‹fair enough‹or maybe they are not. Interesting, though.), and
> H-hot Ch-cherry Blackberry Relish (OK, so it sounds weird and it looked
> mooshy rather than relishy, it was still good, dammit).
>
> Then there was the baking. . . . The most gorgemous loaf of plain white
> bread I've ever baked came in‹somewhere in a galaxy far, far away; it
> didn't place. It has won first; last year it beat out the White Bread
> Queen's loaf, and this year? Bupkes.
>
> Boy and Girl brownies? Bupkes. Zip. Both have won blue ribbons in
> other years, though with not necessarily these recipes.
>
> Banana Bread that needed its bananas to rot for another two or three
> days I didn't have to be good? Fourth. A ribbon. Go figure. The
> streak continues.
>
> This is why I have so freakin' much fun doing this, even though I am
> ready for a rehab unit somewhere warm with scantily lad handsome and
> youthful men to minister to my aching bones and muscles and stuff ‹ it's
> always a crapshoot.
>
> Because of what began with some nasty words about fallen plums, I've had
> my moments in the sun and expect a few more. I clean up nice and
> generally show well. A basket of my stuff ‹ stuff *I* made‹ brought
> $650 to a great charitable foundation last week. How good is THAT?
>
> I'm scheduled to do an interview tomorrow morning for NPR's All Things
> Considered (don't know when it will be broadcast, this weekend or
> next?). I've been interviewed for a story in the New York Times. The
> NEW YORK TIMES, fercryin'outloud! How much fun is THAT? Last Sunday I
> got to encourage a little girl to learn to do what I can do. Sweet
> girl. I hope she needs to call me for help; I would love nothing more.
> Chris son has been emailing to his AZ friends all day; recipe requests
> have already come in from a couple of them. What? Nobody's got a good
> banana bread recipe except me? Unlikely.
>
> It's the Great Minnesota Get-Together and as it is with so many things,
> your interest and joy increases with the level of your involvement.
> I'm involved. My interest is way up there. :-)
>
> Somebody call Letterman or Craig Ferguson. Please. :-)
>
> The beat goes on. (Shut up, Bubba!!)
> --
> -Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
> http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
> needs updating with Fair results and pics, but I'm tired right now.

Way to to Girl and big-time congratulations!!!! What a fantastic take!
Please do give the links when your interviews get online. I'd love to
hear/read them in all your glory ;D

Sky, who wonders what sort of display Barb has for all her glorious
ribbons!

--
Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice

On Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:20:22 -0500, Melba's Jammin'
> fired up random neurons and synapses to
opine:

>Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
>The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
>0600.

<snippidy>
>
>This is why I have so freakin' much fun doing this, even though I am
>ready for a rehab unit somewhere warm with scantily lad handsome and
>youthful men to minister to my aching bones and muscles and stuff ‹ it's
>always a crapshoot.

Girlie, you are *always* ready for a rehab unit. I am here to testify!
>
>Because of what began with some nasty words about fallen plums, I've had
>my moments in the sun and expect a few more. I clean up nice and
>generally show well. A basket of my stuff ‹ stuff *I* made‹ brought
>$650 to a great charitable foundation last week. How good is THAT?

High five, girl, as long as it wasn't the U of M h.s.
>
>I'm scheduled to do an interview tomorrow morning for NPR's All Things
>Considered (don't know when it will be broadcast, this weekend or
>next?). I've been interviewed for a story in the New York Times. The
>NEW YORK TIMES, fercryin'outloud! How much fun is THAT? Last Sunday I
>got to encourage a little girl to learn to do what I can do. Sweet
>girl. I hope she needs to call me for help; I would love nothing more.
>Chris son has been emailing to his AZ friends all day; recipe requests
>have already come in from a couple of them. What? Nobody's got a good
>banana bread recipe except me? Unlikely.

Let us know when we can catch the interview. And can we catch it
online?
>
>It's the Great Minnesota Get-Together and as it is with so many things,
>your interest and joy increases with the level of your involvement.
>I'm involved. My interest is way up there. :-)
>
>Somebody call Letterman or Craig Ferguson. Please. :-)

I *love* Craig Ferguson!
>
>The beat goes on. (Shut up, Bubba!!)

Congratulations, sweetie - you done good! But why someone in Minnesota
would want to create her own sauna in July/August is beyond me.

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd
--
"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret had been as
old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had been as full as the
waitress's, it would have been a very good dinner."

-- Duncan Hines

To reply, replace "meatloaf" with "cox"

"Melba's Jammin'" > ha scritto nel messaggio

> :-) Jubilant is way out in front.

Congratulations! Of course one never knows what they like/don't like about
anything.

Your experiences are so different to mine I always watch closely. I am so
NOT competitive that I never enter anything in a competition-- OK once I
entered a Washington Post thingie. I search my heart to understand is it
fear of losing or what? Nope, just prefer feeding people on ways that make
them happy. It makes me curious about what that feels like, like is it sort
of parachuting or bungee jumping of the cooking world?

And I love beets.

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
...
> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
> The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> 0600.
>
<snip>
>
> It's the Great Minnesota Get-Together and as it is with so many things,
> your interest and joy increases with the level of your involvement.
> I'm involved. My interest is way up there. :-)
>
> Somebody call Letterman or Craig Ferguson. Please. :-)
>
> The beat goes on. (Shut up, Bubba!!)
> --
> -Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
> http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
> needs updating with Fair results and pics, but I'm tired right now.

Congratulations, Barb ;-)

Sounds like you're still on a roll!

kimberly
--
http://eating-sandiego.blogspot.com/
http://www.revver.com/video/1100047/patriot-pilot/#

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
> The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> 0600.
>
> Several years ago they started making competition results available
> online so that interested parties don't have to drag their sorry
> carcasses to the fairgrounds at 0900 to check The Lists when the
> buildings open. The Lists list the winners in each lot for canning
> and
> baking. Chris and I used to be there when they opened the building
> doors at 9:00 a.m. Now we can be more relaxed about our arrival and I
> can know the proper demeanor to effect, jubilant, reserved, or pouty.

You just crack me up. I like that, if you're disappointed, you don't have
to let anyone see.

> :-) Jubilant is way out in front.

Congratulations. Well deserved. Well preserved? Heh. You're
going to have to put an addition on your house to hold all these
ribbons you've accumulated!

> Cutting to the chase, I entered the maximum number of canning entries,
> 20.
>
> Gentleones, the envelope please.
>
> Blue ribbons (first place) for Blackberry Jelly, Blackberry Jam,
> Stewed
> Tomatoes, and Tomato Juice. The tomato products have won their lot
> for
> three consecutive years each, thus prohibiting me from entering those
> lots for two years. Well, FINE, then!


> Red ribbons (second place) for nothing. Weird, but that's how it
> shook
> out.
>
> White ribbons (third place) for Plum-m-m-m Jelly, Raspberry Jelly,
> Strawberry Jam (berry-smashing aided by the Blue Ribbon Grandchild),
> Bread & Butter Pickles,
>
> Pink ribbons (fourth place) for Crabapple Jelly, Pickled Boiled Dirt
> Chunks (yeah, that's what the label said > following it),
>
> No ribbon, but fifth place for Watermelon Pickles.
>
> and a Gedney prize for Best Cucumber Pickle with Balsamic Vinegar.

13 out of 20, that's some score!

Thanks for the store, that's a lot of fun. What a great hobby.

nancy

On Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:20:22 -0500, Melba's Jammin'
> wrote:

>Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
>The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
>0600.
>
Congratulations, Barb. Excellent work, as always.

I'm an NPR fan and a NYT subscriber. My ears and eyes are anxiously
awaiting the reports.

Boron

In article >,
"AnnE" > wrote:

> AnnE how come you never do tomato jam?

I have and I may. Tomatoes are late this year. There's still time. :-)
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
most recently updated last night, 8-17-2008. Fair entries are DONE!

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> "AnnE" > wrote:
>
>> AnnE how come you never do tomato jam?
>
> I have and I may. Tomatoes are late this year. There's still time.
> :-)
> --
> -Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
> http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
> most recently updated last night, 8-17-2008. Fair entries are DONE!

Our tomatoes are not very good this year. Cherry tommies are super but
I make BLTs a lot and those don't work very well. <g>

Got a new panini machine and have been using that a lot this summer.
HB at Target for $40. I LOVE it. Takes 2 fairly large sandwiches.
Trouble with it tho as I seem to make them too large! <G> I went back
and bought 2 more for the girls.

AnnE

Terry Pulliam Burd > wrote in
:

>>The beat goes on. (Shut up, Bubba!!)
>
>

That's MY line.....

--

The house of the burning beet-Alan

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> I'm scheduled to do an interview tomorrow morning for NPR's All Things
> Considered (don't know when it will be broadcast, this weekend or
> next?). I've been interviewed for a story in the New York Times. The
> NEW YORK TIMES, fercryin'outloud! How much fun is THAT?


You MUST MUST MUST tell us when you find out. These are news stories I
don't want to miss. Thanks for the excellent rendition of your adventures.


--Lia

On Aug 21, 10:20 pm, Melba's Jammin' >
wrote:
> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
> The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> 0600.
>
> Several years ago they started making competition results available
> online so that interested parties don't have to drag their sorry
> carcasses to the fairgrounds at 0900 to check The Lists when the
> buildings open. The Lists list the winners in each lot for canning and
> baking. Chris and I used to be there when they opened the building
> doors at 9:00 a.m. Now we can be more relaxed about our arrival and I
> can know the proper demeanor to effect, jubilant, reserved, or pouty.
> :-) Jubilant is way out in front.
>
> Cutting to the chase, I entered the maximum number of canning entries,
> 20.
>
> Gentleones, the envelope please.
>
> Blue ribbons (first place) for Blackberry Jelly, Blackberry Jam, Stewed
> Tomatoes, and Tomato Juice. The tomato products have won their lot for
> three consecutive years each, thus prohibiting me from entering those
> lots for two years. Well, FINE, then!
>
> Red ribbons (second place) for nothing. Weird, but that's how it shook
> out.
>
> White ribbons (third place) for Plum-m-m-m Jelly, Raspberry Jelly,
> Strawberry Jam (berry-smashing aided by the Blue Ribbon Grandchild),
> Bread & Butter Pickles,
>
> Pink ribbons (fourth place) for Crabapple Jelly, Pickled Boiled Dirt
> Chunks (yeah, that's what the label said‹with the entry booklet name
> following it),
>
> No ribbon, but fifth place for Watermelon Pickles.
>
> and a Gedney prize for Best Cucumber Pickle with Balsamic Vinegar.
>
> Bombed in Grape Jelly (wild grape jelly, see my web site blog about that
> one), Mint Jelly (It's lovely, but puny in flavor ‹ see my website blog
> for that one), Strawberry Jelly (it vas so-o-o pretty, too), Peach Jam,
> Raspberry Jam (harrummpphhh!), Rhubarb-Orange Jam with Candied Ginger
> (some people don't know what's good), and Lemon-Apricot Jam (a reduced
> sugar recipe that may be the best thing I've made all summer
> long‹skroom!), Corn Relish (I don't get that either‹maybe somebody's
> using the recipe I've published so many times and doing it better than I
> do it‹fair enough‹or maybe they are not. Interesting, though.), and
> H-hot Ch-cherry Blackberry Relish (OK, so it sounds weird and it looked
> mooshy rather than relishy, it was still good, dammit).
>
> Then there was the baking. . . . The most gorgemous loaf of plain white
> bread I've ever baked came in‹somewhere in a galaxy far, far away; it
> didn't place. It has won first; last year it beat out the White Bread
> Queen's loaf, and this year? Bupkes.
>
> Boy and Girl brownies? Bupkes. Zip. Both have won blue ribbons in
> other years, though with not necessarily these recipes.
>
> Banana Bread that needed its bananas to rot for another two or three
> days I didn't have to be good? Fourth. A ribbon. Go figure. The
> streak continues.
>
> This is why I have so freakin' much fun doing this, even though I am
> ready for a rehab unit somewhere warm with scantily lad handsome and
> youthful men to minister to my aching bones and muscles and stuff ‹ it's
> always a crapshoot.
>
> Because of what began with some nasty words about fallen plums, I've had
> my moments in the sun and expect a few more. I clean up nice and
> generally show well. A basket of my stuff ‹ stuff *I* made‹ brought
> $650 to a great charitable foundation last week. How good is THAT?
>
> I'm scheduled to do an interview tomorrow morning for NPR's All Things
> Considered (don't know when it will be broadcast, this weekend or
> next?). I've been interviewed for a story in the New York Times. The
> NEW YORK TIMES, fercryin'outloud! How much fun is THAT? Last Sunday I
> got to encourage a little girl to learn to do what I can do. Sweet
> girl. I hope she needs to call me for help; I would love nothing more.
> Chris son has been emailing to his AZ friends all day; recipe requests
> have already come in from a couple of them. What? Nobody's got a good
> banana bread recipe except me? Unlikely.
>
> It's the Great Minnesota Get-Together and as it is with so many things,
> your interest and joy increases with the level of your involvement.
> I'm involved. My interest is way up there. :-)
>
> Somebody call Letterman or Craig Ferguson. Please. :-)
>
> The beat goes on. (Shut up, Bubba!!)

You never cease to awe and inspire! Go dirt chunks!

maxine in ri, who would know how to appreciate the Rhubarb-Orange Jam
with Candied Ginger appropriately, given the opportunity<G>

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
> The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> 0600.
>
> Several years ago they started making competition results available
> online so that interested parties don't have to drag their sorry
> carcasses to the fairgrounds at 0900 to check The Lists when the
> buildings open. The Lists list the winners in each lot for canning and
> baking. Chris and I used to be there when they opened the building
> doors at 9:00 a.m. Now we can be more relaxed about our arrival and I
> can know the proper demeanor to effect, jubilant, reserved, or pouty.
> :-) Jubilant is way out in front.
>
> Cutting to the chase, I entered the maximum number of canning entries,
> 20.
>
> Gentleones, the envelope please.
>
> Blue ribbons (first place) for Blackberry Jelly, Blackberry Jam, Stewed
> Tomatoes, and Tomato Juice. The tomato products have won their lot for
> three consecutive years each, thus prohibiting me from entering those
> lots for two years. Well, FINE, then!
>
> Red ribbons (second place) for nothing. Weird, but that's how it shook
> out.
>
> White ribbons (third place) for Plum-m-m-m Jelly, Raspberry Jelly,
> Strawberry Jam (berry-smashing aided by the Blue Ribbon Grandchild),
> Bread & Butter Pickles,
>
> Pink ribbons (fourth place) for Crabapple Jelly, Pickled Boiled Dirt
> Chunks (yeah, that's what the label said‹with the entry booklet name
> following it),
>
> No ribbon, but fifth place for Watermelon Pickles.
>
> and a Gedney prize for Best Cucumber Pickle with Balsamic Vinegar.
>
> Bombed in Grape Jelly (wild grape jelly, see my web site blog about that
> one), Mint Jelly (It's lovely, but puny in flavor ‹ see my website blog
> for that one), Strawberry Jelly (it vas so-o-o pretty, too), Peach Jam,
> Raspberry Jam (harrummpphhh!), Rhubarb-Orange Jam with Candied Ginger
> (some people don't know what's good), and Lemon-Apricot Jam (a reduced
> sugar recipe that may be the best thing I've made all summer
> long‹skroom!), Corn Relish (I don't get that either‹maybe somebody's
> using the recipe I've published so many times and doing it better than I
> do it‹fair enough‹or maybe they are not. Interesting, though.), and
> H-hot Ch-cherry Blackberry Relish (OK, so it sounds weird and it looked
> mooshy rather than relishy, it was still good, dammit).
>
> Then there was the baking. . . . The most gorgemous loaf of plain white
> bread I've ever baked came in‹somewhere in a galaxy far, far away; it
> didn't place. It has won first; last year it beat out the White Bread
> Queen's loaf, and this year? Bupkes.
>
> Boy and Girl brownies? Bupkes. Zip. Both have won blue ribbons in
> other years, though with not necessarily these recipes.
>
> Banana Bread that needed its bananas to rot for another two or three
> days I didn't have to be good? Fourth. A ribbon. Go figure. The
> streak continues.
>
> This is why I have so freakin' much fun doing this, even though I am
> ready for a rehab unit somewhere warm with scantily lad handsome and
> youthful men to minister to my aching bones and muscles and stuff ‹ it's
> always a crapshoot.
>
> Because of what began with some nasty words about fallen plums, I've had
> my moments in the sun and expect a few more. I clean up nice and
> generally show well. A basket of my stuff ‹ stuff *I* made‹ brought
> $650 to a great charitable foundation last week. How good is THAT?
>
> I'm scheduled to do an interview tomorrow morning for NPR's All Things
> Considered (don't know when it will be broadcast, this weekend or
> next?). I've been interviewed for a story in the New York Times. The
> NEW YORK TIMES, fercryin'outloud! How much fun is THAT? Last Sunday I
> got to encourage a little girl to learn to do what I can do. Sweet
> girl. I hope she needs to call me for help; I would love nothing more.
> Chris son has been emailing to his AZ friends all day; recipe requests
> have already come in from a couple of them. What? Nobody's got a good
> banana bread recipe except me? Unlikely.
>
> It's the Great Minnesota Get-Together and as it is with so many things,
> your interest and joy increases with the level of your involvement.
> I'm involved. My interest is way up there. :-)
>
> Somebody call Letterman or Craig Ferguson. Please. :-)
>
> The beat goes on. (Shut up, Bubba!!)

OMG! You must have boundless energy to enter all of the above!

I am curious as to why you entered the mint jelly, which you
described as "puny in flavor"....

--
Jean B.

On Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:49:58 -0400, Nancy Young wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>>
>> The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
>> 0600.

<snip>

>> Cutting to the chase, I entered the maximum number of canning entries,
>> 20.
<snip>
>
> 13 out of 20, that's some score!

the other ladies are hiring a hit man as we speak.

your pal,
blake

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
...
> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
> The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> 0600.

<GIANT SNIP>

> Somebody call Letterman or Craig Ferguson. Please. :-)
>
> The beat goes on. (Shut up, Bubba!!)
> --
> -Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
> http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
> needs updating with Fair results and pics, but I'm tired right now.

As usual Congratulations are in order for your hard work as well as the
wonderful results.

Keep the hits coming.

Regards

Dimitri et al.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
> Blue ribbons (first place) for Blackberry Jelly, Blackberry Jam,
> Stewed
> Tomatoes, and Tomato Juice. The tomato products have won their lot
> for
> three consecutive years each, thus prohibiting me from entering those
> lots for two years. Well, FINE, then!
>
> Red ribbons (second place) for nothing. Weird, but that's how it
> shook
> out.
>
> White ribbons (third place) for Plum-m-m-m Jelly, Raspberry Jelly,
> Strawberry Jam (berry-smashing aided by the Blue Ribbon Grandchild),
> Bread & Butter Pickles,
>
> Pink ribbons (fourth place) for Crabapple Jelly, Pickled Boiled Dirt
> Chunks (yeah, that's what the label said > following it),
>
> No ribbon, but fifth place for Watermelon Pickles.
>
Very (very) well done! Congratulations, kudos, keep it up!

Jill

In article >,
"Jean B." > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> > Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!

> > Bombed in Grape Jelly (wild grape jelly, see my web site blog about that
> > one), Mint Jelly (It's lovely, but puny in flavor Ð see my website blog
> > for that one), Strawberry Jelly (it vas so-o-o pretty, too), Peach Jam,
(snip)
> OMG! You must have boundless energy to enter all of the above!

I love a good time!!

>
> I am curious as to why you entered the mint jelly, which you
> described as "puny in flavor"....


Because Margaret said that a mild flavor is a good thing. I don't know
from Mint Jelly; I just make it. I wouldn't know good from bad. Well,
maybe now I have a better idea. '-) Thing is, the leaves were so
strongly scented. . . .

Canning can be done over a long haul. I start in May. mid-late July,
things start humming.

My plums are just now beginning to ripen. . . . more Plum Stuff in my
future -- at least for the freezer if not for now.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
most recently updated last night, 8-17-2008. Fair entries are DONE!

In article >,
Terry Pulliam Burd > wrote:

> On Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:20:22 -0500, Melba's Jammin'
> > fired up random neurons and synapses to
> opine:
>
> >Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
> >
> >The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> >0600.
>
> <snippidy>
> >
> >This is why I have so freakin' much fun doing this, even though I am
> >ready for a rehab unit somewhere warm with scantily lad handsome and
> >youthful men to minister to my aching bones and muscles and stuff ‹ it's
> >always a crapshoot.
>
> Girlie, you are *always* ready for a rehab unit. I am here to testify!

Hey! Here I am representing that!

> >
> >Because of what began with some nasty words about fallen plums, I've had
> >my moments in the sun and expect a few more. I clean up nice and
> >generally show well. A basket of my stuff ‹ stuff *I* made‹ brought
> >$650 to a great charitable foundation last week. How good is THAT?
>
> High five, girl, as long as it wasn't the U of M h.s.

Nope. State Fair Foundation: www.msffoundation.org, I think.

> >
> >I'm scheduled to do an interview tomorrow morning for NPR's All Things
> >Considered (don't know when it will be broadcast, this weekend

> Let us know when we can catch the interview. And can we catch it
> online?

Tomorrow, Saturday, 8/23.

> >It's the Great Minnesota Get-Together and as it is with so many things,
> >your interest and joy increases with the level of your involvement.
> >I'm involved. My interest is way up there. :-)
> >
> >Somebody call Letterman or Craig Ferguson. Please. :-)
>
> I *love* Craig Ferguson!

I KNO-O-O-OW!!! '-)

> Congratulations, sweetie - you done good! But why someone in Minnesota
> would want to create her own sauna in July/August is beyond me.

Thanks. Mom always said you can when the fruit and vegetables are
ready, not when you're ready.
>
> Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd
> --
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
most recently updated last night, 8-17-2008. Fair entries are DONE!

"AnnE" > wrote in message
. ..
>
> "Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
> ...
>> In article >,
>> "AnnE" > wrote:
>>
>>> AnnE how come you never do tomato jam?
>>
>> I have and I may. Tomatoes are late this year. There's still time. :-)
>> --
>> -Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
>> http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
>> most recently updated last night, 8-17-2008. Fair entries are DONE!
>
> Our tomatoes are not very good this year. Cherry tommies are super but I
> make BLTs a lot and those don't work very well. <g>
>

Alton Brown did a Good Eats episode on tomatoes, and said that cherry
tomatoes (or maybe it was grape tomatoes) made the best BLT. Then he made a
BLT salad with them, which I think was sorta cheating.

But it did get me thinking -- why not chop the tomatoes and mix them with
the mayo? Sandwich texture would be a tad different, but I'll bet it would
taste pretty darn good.

Anny

Congratulations!!!

As you know, I got impatient and went and looked online to see how you did
with your canning entries, but didn't look to see how you did with your
baking ones.

As to what you do with all the ribbons -- At the Illinois State Fair I saw a
couple of quilts made from neck-ties. I suppose the texture might be a bit
odd, but it could be fun to have a quilt made of your ribbons. Do you know
any quilters?

Anny

Barb,
Rich and I were moving a couple of months ago and I found one of
your award winning jams in our cupboard :--) Uh, I think that it may
have been almost 9 years old.

Janis


On Aug 21, 10:20*pm, Melba's Jammin' >
wrote:
> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
> The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> 0600.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> In article >,
> "Jean B." > wrote:
>
>> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>>> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
>>> Bombed in Grape Jelly (wild grape jelly, see my web site blog about that
>>> one), Mint Jelly (It's lovely, but puny in flavor Ð see my website blog
>>> for that one), Strawberry Jelly (it vas so-o-o pretty, too), Peach Jam,
> (snip)
>> OMG! You must have boundless energy to enter all of the above!
>
> I love a good time!!
>
>> I am curious as to why you entered the mint jelly, which you
>> described as "puny in flavor"....
>
>
> Because Margaret said that a mild flavor is a good thing. I don't know
> from Mint Jelly; I just make it. I wouldn't know good from bad. Well,
> maybe now I have a better idea. '-) Thing is, the leaves were so
> strongly scented. . . .
>
> Canning can be done over a long haul. I start in May. mid-late July,
> things start humming.
>
> My plums are just now beginning to ripen. . . . more Plum Stuff in my
> future -- at least for the freezer if not for now.

Ever since Marcel first tasted Barbara's Mint Jelly about two or three
years ago, he refuses to eat Lamb without it. If I run out of the "good
stuff" (I am quoting Marcel, as in "What is this? Where is the Good
Stuff?") and try to serve a commercial Mint Jelly, he refuses to eat the
jelly and the Lamb. ( As for the mild flavor, this is what he loves
about it. Or is it Barbara he loves? A little of both, I guess. )

"Anny Middon" > wrote in message
...
> "AnnE" > wrote in message
> . ..
>>
>> "Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> In article >,
>>> "AnnE" > wrote:
>>>
>>>> AnnE how come you never do tomato jam?
>>>
>>> I have and I may. Tomatoes are late this year. There's still time.
>>> :-)
>>> --
>>> -Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
>>> http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
>>> most recently updated last night, 8-17-2008. Fair entries are DONE!
>>
>> Our tomatoes are not very good this year. Cherry tommies are super
>> but I make BLTs a lot and those don't work very well. <g>
>>
>
> Alton Brown did a Good Eats episode on tomatoes, and said that cherry
> tomatoes (or maybe it was grape tomatoes) made the best BLT. Then he
> made a BLT salad with them, which I think was sorta cheating.
>
> But it did get me thinking -- why not chop the tomatoes and mix them
> with the mayo? Sandwich texture would be a tad different, but I'll
> bet it would taste pretty darn good.
>
> Anny

Nah, that wouldn't work! Too mushy. lol Had home grown tomatoes
for dinner tonite with cottage cheese. Yum. And a watermelon from
Costco which was to die for.

AnnE

On Aug 21, 9:20*pm, Melba's Jammin' >
wrote:
> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!

Way to go! We ought to find some way to get samples or
something. :-)

I have never submitted anything to the state fair and only once ever
to our county fair. However, that photo submission won a ribbon! My
wife was so jealous because she submitted scores of photos over the
years and never won and I won one my first (and only) time. I fully
admit her photos are vastly better than mine but I happened to get
lucky that one time with the subject and setting and had the right
equipment (her camera nonetheless!) in hand.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> Canning can be done over a long haul. I start in May. mid-late July,
> things start humming.
>
> My plums are just now beginning to ripen. . . . more Plum Stuff in my
> future -- at least for the freezer if not for now.


That makes me wonder--in summers when crops are late, can you make
jam, preserves, etc. in late Aug-Sept. and enter them the following
year? I suspect it isn't "legal", but would it work if you labeled
late '08 jam as '09?

gloria p

AnnE wrote:

> Our tomatoes are not very good this year. Cherry tommies are super but I
> make BLTs a lot and those don't work very well. <g>

You *could* make a BLT salad: Toast bread, cut it into half-inch squares,
then toss it with crisp bacon squares, torn lettuce, and halved cherry
tomatoes. Dress lightly with homemade mayo, then add salt and pepper to
taste.

Bob, BLT junkie

Bob Terwilliger wrote:
>
> AnnE wrote:
>
> > Our tomatoes are not very good this year. Cherry tommies are super but I
> > make BLTs a lot and those don't work very well. <g>
>
> You *could* make a BLT salad: Toast bread, cut it into half-inch squares,
> then toss it with crisp bacon squares, torn lettuce, and halved cherry
> tomatoes. Dress lightly with homemade mayo, then add salt and pepper to
> taste.
>
> Bob, BLT junkie

Now that sounds like an excellent suggestion! I've never heard of BLT
salad, and it sounds so simple, too. Dang, but now I'm hungry for some
BLT!! And there's already some cooked bacon in the fridge.

Sky

--
Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice

In article >,
Gloria P > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> >
> > Canning can be done over a long haul. I start in May. mid-late July,
> > things start humming.
> >
> > My plums are just now beginning to ripen. . . . more Plum Stuff in my
> > future -- at least for the freezer if not for now.
>
>
> That makes me wonder--in summers when crops are late, can you make
> jam, preserves, etc. in late Aug-Sept. and enter them the following
> year? I suspect it isn't "legal", but would it work if you labeled
> late '08 jam as '09?
>
> gloria p

It is very legal. There's usually not enough time between packing and
Fair for fresh pack pickles to be ready for eating. When I entered dill
pickles many, many years ago (my first ribbon was for dill pickles), I
packed the Fair jars for the following year's entry. My plums aren't
usually ripe until during the Fair; I've made the jelly and entered it
the following year. Now, I freeze the juice and make the jelly in the
same year it's entered. I think there's a rule somewhere about the
canning needing to have been done within two years of its entry. I'd
have to research that one.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
most recently updated last night, 8-17-2008. Fair entries are DONE!

In article >,
Julia Altshuler > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> >
> > I'm scheduled to do an interview tomorrow morning for NPR's All Things
> > Considered (don't know when it will be broadcast, this weekend or
> > next?). I've been interviewed for a story in the New York Times. The
> > NEW YORK TIMES, fercryin'outloud! How much fun is THAT?
>
>
> You MUST MUST MUST tell us when you find out. These are news stories I
> don't want to miss. Thanks for the excellent rendition of your adventures.
>
>
> --Lia


All Things Considered, Saturday, August 23, whenever it airs where you
are.

NYT thing? Heck if I know. I was told August. It has to do with the
Fair so that makes sense, I guess. The author of the piece grew up here
and loves the Fair. Good man! '-)
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
most recently updated last night, 8-17-2008. Fair entries are DONE!

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> > Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
> >
> > The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> > 0600.
> >
> > Several years ago they started making competition results available
> > online so that interested parties don't have to drag their sorry
> > carcasses to the fairgrounds at 0900 to check The Lists when the
> > buildings open. The Lists list the winners in each lot for canning
> > and
> > baking. Chris and I used to be there when they opened the building
> > doors at 9:00 a.m. Now we can be more relaxed about our arrival and I
> > can know the proper demeanor to effect, jubilant, reserved, or pouty.
>
> You just crack me up. I like that, if you're disappointed, you don't have
> to let anyone see.
>
> > :-) Jubilant is way out in front.
>
> Congratulations. Well deserved. Well preserved? Heh. You're
> going to have to put an addition on your house to hold all these
> ribbons you've accumulated!
>
> > Cutting to the chase, I entered the maximum number of canning entries,
> > 20.
> >
> > Gentleones, the envelope please.
> >
> > Blue ribbons (first place) for Blackberry Jelly, Blackberry Jam,
> > Stewed
> > Tomatoes, and Tomato Juice. The tomato products have won their lot
> > for
> > three consecutive years each, thus prohibiting me from entering those
> > lots for two years. Well, FINE, then!
>
>
> > Red ribbons (second place) for nothing. Weird, but that's how it
> > shook
> > out.
> >
> > White ribbons (third place) for Plum-m-m-m Jelly, Raspberry Jelly,
> > Strawberry Jam (berry-smashing aided by the Blue Ribbon Grandchild),
> > Bread & Butter Pickles,
> >
> > Pink ribbons (fourth place) for Crabapple Jelly, Pickled Boiled Dirt
> > Chunks (yeah, that's what the label said > following it),
> >
> > No ribbon, but fifth place for Watermelon Pickles.
> >
> > and a Gedney prize for Best Cucumber Pickle with Balsamic Vinegar.
>
> 13 out of 20, that's some score!

Mmmm, I think 13 is high. I think it's 11 places with 10 ribbons, plus
the Gedney thing -- a special contest.
>
> Thanks for the store, that's a lot of fun. What a great hobby.
>
> nancy

Thanks. It's the Great Minnesota Get-Together.



--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
most recently updated last night, 8-17-2008. Fair entries are DONE!

In article >,
blake murphy > wrote:

> the other ladies are hiring a hit man as we speak.
>
> your pal,
> blake

Some of the other ladies are guys, Dude. I remember my sister scoffing
at the very idea of a man baking bread mostly because her husband
couldn't and wouldn't if he could. She's of a different generation and
there wasn't much cooking or baking done by men where we grew up.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller, blahblahblog is back and
most recently updated last night, 8-17-2008. Fair entries are DONE!

In article >,
Melba's Jammin' > wrote:

> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
> The Great Minnesota Get-Together began its 12-day run this morning at
> 0600.... [...]

Oh Barb, that is simply marvelous news. It warms my heart to know that
the art of preserving is not only practiced so well but appreciated so
much. I can hardly wait to hear the ATC podcast of you and read any
articles.

Isabella
--
"I will show you fear in a handful of dust"
-T.S. Eliot

On Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:15:38 -0500, Melba's Jammin'
> wrote:

>In article >,
> Gloria P > wrote:
>
>> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>> >
>> > Canning can be done over a long haul. I start in May. mid-late July,
>> > things start humming.
>> >
>> > My plums are just now beginning to ripen. . . . more Plum Stuff in my
>> > future -- at least for the freezer if not for now.
>>
>>
>> That makes me wonder--in summers when crops are late, can you make
>> jam, preserves, etc. in late Aug-Sept. and enter them the following
>> year? I suspect it isn't "legal", but would it work if you labeled
>> late '08 jam as '09?
>>
>> gloria p
>
>It is very legal. There's usually not enough time between packing and
>Fair for fresh pack pickles to be ready for eating. When I entered dill
>pickles many, many years ago (my first ribbon was for dill pickles), I
>packed the Fair jars for the following year's entry. My plums aren't
>usually ripe until during the Fair; I've made the jelly and entered it
>the following year. Now, I freeze the juice and make the jelly in the
>same year it's entered. I think there's a rule somewhere about the
>canning needing to have been done within two years of its entry. I'd
>have to research that one.


At the Dixie Classic Fair in Winston Salem,NC and their rules are the
same as the state fair, items must have been completed since the last
fair. You cannot enter something that was entered in the previous
fair. But you sometimes wonder what kind of a result you would get if
you took another jar of something that did well last year and enter it
again.

"Bob Terwilliger" > wrote in message
...
> AnnE wrote:
>
>> Our tomatoes are not very good this year. Cherry tommies are super
>> but I
>> make BLTs a lot and those don't work very well. <g>
>
> You *could* make a BLT salad: Toast bread, cut it into half-inch
> squares,
> then toss it with crisp bacon squares, torn lettuce, and halved cherry
> tomatoes. Dress lightly with homemade mayo, then add salt and pepper
> to
> taste.
>
> Bob, BLT junkie

Sounds like more work than just making sandwiches. <g>

Thanx for the tip tho. I might have to try it.

AnnE

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> In article >,
> "Jean B." > wrote:
>
>> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>>> Ribbon Sluts of the country, rise up!
>
>>> Bombed in Grape Jelly (wild grape jelly, see my web site blog about that
>>> one), Mint Jelly (It's lovely, but puny in flavor Ð see my website blog
>>> for that one), Strawberry Jelly (it vas so-o-o pretty, too), Peach Jam,
> (snip)
>> OMG! You must have boundless energy to enter all of the above!
>
> I love a good time!!
>
>> I am curious as to why you entered the mint jelly, which you
>> described as "puny in flavor"....
>
>
> Because Margaret said that a mild flavor is a good thing. I don't know
> from Mint Jelly; I just make it. I wouldn't know good from bad. Well,
> maybe now I have a better idea. '-) Thing is, the leaves were so
> strongly scented. . . .
>
> Canning can be done over a long haul. I start in May. mid-late July,
> things start humming.
>
> My plums are just now beginning to ripen. . . . more Plum Stuff in my
> future -- at least for the freezer if not for now.

Ah, well, next time take a vote re the mint jelly. I vote for a
fairly strong flavor. Actually, it might be hard to tell what
someone means by "strong" or "mild" in this case unless you are
tasting the same batches.

--
Jean B.

On Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:25:05 -0500, Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> In article >,
> blake murphy > wrote:
>
>> the other ladies are hiring a hit man as we speak.
>>
>> your pal,
>> blake
>
> Some of the other ladies are guys, Dude.

i was afraid of that. however, i never let reality interfere with a joke.

>I remember my sister scoffing
> at the very idea of a man baking bread mostly because her husband
> couldn't and wouldn't if he could. She's of a different generation and
> there wasn't much cooking or baking done by men where we grew up.

actually, the precision required would appeal to men. they can envision
themselves as mad scientists, bent on world domination.

your pal,
blake