Happy Harvest 3

Today is the day to share a few more ideas for those fresh harvests or farm market finds.
Hope this gives someone an idea or tip they can use.

GRAPES
Grapes are getting ripe this time of the year.  Many folks have grape vines in their back yards or they know where they can find wild grapes.  I love making juice and jelly with our grapes.  Grape jelly is one of the favorites for my Christmas goody baskets.
**I often pick, clean and destem my grapes and freeze until I have the time to make juice or jelly.

JUICE is simple to do.  I will give you the EASY way to make juice.  I have done this many times and love it.  It is not heavy overly sweetened juice - it is light and flavorful and oh did I say EASY!

You will need:
Quart jars
Boiling water
1 - 1/3 C grapes per each jar
Sugar - optional (I sweeten after opening)

Place 1 - 1/3 C destemmed grapes in each jar (seeds left in for grapes with seeds).  Cover with boiling water.  You can add approx. 1/3 C sugar to each jar if you desire.  I prefer to make mine unsweetened and I sweeten at the time of opening and use.
Leave 1/2" head room.  Clean rims and attach lids and water bath for 15 minutes.
Let it set for about 4 weeks before opening and using.  Strain and drink!
THAT'S IT!  Doesn't get much easier than that.

Concord grapes in the back yard - before ready to pick.  SO sweet and yummy when ready!

GRAPE JELLY
I follow the easy directions included in the boxes of dry pectin.  It truly is one of the easiest jellies to make.  If you don't have a grape arbor or access to fresh grapes - you can use red/black grapes from the store as well.  Those are most often seedless grapes.  It really doesn't matter.
I place the appropriate amount of grapes in a large pan and add an inch or two of water.  Heat  and mash as it is heating to get all that good flavor out of the grapes.  I use a potato masher.  I then strain the grapes/liquid through a fine strainer to get the juice I use for jelly.  If a bit short of liquid - add a touch of water.  Follow directions in pectin package.
ALSO you can use unsweetened store bought grape juice to make.

Grapes for SNACKS
If you have access to seedless grapes (any type) - clean and destem and freeze.  This is one of my favorite summer snacks.  They are just so refreshing and what a healthy snack.  Kids think these are great.  ADULT IDEA - these frozen grapes are great for throwing into a glass of wine or adult beverage to keep it cool and just to make it fun!


CORN COB JELLY
Waste not want not.  I love the idea of using everything.  This has a sweet honey like taste and is quite good.

Each batch:
12 cobs from corn (after cutting corn to can or freeze)
1 box pectin
3 1/2 C sugar
1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Place cobs in a large pot and just cover with water.  Bring to a boil for an hour.  Water will reduce a lot.  You will need 3 1/2 C of liquid for jelly.
Measure and strain liquid.  Add lemon juice to liquid.
Start heating again - when very hot add 3 1/2 C sugar.  Bring to a boil.
Add pectin and return to a boil - you need a rolling hard boil for 1 minute.

Pour into hot sterilized jars - leave 1/2" head room.  Make sure rims are clean and add lids.
Water bath for 10 minutes
Yummy to the tummy!!!!!


PEACHES
Now is time for fresh juicy and yummy peaches.  I have never canned them - although I understand it is fairly easy.
I have always frozen peaches.
I slice and deseed peaches. NOTE: ( I have never peeled a peach in my life - although many do.  You do that just like you do tomatoes)
I mix the peaches with some sugar (I have always used just a little) and Fruit Fresh.  Fruit Fresh can be purchased at the grocery and it keeps your fruit from turning dark in color.
Place in freezer bags - flatten and freeze.
This was a favorite of Glens - he said it always reminded him of his grandma.  We would allow them to slightly thaw before easy.  They would always still have a bit of crunchy ice crystals.
Yum and so refreshing.

Don't forget - GRILL peaches.  Oh my, if you haven't done this - you need to try.  Cut your peaches in half  - deseed.  I spray/rub a bit of olive oil over the cut edges and place cut side down on the grill.  Once you have nice grill marks turn and grill that side as well. Heat through and through.
Serve with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream.
YUM!!!!!!  Grilling just increases the sweetness.


Happy Harvesting!