What are you canning now?

[Arielle]

Chicky - I was just on a web site that sells a funnel with a strainer attachment. That might work and they also had a seed remover thing but only removed "all but the smallest" seeds. Kitchen Krafts.

Now I forgot to mention or ask, Does anyone here make "sugar free" Jams and Jellies? I have friends who are diabetic.

ta, ta for now,

Rancher

Hi Rancher!

My IL made freezer jams--don't know the recipes though it can't be all that complicated because she can't cook (very well). Because of hyperinsulin I rarely eat jams and jellies any more. Too much natural sugar and added sugar sends my blood sugars crazy. But your mention of sugar free has my interest! I can eat fresh fruits. Or frozen, just not in huge quantities.

 

[rancher hicks]

I think sure jel has a sugar free packet.

This will be good for Diabetics?

Arielle I let you know what I come up with. I hate to mention it but DW has found out she's diabetic. It runs in her family. I suppose we're fortunate that she's much older than younger.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Rancher, the reality is that the typical American diet PROMOTES diabetes. It runs in all families because we are eating a relatively poor quality diet. I got my heads up that I was headed in the wrong direction when I had gestational diabetes. By eating the correct foods (think no sugars, no flours) we can avoid type 2 diabetes. It IS preventable and for those of us already headed down the slippery slope, it is manageable. Just takes WANTING to eat ONLY the right foods.

I can control my blood pressure just by changing my foods. ANd I still enjoy salt and bacon.

My purpose for the sugar free jams and jellies is to prevent MY kids from developing type 2 diabetes in 30 years from now. ANd manage my insulin problems now.

I'll do a little research , too. Thanks, Rancher.

 

[Chicky Babe]

Anyone have a good Mint Jelly recipe using powdered pectin? Looked a lot online couldn't find anything that I liked, so thought I would ask here! Oh and FYI still haven't made the blackberry jelly, but I froze all the berries so they'll wait on me lol.

 

[rancher hicks]

Anyone have a good Mint Jelly recipe using powdered pectin? Looked a lot online couldn't find anything that I liked, so thought I would ask here! Oh and FYI still haven't made the blackberry jelly, but I froze all the berries so they'll wait on me lol.

I'm not sure I'll get any black berries this year. I think the chickens are eyeing the wild ones I've been hoping for .

Now for the mint jelly. This is what I have. One that uses a pouch of liquid pectin, one that uses one package of powdered pectin. I also have a Mint Cordial recipe. A Pineapple and Mint jelly.

I bought these three books because they have the most recipes I might try. I have Muscat and Lemon Balm jelly but I have no idea what Muscat wine is. Lemon Balm is an invasive plant but I have it in a raised bed and it has filled the entire bed in less than one year. I do know it can be used for tea so I have some hanging to dry.

Sorry I got off track. Chicky if you want any of the above recipes let me know.

Rancher

 

[Chicky Babe]

In my small town they only carry the powdered pectin. So that recipe would be wonderful! Thank you so much, and I'm sure the IL's will be grateful too!

 

[Arielle]

Rancher,

Muscat is a grape; or a raisen sometimes . Sounds like a yummy recipe.

Lemon balm sounds like it is in the mint family! Is it?

 

[Chicky Babe]

No it isn't at all like mint. Wish I could post pics mine is in full bloom! The grow very tall and bloom an extremely fragrant spikey looking bloom. They are stunning! I knew they were used in tea, however the jelly is new to me. A friend grows them for medicinal purposes. Never asked what the uses were for though! Looks like an interesting google search.

 

[Chicky Babe]

Duh second thought they are in mint family! Sorry brain fart lol! Confused with bee balm.

 

[vfem]

Just picked 14 lbs of blackberries! So you know what I'm doing this week. Hahahaha