Alternatives to Pectin

For those of you who buy pectin, you know just how expensive it is!  Well, I found this blog that my aunt Cheryl wrote with some good alternatives to using pectin.  Her two suggestions were Clear Jel from Barry Farm, or Pomona Pectin.  Look at her blog for links and her advice:

http://knowandgrowfood.blogspot.com/2010/08/alternatives-to-purchased-pectin.html

Another thing I've heard of is using the apple peels, core and seeds (which have natural pectin in them) instead of purchasing pectin from the store.  Here is a link to a recipe with great instructions on what to do with the apples and how to make Apple Rosemary Jelly.

Picking Blueberries

It is almost time to pick blueberries.  I am excited because this will be my first year harvesting them.  My husband grew up picking wild blueberries up north, so we are going to continue the tradition.  I am excited because first of all, I didn't have to plant or water them, and second, because we are going to have FRESH blueberries to eat!

I learned from Diane, my mother-in-law, that you can freeze the blueberries on a pan one layer deep.  After they are frozen, pull them out and put them in ziplock bags for fresh berries for the next several months!

Depending on how many we get, we can make blueberry pie, jelly, jam, syrup, pie filling (for later use), blueberry butter, or I can bottle them and put them on the shelf.  I didn't grow up on a blueberry harvest, so I've never tasted any of the following.  I'll let you know how it goes, what we make, and what I like :)

Here is a website that has great information about blueberries, if anyone is interested.