If you have been a reader of this blog for any amount of time you know I’m all about family and community. I love gathering people around my table and practicing hospitality.
I find it interesting that there was a table with food and drink in the temple. That one of the sacraments of the Church is around a communion table. Jesus often used the gathering around food to teach and satisfy. One of the last times He spoke intimately with his disciples was around a table.
The harvest has been plentiful this year which means we can get a lot of great produce at a reasonable price. This makes for a perfect time for canning a little extra to give as gifts this Christmas.
They are also great to have on hand to give as a hostess gift, in a basket as part of a bridal shower gift or even to take as part of a care package for someone who is sick.
This is wonderful poured over a block of cream cheese and served with crackers for parties. I’ve also used it over a roast in the crockpot.
Warning: Although this is a jelly, it is not thick like most jellies. You need to follow the instructions carefully.
Detailed explanation of how to make this with pictures Go Here.
I.LOVE.THIS.RECIPE!!!
Makes about 8 pints of salsa… which is nowhere near enough!!!
Simmer for 30 minutes, then process in a hot water bath for 15 minutes.
For a very detailed explanation on how to prepare this, including pictures, go here.
We came across a real good deal on ripe bananas and decided it was time to make some banana bread for the freezer. This recipe is so good! I love having several loaves in the freezer to pull out for company or even to take for someone who is struggling or for a hostess gift. I wrap mine individually and then place in a freezer ziplock.
This is a great recipe for beginners. I showed Cherish (10) how to make the first batch and she made the remaining 3 batches without me.
We have an abundance of cucumbers from our garden right now. I made this recipe for the first time today. It.Was.So.Good! I didn’t have any jalapenos on hand so it didn’t have that kick to it, but it was delish nonetheless!
For supper I topped my hamburger with it. Again, it was so good!
Chop, combine, cover and refrigerate until serving.
ALWAYS use gloves when working with the peppers… and NEVER touch your face!
A sweet friend gave us a couple of gallons of blackberries…big, juicy blackberries! Which means my very capable assistants and I had to get busy!
Now… the downside of blackberries are all those little seeds.
The first thing I did was run the berries through the food processor. Let me just say, I LOVE THE FOOD PROCESSOR! It really does make kitchen work so much faster!!!
Cheese straws are definitely a southern thing!
I made these a few weeks ago for a wedding reception. They are really easy and MUCH cheaper if you make them yourself rather than buying them pre-made.
And when you want southern food it is best to learn from a southerner. I love Paula Dean‘s recipes.
Cheese Straws
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
You can read how to make these simple treats and even watch Paula’s video clip here.
I’ve been making a lot of carrot cakes and coconut cakes lately as part of some exciting changes in our family!
You can find the recipe HERE.
Here is my favorite coconut cake how-to:
Here is a great video to walk you through this cake!
I added some lemon on top for a garnishing because I love the color and because this icing has a little lemon zest in it.
