Monday, August 14, 2017

Blueberry Jam with Gifted Bread

It's National AfternoonTea Week, and I'm having some Iced Organic Green tea to go along with some whole grain bread and jam.   My polka dot giant teacup planter is filled with  purple oxalis plant.  I just love using my sunflower plates from Pier 1, that I've had for several years.

Sarah, from Hyacinths for the Soul sent me three mini breads of each of three different samples of her "chef"s" homemade bread that he likes to make. On one of Sarah's recent posts, she mentioned her "chef's" breads, and I commented that I wished I could try them.   I wasn't hinting, really I wasn't, but thoughtful Sarah sent me some.  Wasn't that sweet?? 

The bread on the left is the 9-grain, flax, teef, and quinoa.  The middle bread is rye, flax, teef, quinoa, and blackstrap, and the one on the right is oats, flax, quinoa and teef.   Oh my goodness, each one was so delicious!  The breads so reminded me of the wholesome brown bread that my late hubby and I ate in Ireland.  A big Texas sized thank you goes to Sarah and her"chef"!!

I thought a parasol drinking straw would be fun to use for National Tea Week.  Another friend crocheted me a set of sunflower coasters.  Cute, huh?





Yield: 8 cups

Blueberry Jam

I love homemade jam on my morning toast! Make sure you sterilize your jars (I do this in the dishwasher) and put the lids in boiling water, and then keep them on simmer, while preparing the jam.

INGREDIENTS:


  • Buy 8 cups blueberries, which should yield 4-1/2 cups chopped blueberries
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 7 cups sugar
  • 2 pouches Certo
  • 1/2 teaspoon butter

INSTRUCTIONS:


  1. Chop blueberries (using a food processor is the easiest way), and put into a large pot. Add the lemon juice.
  2. Measure the sugar into a separate bowl (in case you lose count!). Add sugar to the blueberries. Add the butter to reduce foaming.
  3. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil on high heat; boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Stir in the two pouches of Certo quickly. Return to a full rolling boil; boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with a metal spoon.
  5. Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling each to within 1/4" of the top. Wipe rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly.
  6. Here's how I process the jars for jam: After putting on the lids and bands, I immediately turn the jars over on a towel and let them stand upside down for 5-10 minutes. Flip them over, and you should begin to hear the "ping" of the lids sealing. I have never had one fail this way.
Created using The Recipes Generator

This sweet granddaughter, Cissy, celebrated her 10th birthday this past week.  I always take the kids out on a date to celebrate them.

On the 16th of this month, it will be 4 years since my husband's passing.  Not a day goes by that I don't wish he was still here with me.  This was his high school graduation picture.  Wasn't he a handsome guy?  I wish he was here to go to our 50th high school reunion this weekend.

I am sharing this with these lovely parties:

 

 



51 comments:

  1. Kitty, we are pleased you enjoyed the different breads. Thank you for this thoughtful post and for the delicious package you sent our way. The bread and fig preserves are both incredible. Seriously, a friend stopped by today, and I offered him a slice of toast with the fig preserves. He owns five restaurants and a catering business, and he couldn't stop talking about how fabulous they both tasted. We totally agree!
    I know your heart aches without your sweetheart by your side. Hopefully your reunion will spark some lovely memories.

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  2. Those breads sound so hearty and delicious Kitty and I know they were all the more tasty served with your yummy blueberry jam! Of course I love your pretty sunflower plates and fun crocheted coaster too. What great photos of you and Cissy and your handsome hubby. Thinking of you. ♥

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  3. He sure was good looking! Easy to see how you could fall in love with that grin! How wonderful that you will attend your high school reunion and I hope that you hear the fun, old stories again.

    Oh my! That bread looks fabulous and healthful.

    Cissy is an adorable 1-0... 🎂

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  4. Aren't you lucky to receive a package of homemade bread! Your sunflower coaster and plates are so cute with your giant tea cup planter too~ homemade blueberry jam sounds divine, I've never tried making anything like that, the jarring process scares me :) Have a great week Kitty, you will be in my thoughts...

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  5. Oh Kitty, your sweetie was such a handsome young man. Big {{HUGS}} to you today as you think back to the precious memories you had together. And what a lovely thing to have received these YUMMY looking breads from your sweet friend! What a gracious thing for her to do...every one looks and sounds SO delicious...I love heavy, grainy breads and adding your yummy blueberry jam would make it all the better! My mouth is watering! Have a fabulous week, my friend!

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  6. How sweet of Sarah (and Hubby) - they look delicious! And so does the blueberry jam! Enjoy.

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  7. Your husband had such a beautiful smile, Kitty. One day you will see him again and the smile will be just the same! LOVE your sunflower plates. And what a delightful gift of homemade bread to go with your delicious blueberry jam! xx

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  8. How sweet of Sarah to share her tasty bread with you. Happy Belated 10th Birthday to, Cici! Your husband was definitely an attractive man. I'll be thinking of you this week...

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  9. Kitty, I loved this story of you and Sarah sharing yours and her chef's bread. I know you both enjoyed sampling them. I love your flower pot and those gorgeous sunflower plates. Your Cissy is adorable and I'm sending her Birthday wishes. Yes, your sweetheart was so handsome and I know you miss him terribly. Enjoy the reunion with all those wonderful memories. Blessings sweet friend.

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  10. Hi Dear Kitty, Happy Birthday to your darling granddaughter. She is so pretty and I am sure you two had a wonderful time celebrating her big day.

    The jam looks so delicious and the bread was such a thoughtful gift from Sarah. Love your outdoor setting and all the pretties that make it so special. The sunflower plate and coaster is such a pretty touch.

    Yes your hubby was very handsome and I know you miss him everyday terribly. I hope you enjoy the class reunion. My thoughts and prayers will be with you this week as the 16th approaches. Have a nice evening my sweet friend and thank you for sharing your blueberry jam recipe.
    Blessings xoxo

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  11. Oh, sweet friend! The picture of your husband and your words brought tears to my eyes! I am SO sorry for your deep loss...bless your dear heart. I know you must miss him so terribly, and I trust Jesus to comfort you in every moment of overwhelming grief. I pray for you often. Sending lots of love to you!

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  12. Four years? My, how the time has passed. I know it has not been easy. I hope the reunion is filled with lots of good shared memories.

    Blueberry jam? Never had it! Makes sense...I've just never had it! My parents used to make all kinds of jellies, jams and preserves from the orchards on our property. They were the best! Maybe I can swing Mom's thinking to get back into it! Enjoy yours with the breads!!!

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  13. Oh Kitty, I am sorry that your heart is hurting for your beloved...
    Those breads look very good! I LOVE BREADS! I bet your grands love having time with you!
    warmly,
    deb

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  14. Kitty, I love the friendship breads exchange between you & Sarah. Happy Birthday to Cissy and that never-ending smile of hers. It must be so hard to live without the light and love of your life, but one way to see it is you're four years closer to being with him again. ♥

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  15. What a great bread exchange Sarah and you had! I love the variety of breads and they look so nice on your sunflower plate.
    Love the high school picture of your husband. Your blogging friends care for you.
    Happy Birthday to Cissy. Thinking of you.

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  16. Hi Kitty!Your tablescape is always beautiful!My mother has the same purple plant,yours is perfect with green vase and tablecloth!LOOOVE your sunflower crocheted coaster!Great photos of you,Cissy and your husband!Hugs.

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  17. Yum - those breads sound amazing! I love things that are 'not the typical' and those sound not typical! Your sunflower serving items are so pretty -- I love sunflowers - wish I could grow them!! How sweet that you do that with each of the grandkids -- SO many memories with their sweet grandma. Your husband sure was handsome. I can't imagine how it feels to be without him. You are so good at filling your life with the love of those around you -- I bet he would have enjoyed these grandkids as much as you. Blessings and prayers to you as you go through this 'anniversary'

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  18. The heart never forgets a life of love. Hugs to you on this sad anniversary. How sweet of Sarah to send you those breads, perfect with your blueberry jam.

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  19. My thoughts are with you, dear lady, as you reach the day of your beloved husbands passing onto glory. It is hard to believe that it has been 4 years. That is when you came into my life and became a dear, dear friend.
    Your husband was certainly a handsome guy, what a terrific smile.
    Enjoy your class reunion as you fellowship with those you share many memories with.

    I believe I will be making some of your blueberry jam :) to add to the Christmas jam of yours that I love so very much.
    I just took a jar of Christmas jam to my mom today to have with her toast.
    Mom is now home but still very weak and in need of much care. God has been good in these past weeks, that is for sure.

    Beautiful photo of you and your precious granddaughter.

    God bless you~~

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  20. What a sweet gift of breads Kitty . How thoughtful and I know you have enjoyed . That little 10 year old is a doll baby . Sweet Kitty , praying for your sweet spirit . I'm sure 4 years may still seem so fresh for you . I know you miss him terribly . I wish I could be there with you right now . We would make us our own breads and we would gift them out to those ladies that feel just as you with a loss of a spouse . The breaking of bread with sweet fellowship always seems to lighten the spirit . Hugs and prayers , Cindy

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  21. My mom would love this! :)

    I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

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  22. Happy birthday to your granddaughter! Sorry for your hubby not by your side but I know he is watching over you and he is in good hands. He sure was handsome! How nice of Sarah to send you those yummy treats! Your tea setting is beautiful!....Christine

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  23. Kitty, Thanks for sharing those lovely sunflower plates. Love them. Enjoy the reunion. Have a great week. Sylvia D.

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  24. I really enjoyed your post about the bread and jam! The polka dot planter is the perfect centerpiece for your tea table. Sarah was so nice to send the bread samples and they look so delicious! Hope you will pop over to my post on Seashore tea time!
    Have a great week!
    Pam

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  25. Aw - Kitty, yes, he was certainly a handsome devil and I can only imagine how very much you miss that sweet smile. You have a beautiful family created from your love. Happy Birthday to your dear little granddaughter. That was so sweet of Sarah to share her beautiful breads with you. The jam looks delicious. Enjoy your 50th reunion and all the wonderful memories. Hugs xo Karen

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  26. Don't know what I'd do without my husband. I'm so sorry for your loss and the pain it causes when celebrations come. A 50th reunion without him surely won't be the same, but I hope you're able to go.

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  27. Mmmmm - love blueberry jam!!!
    Please come share your recipe at Reader Tip Tuesday: http://www.jodiefitz.com/2017/08/15/reader-tip-tuesday-craft-recipe-party/
    It's open & growing all week. Hope to see you & this delicious treat at the party. xo

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  28. Kitty, yes, your beloved was very handsome! You've done amazingly well, coping. And I know your grands will get to know and love him through you. You are amazing!

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  29. Kitty, your beloved was so good looking. I know you must miss him so much. You have beautiful memories to hold on to. The jam looks wonderful. many years ago, I used to make this jam all the time. I always enjoy your sweet vignettes.

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    Replies
    1. Kitty, I was working on Emily's blog and accidentally commented under her name above. LOL

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  30. Kitty, there's just always something fun to take a gander at here! Your polka-dotted-potted (say that three times fast, ha) is so cute. Sarah's "Chef's" breads look so tasty...I love bread with flaxseed, nuts, and the like. Green tea chilled is perfect during the Summer, isn't it? Happy birthday to your sweetheart, and I know your other sweetie looks down and smiles. Such a handsome fellow.

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  31. Hi Kitty,
    I hope your granddaughter had a lovely birthday! She's sweet! The blueberry jam sounds delicious....I recently bought some homemade at a vintage fair. It was so good that it barely lasted a week. I should just make some of my own! Thank you for posting a recipe, might just try it. Yes, Rich was a very handsome young man. He has the cutest grin in this photo. He is with you wherever you go but I know it will not be the same without him. I bet it will conjure up many wonderful memories....thinking of you. Sending love, Linda

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  32. Hi Kitty,
    I hope your granddaughter had a lovely birthday! She's sweet! The blueberry jam sounds delicious....I recently bought some homemade at a vintage fair. It was so good that it barely lasted a week. I should just make some of my own! Thank you for posting a recipe, might just try it. Yes, Rich was a very handsome young man. He has the cutest grin in this photo. He is with you wherever you go but I know it will not be the same without him. I bet it will conjure up many wonderful memories....thinking of you. Sending love, Linda

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  33. Kitty, I saw that you also sent bread to Sarah. So sweet of both of you! All of the breads sound delicious! I love homemade jam, especially on yummy bread like this. I am so sorry about your husband. I can only imagine how hard it has been losing him! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  34. Those breads sure sound interesting. I never heard of teef. I am sure your sweet hubby is always close to you in spirit.

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  35. Those breads sure sound interesting. I never heard of teef. I am sure your sweet hubby is always close to you in spirit.

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  36. Hi Kitty,
    What a precious exchange of breads with your special friends. Your Blueberry Jam would be delicious with any bread any time, matter of fact I would love some on a hot biscuit right now, yum! Hope you have a very special weekend. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and have a fantastic week!
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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  37. Dear Kitty:
    I am sad to hear your reflections on your Hubby and I know these times are difficult as I would feel the same. He was so handsome. Your memories are so precious and important. I loved seeing these unique breads and also the jam recipe is wonderful! Thinking of you dear Kitty! Thanks for sharing and linking.

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  38. Yes, what a handsome man. I know how much you miss him. Sending you a big virtual hug, my friend.
    What a sweet gesture, to send you some bread. Looks delicious, especially with the homemade jam.
    And speaking of homemade crocheted gifts, I was thinking about you this morning as I was washing dishes with a crocheted dishcloth you made for me!
    Thinking I owe you an email -- I've been away up north and then our youngest son came for a visit, so am catching up. xo Deborah

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  39. Kitty, my condolences again. Your husband was a really handsome man.

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  40. Oh Kitty, how my heart aches for you. Your husband was indeed a very handsome man and I know you miss him terribly..... Thinking of you, dear one!

    Your jam looks amazing and it must have been extra tasty on such yummy bread. How incredibly sweet of Sarah to send you some {{smiles}}

    Much love to you!

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  41. Hello Kitty, oh it must be hard for you with the passing of your husband, but it sounds like you keep yourself very busy which is good.
    The jam and bread look sooo good.
    Take care and enjoy your day and weekend.
    Hugs, Julie xo

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  42. Dear Kitty....my heart goes out to you. Your husband was so cute and you two must have been the cutest couple ever. Hugs to you sweet blogger friend.
    Linda

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  43. Yes, your husband was indeed a handsome young man. How you must miss him so. I will be thinking of you whilst you are at your 50th high school reunion this week, lovely Kitty. From the photo of you with your grandaughter, you must have started high school when you were just a toddler. =) Those breads all look delicious. Love that polka dot giant teacup. It looks perfect with the purple Oxalis. How fun to celebrate National Afternoon week. But then....every afternoon should be celebrated with afternoon tea in a pretty teacup.

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  44. Oh my dear Kitty, I can't even imagine how hard it is to not have your dear husband by your side, I do hope that the reunion brings back good and happy memories for you. He sure was a handsome man, what a smile he had! Hugs for you dear friend!

    How sweet of your friend to send you the three loaves of bread, they look amazing, so wonderful! I have never made blueberry jam, but yours looks so delicious! I think it is a beautiful thing that you are spending special days with your grandkids, and taking them out to eat and making them feel so loved, what a wonderful grandmother you are! Enjoy your afternoon teas :)

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  45. Your jam looks delicious and having lost our daughter seven years ago, I know how hard it is. Enjoy your reunion and think about all the happy memories, XOXO

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  46. OOO, he is SUCH a hunk...and such a wonderful man, since you loved him so much. 4 years ! My goodness, it doesn't seem that long but I know it does to you.
    That jam sounds and looks so good. I just may make jam for Christmas gifts this year...our family has grown and is so large now that I can't afford to buy all 10 grands, some of their families and other family members the kind of gifts I gave them when they were all younger (and fewer :)
    Bath and kitchen soaps from Bath and Body works make such great gifts, and I have some I've bought on sale for all the grands...a jar of homemade jam to add to their stockings would be so sweet. Thanks for the recipe...xoxo

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  47. Hi Kitty...I am so very late, as have been on a bit of a break with Birthday, friends visiting and a last minute cruise with friends as some work was done at home. I know the anniversary was difficult. But what a lot of wonderful memories. And the family helps! We love blueberries and have them everyday. I love the teacup planter! Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea
    Ruth

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