From peaches to jam

Two weekends ago we were at the farmer's market (did I mention that I love that place?!) ..... we were on a mission. We needed a bunch of peaches that were just right. Perfectly ripe for jam!





These are what came home with us. So ripe that the smell of sweet peaches filled the car as we drove home. I always buy enough for a batch of jam, and some to snack on.



These sweet peas came home with us, too. They're sneaky like that.





There is something satisfying about standing over a big pot, stirring this bubbly peach goodness and watching the transformation take place. From peaches to jam. Oh, and did I mention the heavenly smell that wafts up in your face as you are stirring meditatively away?! So far I have two batches of peach jam. (I got more peaches this past weekend and did it all over again) Oh yes I did! Next time around it will be peach syrup to pour over waffles and pancakes. Delish! Now that I have the peaches covered, we can move on to the raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and plums....anything else?



Why do I bother to make jam you ask? When I can go to the store and buy a jar of jam off the shelf? For the same reason you sew a quilt, make a dress, sew a bag......any one can go pick one up at the store. It will even cost you less to buy than to make, but there is no replacement for the rewarding process involved. I enjoy the process. The slow, rich, and rewarding process. I can walk into my pantry all Fall and Winter and smile as I look at my shelf full of gorgeous jam.