Pumpkin Butter

 Love pumpkins, can't you tell?

I have already been chewed out by a jam and jelly group on Facebook. I am fully aware of the USDA's warning about canning pumpkin butter. But, I am looking for some brave soul who did what I did. I made pumpkin butter, put it into 4 ounce Ball jars, used my canning pressure cooker. When I removed the jars, I carefully opened one and tested its temperature. It was 240°. I call that temperature safe-to-eat. I ate it, my family devoured it and I'm ready to do it again.

Has anyone tried this?  I am proposing that you all run out and do this. Just curious about anyone doing small wee jars and succeeding in producing a safe product.

 

 

 

 

 Apple butter is also on the to-do list this fall as my SIL loves it. So, apples it is. What varieties have you used? From your own orchards, farmers market? Recipes or techniques to share?

Whew! What can I say about 2020 and, so far, 2021

 My family, husband, my home, and friends all take on a special meaning. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on my family and friends. 

I completely lucked out when it came to my health issues. Had 2 surgeries for carpal tunnel syndrone last fall. You sure have a reckoning about your hands and what you do with them! Dang, that was too much.

The scare came this year with breast cancer. A lump was on my left breast. It was a very rare cancer but one that had fast growing cells. Surgery was 3 weeks after diagnosis. No treatment required as the pathology report said no cancer anywhere. Surgeon took out the lymph node (the cancer highway) and found nothing. Flesh around lump: no cancer, no seeds, nothing. Prayers were answered. Future: monthly breast exams and 3D mammograms. Covid cancelled my 2020 mammogram. My advice: don't ignored this test. 

So there's my garden. Mother Nature is still playing her tricks. Lousy production. Did try some new varieties and very pleased about the taste of some of these veggies. Have pie pumpkins and raised some gourds for ornamental purposes. I have big smiles looking at them hanging from their vines.

And, it's fall, my favorite time of the year. Chilly mornings, warm afternoons. Football has returned. I do love my alma mater's football games. Cheering, cussing, eating, wine or pumpkin ale jugging, all is fun. 

Holidays are coming and I may actually be with my family. We all have our shots. Last year. the holidays were very lonely. I do so hope this pandemic leaves us soon for many reasons. Too many people are dying.