Candied Apple Jelly

Does that sound scrumptious or what?

It's easy, truly.  Even Dolly could do it.  However I won't allow it, as there could be fur in the jar.

If you have a lot of small gift giving to do at Xmas, then jelly is the answer.  It can be made ahead and stored until December.  And in case there are jelly snatchers in the house, may I suggest you re-label the box you're hiding it in.

Candied Apple Jelly Recipe
(borrowed from Taste of Home.com)

4 cups apple juice
1/2 cup Red Hots Candy
1 package (1-3/4 ounces) powdered fruit pectin
4-1/2 cups sugar

Using a 4-cup glass measuring cup, pour in just 2 cups of apple juice and Red Hot candies.  Heat in microwave in 1-minute intervals, and stir after each minute until candies are dissolved.

In a large saucepan, combine the juice with dissolved candies, remaining apple juice, and pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil and stir 1 minute.

Remove from heat; skim off foam. Ladle hot mixture into six hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.

Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool. Yield: about 6 half-pints. 

(Note:  In order to cut down on the foam, I added 1 tablespoon of butter.)

That's all there is to it.  If you need to hunt down jelly jars, Dollar General may still have some in stock . . . in the very back, on the top shelf.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . 

Thanks / giving

As quilters, we give abundantly and joyously the whole year through.

After reading Marie Kondo's book, The Magic of Tidying Up, I began following some of her simple guidelines.

By gathering all the towels and sheets in the house, washing and air drying every single item, I sorted by what I needed, what I wanted, and what could go.

Of course I need towels for me, towels for Dolly, towels to wash the truck, and most important, new towels for guests. (Have you ever visited a well-off friend and been handed "towels to wash the truck?")  Of course you have, so I for one believe it's important to welcome guests with fluffy new towels.

After 3 weeks of doing, I'm finally done.  But, what happened to all the rest?

Four, yes 4, tall kitchen waste bags were filled with towels, abundant sheets, new T-shirts, and hangers, which were then carted off to the women's shelter main office.

Sadly, most every town has one, a place where women must go to escape.  Can you imagine how difficult that must be?

Beforehand, I called the director of the shelter and asked specifically what they needed.  Imagine my surprise when discovering that the most urgent item was towels.

Yes, I could have donated to our local thrift store which supports spay and neuter programs for pets. That thrift store has helped over 2,000 cats and dogs have surgery in both 2015 and 2016.  However, I support that shop with other things.

Towels and sheets found a better home.

So as you prepare for holiday guests this year, may I  suggest you take inventory and think about what you're thankful for and if there is abundance, perhaps there's something else you can be giving.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

One more "step" closer to the finish line.

Some of you may remember when I found this orchard ladder at the thrift shop.  It's been what, 5 years?

Well every time I moved the darn thing I got a splinter.  It was sanded in May.

With a sealant applied last night.  One more day to sand and seal and we'll check this one off the list.

It's that time of year . . . applesauce made from local apples.  Yummm.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Trick or treat . . .

or is it Thanksgiving, perhaps Christmas.  Any minute now I expect the big box store to put out Valentine cards.  Does anyone else see a problem in this "rush the holidays" marketing mentality.  Sheesh.

 Thank goodness I live in the country.  For the most part, the holiday hoopla passes me by.

 There is some color in the woods, a lot of which is brown.  We need rain badly.

 Unexpectedly off today, I managed to finish painting the porch glider.  It's been a 2-week project.  Dolly chewed on it first, then the bunnies.  Intensive sanding took out the bumps.

The joints are glued, sanding and painting come next.  Then I can move on to the next refinish-it projects.  Thanks to these 70-80 degree days, Dolly and I are getting a lot of porch time in.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Ahhh yes . . .

Dolly says she's plum tuckered out and needs a break.

We'll be back in awhile.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .