Strawberry Jam Making Class

This morning I attended a Canning Class at The Springs Farm Market taught by Beth Vanderwalker. Beth grew up on a farm wherethey grew/raised all their own food and she has a wealth of knowledge. I’ve done all sorts of things in the kitchen, but never canning. Canning is something I’ve been a little hesitant to do on my own, not fully trusting a recipe to guide me through.

Beth walked us through her strawberry jam recipe, giving lots of useful tips throughout the process. She had a variety of foods for us to munch on during the class including fresh bread with strawberry jam, enormous chocolate covered strawberries, and strawberry smoothies.

Let me tell you- Beth’s strawberry jam is better than any I’ve ever had before. Not sure I’ll ever be able to settle for store bought jam again. And she sent us each home with a jar of jam.

One of the ladies at the class shared a useful strawberry tip. For the most concentrated flavor, it’s best to not buy your strawberries after a rain. I did not know that.

Thanks to Beth’s class, I’m ready to start canning away. Beth hopes to offer an evening Canning Class sometime soon. Look for information on The Peach Stand’s website or Facebook Page. This is a class you do not want to miss. Not only will you be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor (no pun intended) all year long, but jams make fabulous teacher gifts and new neighbor gifts. Really when you think about it, everyone appreciates  a homemade gift.

On the subject of strawberries, The Strawberry Festival begins tonight with Pick and Flick from 6-9:30 pm on Springfield Parkway across from Nation Ford High School. Donnie Honeycutt will be performing and there will be local food vendors on hand.

Hayrides and a free movie, Happy Feet Too, on the Big Screen starting at dusk. Bring a blanket and be prepared for some family fun. The weather should be perfect.

Sponsored by Crescent Resources.