Berry picking

One of my most favorite memories from growing up is probably going to pick strawberries with my mom and grandma. We would go out to the field on a summer day and pick baskets of berries to take home. We always left with red stained fingers, dirty knees, and tummys full of freshly picked berries. Then my mom would whip up a few fresh treats or freeze a bunch to enjoy later. It was always quality time spent with my mom and I loved having that. I have been wanting to take Madison lately since she has such a love for gardening. She is always outside with me pulling weeds, picking flowers, or asking to plant vegetables. We didn't quite get the yard done early enough to tackle a garden but next year I am looking forward to it.
A few weeks ago my neighbor was taking her mom, who is visiting from Malaysia, to pick raspberries at a local organic farm. She asked if we wanted to join her and so we did. I was a little worried about how Beckham would do with the giant field to run around in and the many berries to squish but I am pleased to say that he didn't get lost and only smashed a few berries in his little basket before getting too bored. Madison LOVED it and danced around singing "this is so fun, so fun, berry picking is so much fun" the whole time. I think she and I will definitely be back to carry on the tradition.

After picking a couple pounds of raspberries we came home and made our very first batch of organic, mixed berry, low-sugar, freezer jam. I found a recipe on the Internet and decided to "Jodee-ize" it by doubling it, and cutting out most of the sugar. I was a little worried after talking to my MIL and finding out that you really CAN mess up freezer jam if you don't follow the recipe carefully. (Of course this was after I had already changed the recipe) Well, after cutting the sugar in half, doubling the recipe, and using a few different types of containers, I am proud to say that it turned out just perfect! The strawberries were sweet, the raspberries were tart, and the blueberries were a healthy and colorful addition. It wasn't sugary or full of preservatives and it tasted SO much better than store bought jam.

There is just something so satisfying about picking all those berries with my kids, mashing them up, and then re-organizing them into cute little uniform jars for all to enjoy! If you can't already tell, I am somewhat pleased with myself! Get ready for beans mom, I've caught the canning bug!