"She Wore A Raspberry Beret..."

We started out with 24 pints (two flats)..


They were all this gorgeous...seriously!


This is our freezer jam...


And this is the cooked jam I tried!!

I have had this song in my head all day. Maybe it is because I have been elbow deep in the most beautiful raspberries EVER!! I had a great time mashing (with a potato masher), sugaring, and stirring, and stirring, and stirring...

I actually look forward to this time of year. I like to see homegrown (well, okay, not my home, but it is locally grown anyway) fruit and vegetables sealed in clear canning jars. I love to see it all stacked up in our food storage shelves. I love to spend the day with my mom with bandannas over our heads to keep the hair out, and sticky counters...wait, I hate the sticky counters...I mean, let's be real... But all-in-all I really like the whole process of canning. I guess it makes me feel like a Betty in the kitchen. Today was just the beginning of the year. Next comes the peaches, pears, beans, apples, and salsa. I am exhausted just thinking about it.

So I am just going to relish the moment of the raspberries in my freezer and even a few on the food storage shelves.

P.S. Just in case I didn't make myself clear...I like to do MY canning. Just because I like to can does not mean I will can for any of you. I love you all dearly. I just want you to have the same feeling of fulfillment as I do. But call me up; I will definitely come help you!!!