Leimamo’s Life

For the past two days I’ve done nothing but can peaches. I bought a case of peaches from the Lion’s Club and decided I would try a hand at canning. So I went to the library and borrowed a book on home preserving, bought whatever supplies I was missing, picked up a case of peaches and went to work.

From the case I made 5 jars of Peach Jelly, 9 jars of Peach Butter (which happened to turn out more like Peach Syrup), 4 pints of Sliced Peaches and 3 Quarts of Sliced peaches. I swear if I see another peach, I’ll scream!

After I was done with the canning, I told hubby that I can imagine what it was like for people in the old days to have to can their crops out of necessity instead of doing it just because they’ve never done it and wanted to do it because it seemed like a cool thing to do. That was a lot of work but I know the finished product will be worth the effort.  It actually does taste better than store bought items. A friend gave me some of her canned peaches years ago and I never forgot how delicious they were, it was those memories that inspired me to try it.

I talked to my youngest son and he asked what I was doing so I told him that I was working on their Christmas gift. He said he didn’t like peaches so I told him he better learn to like them because that’s what they’re getting. My brother dropped in while I was preparing the Peach Butter and I told him that if it came out right he’d be receiving a jar for Christmas and if it didn’t turn out right, he’d still be getting a jar for Christmas. He made a funny face then said, “ok”.

I thought I’d never want to can again but as soon as I had my kitchen back in order I started thinking about canning stawberries. My friend (who inspired me) told me the strawberries are easier to work with and she also told me it’s okay if the Peach Butter is a little runny, people can use it as pancake syrup. Now THAT’S a true friend.