A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…. Like, last summer in my kitchen…. I put away more bags of sliced peaches in the freezer than I can count. (Actually, I can’t remember now how many bags of peaches I put away. Almost as many as pears, though.) I was far too busy processing fruits and vegetables to can everything, so I froze quite a bit to take out later when I had time to make Christmas presents. I’ve had a hankering to make this peach conserve recipe for months–and yesterday was the day!
What is a conserve anyway? A conserve is a jam-like thing that is not jam. It usually contains two or more fruits and sometimes nuts and raisins. A conserve should be cooked until it rounds up on a spoon, but it’s not as thick as jam. This peach conserve recipe is from the Ball Blue Book, though I did a few things differently. The recipe suggested chopping the cherries. I left them whole. I added extra peaches, too. I wanted it real peachy. I also doubled the recipe entirely (along with adding more peaches).
I also never did get it to round up on the spoon properly, but I decided that was okay. I left too much liquid in from the thawed peaches. I suggest you don’t do that. This was my first experiment in substituting fruit that had been frozen in a recipe calling for fresh fruit. Live and learn! What I ended up with was more of a cross between a conserve and a compote (fruit cooked in syrup). I’ll tell everybody it’s peach compote with rum when I give it to them. I bet they won’t mind.
If you’ve never canned before, check out my tutorial–How to Can: Hot Water Bath Method for detailed instructions on the canning process.
For me, doubling this recipe, I made about four pints (though I used some odd size jars, which is why you see five jars in this post–it’s about four pints, if I’d been using all standard size pint jars). The recipe as written below will make you two pints. (Why would anyone make only two pints of this???)
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How to make Peach Conserve with Rum:
3 tablespoons slivered orange peel
2/3 cup chopped, seeded orange pulp
2 cups chopped, pitted, peeled peaches
3/4 cup crushed pineapple
1/2 cup maraschino cherries
3 tablespoons lime juice
6 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon mace
1/2 cup rum*
*You can make this without the rum.
Combine orange peel and pulp with just enough water to cover in a small pot. Cook until peel is tender; set aside.
Place opened bottle of rum in hot water and let sit. Don’t drink it! Stop that!
Combine orange mixture with peaches, pineapple, cherries, and lime juice. (Drain everything! Ask me how I know that…. I had to filter out the excess liquid later. It was too much.)
Add sugar and spices, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Sugar and Spice Mountain.
I buy sugar in the mega bags at Sam’s. (The biggest size I can stand to lift.)
Cook rapidly almost to the gelling point.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking. The instructions say to add the rum now. I wanted to pack the jars full of fruit. I didn’t want to be canning liquid! Or wasting rum. I strained the fruit before ladling into the jars. I added some liquid from the pot then poured in the rum, directly into each jar, topping it off to leave 1/4-inch headspace.
Remove air bubbles and adjust lids and rings. Process in a hot water bath for 15 minutes.
I’m still canning outside.
That’s going to be super fun when it’s snowing.
I think these jars came out gorgeous and it’s going to be hard to give them away! (I’m planning on making more of this recipe, and several others, before Christmas for gifts. Maybe enough to keep some for me!)
See this recipe at Farm Bell Recipes and save it to your recipe box.
See All My Recipes
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Lacey says:
I WANT that book!
I love your blog and I love you! I can’t tell you how much time I spend sitting here reading old posts when I should be doing homework. But your blog is an education of a different kind, I think. You’re inspiring. I want to be just like you!
On November 29, 2009 at 1:19 am
Angela says:
Your blog is absolutely fabulous! I love the delicious recipes and beautiful pictures.
I’ve been slowly building my own homestead, and really want to learn how to can. The Ball Blue Book would sure be helpful… I’d love to have it!
Thanks again for all the work you put into your site. You’re totally awesome.
On November 29, 2009 at 1:28 am
Harbor Hon says:
I’m still voting dear girl! Really praying that you win too. Thanks for always making everyday something special for us. xxoo
On November 29, 2009 at 1:46 am
Shelly says:
I would love to be considered for the book. I have followed the home canning forum since it started and dreaming of actually canning things next summer.
On November 29, 2009 at 1:49 am
Nicki says:
That’s so cool. I’ve been coveting this book. I was thinking of asking the husband for it for Christmas, so I can start canning. I think it’s really cool that you can do the contests on your blog.
On November 29, 2009 at 1:58 am
trish robichaud says:
good morning suzanne, i dont believe i have ever heard of conserve. what is it used for? do you add it into recipes? i love perserves, is it something closely related? i need to know. your right , they are lovely looking and i would like one as a christmas gift. please enter me into the contest to win the ball blue book please. i have always wanted to can . this is going to be the year that i will do it,(thanks to your inspiration).
On November 29, 2009 at 5:00 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
And yes, it’s very similar to a preserve!
On November 29, 2009 at 7:26 am
Heidi533 says:
I only see four jars in either picture. Boy does that sound good. Rum makes everything better. Please enter me again in the contest for the blue book.
On November 29, 2009 at 5:06 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
One jar is hiding behind the others!
As one of the comments mentioned, ladling over pound cake would be great! Also just over ice cream. You could put it on top of french toast. Etc. Anything! (A properly gelled conserve–which this one wasn’t–could also be spread over toast like jam.)
On November 29, 2009 at 7:26 am
SkippyMom says:
This looks like it would be really yummy over ice cream. I too am curioius what you will use it for [besides gifts] It is lovely.
On November 29, 2009 at 5:19 am
Marla says:
Your pictures bring back fond memories of my mother. So busy canning in the kitchen! I should make an attempt at canning, but I would need a “canning book” to get me started!
You should try American Crystal sugar. A quality sugar grown in the Red River Valley!
I’ve been reading this blog for over a year. I ventured on Twitter for the first time, and, if I remember, did a search for writers/authors when “Chickens in the Road” came up as a suggested result. The farm girl in me couldn’t resist checking out the web link, and I discovered a blog post with pictures of this lady trying to milk a goat! I’ve been coming back everyday since! Suzanne, lets just say, “You had me with goat milking!”
On November 29, 2009 at 5:44 am
trish robichaud says:
that was good! thanks for the good laugh
On November 29, 2009 at 8:45 am
angelridgmom says:
Voted! Fingers crossed and prayers going out here Suzanne!
Thanks for the post today. I always enjoy your posts and pictures but for some reason I really loved the pictures today! They made me feel warm and cozy, and are inspiring me to go get creative in the kitchen!
Thanks!
On November 29, 2009 at 5:46 am
cricket says:
Oh the recipe sounds delicious. I would love to add the canning book to my collection.
Cricket
PS.
I have voted everyday on at least two computers since you first anounced it on your blog for the first round. Slow and steady.
On November 29, 2009 at 6:02 am
CindyP says:
Those are just beautiful jars of conserve! I was wondering when you add the rum…….duh, never thought of adding it to the jar! 😆
I would really, really like that Ball Blue Book :airkiss:
Voted……..steady and strong!
On November 29, 2009 at 6:29 am
Sheila Z says:
Try draining off the extra juice from the frozen fruit early in the process (before you combine ingredients) then boil it down to a syrup to concentrate the liquid. You could then add it back into the recipe and it will add flavor and help thicken the fruit some. This way you get the great taste added back without over cooking the fruit until it disintegrates. I do this when I’m making apple butter. I boil down a quart or two of apple cider before I add the apples. Makes it easy to add lots of flavor without cooking everything to death and you don’t run the risk of burning the bottom of the pan so easily. One of these days I want to make pumpkin butter using cider boiled down this way. I think apples and pumpkin are flavors that would marry well together and it would take less sugar to sweeten that way.
P.S. I have been faithfully voting every day. I really want you to win the writing gig!
On November 29, 2009 at 6:39 am
Brenda says:
Hi Suzanne, I agree with Lacey from your first comment~I too have spent endless hours getting caught up on old post. I love your post and thanks for a great idea. My hubby went crazy buying oranges and we just didn’t eat them so I peeled and froze them even saving the peels, thanks to my handy dandy food saver.. Wonderful invention! I’m scared to let anything go bad because the economy seems to be getting worse. I wasn’t sure what to make with them but having lived in south Florida for a while I thought about making an orange pie but I like your idea much better and what great gifts. Its almost like you read my mind.. 😆
Please enter me in the drawing for the book
I voted…
On November 29, 2009 at 6:45 am
Dawn says:
I would love to win the Ball book! :snoopy:
I’m voting everyday for you Suzanne! Good luck. :hug:
On November 29, 2009 at 6:50 am
Runningtrails says:
Ok, that’s it! I have been told that I can have a canner for Christmas and I’m doing it! I could have one anytime, but just have been to busy to use it. I’m getting one. I do have a waterbath canner. We are using it for an ash pot with the wood stove. I’m a little afraid to can things without pressure. Do things with vinegar, tomatoes and sugar really keep a long time without pressure? I need to try that. I will have to find another ash pot for the wood stove. Large metal items with lids are not that readily available.
I could have canned tomatoes this year but was just too busy. Now that I am no longer working outside the home, I am busier than ever but that will be over after Christmas and I will learn to can.
I would love that Blue Ball book on canning.
On November 29, 2009 at 6:52 am
Maureen says:
That is such a good idea to give your own canned items as presents. I would love to win the book.
On November 29, 2009 at 7:06 am
Claudia says:
I bet that would taste good served over pound cake. I happily voted and would love to win the Blue Ball Canning book!
On November 29, 2009 at 7:17 am
connie says:
It’d be GREAT to have that book. Hope you had a wonderful holiday!
hugs from PA
connie
On November 29, 2009 at 7:26 am
Johanna says:
Sounds delicious! Do you also make chutney? I love peach chutney, sweet and sour together, nummy nummy! Your compote over pound cake a la mode sounds about as great as dessert can be.
On November 29, 2009 at 7:44 am
Diane says:
Good Morning :snoopy: Wow those cans are beautiful. Yummy and I am thinking that these would be easy enough to make surgar free for my hubby. First I will try the orginal recipe with the real sugar then I make another sugar free to see how it turns out. lol. One for me one for him.
The canning book would be so helpful!!!! Did I tell you how I think I really want to learn to can. Today I am considering buying a grill for this. Outside canning sounds like a good idea if one does not have enough room on their stove. Hubby will be please. I might even grill on it. lol.
On November 29, 2009 at 7:47 am
Wldflwr008 says:
Mmmmmmm, a nice “healthy” dollop of this on my morning oatmeal would be perfect! 🙂
On November 29, 2009 at 7:48 am
Newstead says:
Ball Blue Book… Now that that is out of the way, love the recipe – can just taste it on homemade pound cake…. and looking forward to my newsletter… Now off to vote!
On November 29, 2009 at 8:14 am
Melinda K. says:
Still here. Voting and hoping for the Preserving book.
On November 29, 2009 at 8:14 am
Jenny says:
I have some kiwis set aside to make some Kiwi daiquiri jam, but I’m embarrassed to admit that I think we may have to buy another bottle of rum before we can move forward. Unfortunately the directions I was looking at for the jam didn’t specify not to drink the liquor!
I’d love to win the book!
~Jenny~
On November 29, 2009 at 8:18 am
Berta says:
Jenny, that reminds me of my hubby’s recipe for chili. It calls for a six pack of dark beer. One bottle goes in the chili and you must drink the other five while it’s simmering. Supposedly, it ALWAYS makes the chili better than ever. Now,a daiquiri recipe would be more to my liking!
On November 29, 2009 at 8:34 am
Phyllis Ryan says:
I don’t want the canning book. I canned for years and don’t anymore, I JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW TO GET ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST.
I vote every day and pray that the judges will choose you.
On November 29, 2009 at 8:20 am
Berta says:
Voter 19508 reporting for blog duty. Slept way late today…must be all that turkey tryptophan!
Another wonderful recipe with equally yummy photos.
Everyday another publish ready page! Have you plans for a ccokbook? I can’t see any publisher turning one down, especially with with your “make do” philosophy in these hard times.
Free Ball book would be nice, buying one writen by YOU woud be even nicer! And you’ve already written it…
Bet you hear this 100 times a day!
On November 29, 2009 at 8:21 am
Leah says:
The jars with the mixed fruit and whole cherries are pretty! Still voting everyday,and reminding friends and family to vote cuzz I want ya to WIN!
On November 29, 2009 at 8:26 am
Connie Trippett says:
This looks fantastic. Can you taste the rum in it? Does the alcohol burn cook off? As you can tell, I have never cooked with alcohol, but Im willing to try!!! Please put me in the Ball Blue book drawing, thanks.
On November 29, 2009 at 8:27 am
Leah says:
The jars with the mixed fruit and whole cherries are pretty! Still voting everyday,and reminding friends and family to vote cuzz I want ya to WIN!!
On November 29, 2009 at 8:27 am
Debnfla3 says:
I can not wait to make this! I love peaches…peaches are my favorite fruit. Anything with a peach in it is sooooo worth eating. Those are mighty pretty jars of conserve!!! I’ve never made any but man oh man I want to make that.
I would love to have the Ball Blue Book of canning!!! Can not wait to do some canning. Mama always canned things. It was so satisifying to her to look at her shelves of canned goods. I know I will feel the same when I look at mine. But I really want to win that canning book!
Deb
On November 29, 2009 at 8:34 am
Andrea says:
Second Place and gaining! Good luck. I’ll try to vote from another computer later today.
On November 29, 2009 at 8:35 am
Missy42 says:
The Peach Conserve looks absolutely beautiful! Now, if I could just learn to like peaches!(I can’t get past the techture)Anyways, I would love to have the Ball Blue book.
I just Voted! I’m keeping my fingers crossed, because I can never have too much Suzanne info in my life!
On November 29, 2009 at 8:41 am
Charlene says:
Okay, I’ll take the canning bible, if you insist. lol. You do make it look like fun.
On November 29, 2009 at 8:44 am
Minna says:
I would love to win the Ball book!
And I just voted. :snoopy:
On November 29, 2009 at 8:47 am
MissyinWV says:
Yummy! My favorite ever preserves are my Nannys Peach ones….This looks Good!I am crazy about all things canning and only been doing it myself for 2 summers. I just bought a new Canner on clearance!! I would love to have the Ball Blue Book…
I will keep voting…Wishing you all the luck in the world!!!
On November 29, 2009 at 8:58 am
Anke says:
Your peach conserves look like jewels in a jar, beautiful! I’ve been voting for you every day and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. Hope you win!! I’m still hoping to win the canning book…
On November 29, 2009 at 8:59 am
Ashley says:
I would love to take the canning bible off your hands!
I’m voting every day! Your blogs are a great part of my mornings every day…thank you.
On November 29, 2009 at 9:04 am
katie frances says:
Beautiful Peach Conserve! I love started my day by reading your wonderful blog. Still hoping to win the blue ball canning book. 🙂
On November 29, 2009 at 9:05 am
Crystal B. says:
Sounds so good. I would love to have the canning book. 🙂
On November 29, 2009 at 9:13 am
Carol Ann says:
Throw my hat into the ring for a chance at the book! Why the heck not?! I wish we could have a scent component to your blog as I imagine your home often smells just marvelous.
Still voting for you every day, BTW, and put your link on my FB page. :wave:
On November 29, 2009 at 9:17 am
momanna98 says:
Yes I do want the book! Please and thank you :woof:
Those peaches look sublime!
On November 29, 2009 at 9:19 am
SuseM says:
Looks delicious! Anyone would be grateful to receive your homemade gifts at Christmastime! :happyflower:
I would love to win the book! I never win anything, but it is worth a try!
On November 29, 2009 at 9:26 am
pam from ohio says:
Suzanne,
You bring back such fond memories of my grandma, and then my mom & aunts talking about how beautiful their canned goods were. My mom would lovingly pick up a jar and show everyone how pretty it was. I don’t can, but I do freeze veggies and fruit every year. Maybe now that I’ve hit the big 5-0, I’m ready to start thinking about learning to can. So I’d love to have the canning bible. Love your blog, and I’m still voting every day from home and from work.
On November 29, 2009 at 9:27 am
CityGirl says:
LOL Pam, I remember my grandmom’s canning room too. She had a veg garden and canned the extras every year. Is the big 50 when I have to give in to canning?
Amy
On November 29, 2009 at 10:25 am
Andrea says:
So happy to see you gaining again. Please do enter me for the book. :sun:
On November 29, 2009 at 9:37 am
AsTheNight says:
mmmmm that looks so yummy!
Voted today: 19723 votes.
On November 29, 2009 at 9:39 am
IowaCowgirl says:
When i win the Ball Book, (ahem) I will make this!!!
Actually today I am making authentic Plum Pudding since last Sunday was “stir-up Sunday” and today is the first Sunday in Advent.
On November 29, 2009 at 9:43 am
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
Good morning! Those are absolutely gorgeous jars of conserves and I bet they taste as good as they look.
I voted!
And I want the Ball Blue Book of Preserving!
On November 29, 2009 at 9:49 am
Molly says:
I’ve been voting everyday! I hope you win. I would love to have the Ball Blue Book!
On November 29, 2009 at 9:54 am
Cyndi says:
Oh this sounds yummy wonderful,but I can’t use alchol in anything I cook – do you think I can leave the rum out? I have several receipes like this with alcohol in them so I do’t use them because I don’t know what it does to the chemistry and with canning I don’t want to hurt anyone – but I’d sure like to make them without the alcohol. What do you think?
Oh, and I’d also like to register for the BBB. Thank you.
On November 29, 2009 at 10:05 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Yes, this would be fine without the rum!
On November 29, 2009 at 10:30 am
trish c says:
Second place and gaining is right. Your fans are nothing if not persistant!!! Put my 3 votes in.
Ladies and gents, lets keep up the momentum for Suzanne!
On November 29, 2009 at 10:17 am
Maggie says:
I’m with Berta, I think you should write a cook book!
Please enter me in the Ball Blue Book of Canning contest again today.
On November 29, 2009 at 10:27 am
Gayle Jones says:
:moo: Good morning! I have been trying to decide what to make for gifts. The peach conserves look like they would be quite tasty. Can’t wait to try them. I have an old Ball blue book, but it’s been around for over twenty five years. It sure would be nice to have a new, updated version.
On November 29, 2009 at 10:39 am
ataylor says:
That looks wonderful! I really want that Ball Blue Book!
On November 29, 2009 at 10:40 am
Lisa Lee says:
yummo!! that looks delicious! now pick me for the ball giveaway so I can read up and can some 🙂
On November 29, 2009 at 10:50 am
EightPondFarm says:
Voting completed a little late. Had six puppies yesterday — first one on the BED!! That should not have happened but we were off looking after the rams. ARGH. Thank goodness the little guy did not fall off onto the floor. Everyone (4 girls, 2 boys) including proud mama is fine; mattress is a loss. Please enter me for the Ball book, too. Thank you!
On November 29, 2009 at 10:56 am
Barbee' says:
Love the mid-stream reminder to vote. Very good idea!
On November 29, 2009 at 10:57 am
johnzegirl says:
This looks so good, I went to look for a spoon! Another reason to say “So Want To Win This Book.” Regardless, will definately try this recipe next year during Peach Season.
On November 29, 2009 at 11:01 am
Cheryl says:
Wouldn’t that be good on vanilla ice cream?! I wanna win a Ball canning book!
On November 29, 2009 at 11:06 am
debbie says:
Those jars look lovely. I remember grandma making something called “Paradise Jelly” out of quince. It had other fruit in it and walnuts. Delicious. I took in to school for lunch one day, on bread spread with cream cheese and a schmear, as they say, of jelly. The kids thought jelly with nuts in it was just too weird. Had to have it at home as a after school snack after that. Does anyone have the recipe for this? Ours was lost, didn’t need it, no quince.
Maybe its in the Ball canning book. Love to have it so I can continue the family tradition of embarrassing my children with unusual home made lunches at school.
As always I voted for you this morning. Hang in there, Suzanne, if loyalty means anything to the Sam-e people, your loyal readers have all ready won this for you.
On November 29, 2009 at 11:23 am
Karen says:
I am living in Mexico and we have no refrigerator, canning would sure be handy. (If I win you can send the book to my daughter in Indiana and she can send it to me.)
On November 29, 2009 at 11:28 am
debbie says:
P.S. doesn’t it seem like just the other day we were reading about Suzanne putting up those peaches, drooling over them and kind of envying her for THAT, just a little bit.
On November 29, 2009 at 11:29 am
Susan Kirby says:
Hi Suzanne!
LOVE the canning recipe! I could SO use the Ball Canning book…
I just keep taking it out of the library…plus it’s never there when I need it!
Xoxo,
Susan
On November 29, 2009 at 11:35 am
Sandra says:
Suzanne, voted this morning, am making a loaf of Grandmother Bread (am adding a little whole wheat and dough enhancer) and plan to can a few pints of your cranberry sauce. would love to win the Ball book. Thanks for you recipe this morning, am trying to decide how much of a challenge it would be to make.
On November 29, 2009 at 11:36 am
Mariah says:
I wonder if this could be made without the rum? ….we don’t use alcohol. Please enter me in the book contest. Thank you!
On November 29, 2009 at 11:41 am
KimL says:
This conserve looks beautiful and delicious. I voted and I would love the canning book!!!! Have a wonderful Sunday :wave:
On November 29, 2009 at 11:46 am
Angela says:
Hey Suzanne!
I would love to win the Bible of home canning! Please enter me in your giveaway! I would rather you win this talent search more! :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy: :shimmy:
Your recipes are always so easy to follow! I’ve been sending my friends to your blog. :sun:
We went to the tree farm in Griffinsville, WV yesterday and cut down a nice looking tree! You can go to http://www.wvforestry.com to take a look and see if there are any tree farms in your area! I’m hoping to post my pictures of our adventures at the tree farm this Friday if you want to take a peek.
Angela :wave:
On November 29, 2009 at 11:46 am
Mary says:
I am so grateful for your site. It’s the one and only that I visit, and I get more from it than I could out of 10 other sites. What a joy every morning to read what you are up to. I am never disappointed. It just adds a nice dimension to my life, and I can see by the comments that it does the same for so many others. You don’t have to be a farmer or even a country girl to love your blog. It touches hearts in so many ways. I am amazed at your writing talent and gift for affecting so many people. You deserve to win the contest as this type of talent is so rare. Thank you for all you do. Now let’s VOTE.
On November 29, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Ulrike says:
When it’s cool enough for a fire in the stove, it’s cool enough to can indoors, Silly!
I’d love to win the Ball book.
On November 29, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
But my gas burner on the grill out back boils water so much faster than my gas cooktop inside. I’m impatient!!
On November 29, 2009 at 1:05 pm
cranberry says:
Who wouldn’t want something home made like canned fruit for Christmas? I make a lot of food gifts, starting with Fruitcake then on to Biscotti and fancy sugared nuts. They are a hit every single year! :eating:
On November 29, 2009 at 12:31 pm
auntbear says:
How ’bout a peach conserve give away contest when you win the SAMe job? WOW, that’s what I’m talkin’ bout! Off to vote now.
On November 29, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Alexandra says:
My goodness, that looks gooood!I´d love to be able to tackle a job like that,but I would need a Blue Book to explain it all. I must to have instructions to follow,it’s no good me trying go solo. Hope I can win it!!
On November 29, 2009 at 12:41 pm
catslady says:
Sure hope Little stops or at least knows how to land on all four feet!!
On November 29, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Debbie in PA says:
I would love to win the Ball canning book! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
The peach conserve looks fantastic!
On November 29, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Susan says:
Another great recipe with beautiful pictures included. We’re probably all gaining weight just looking Chickens in the Road.
I, too, would love the canning book.
On November 29, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Jo says:
What gorgeous cans of conserve! They look pretty to sit in the window and look at! :happyflower:
Please enter me for the canning book drawing. :shimmy:
Withing the last two weeks, we’ve gotten THREE canners given to us. Just say the word to people that you’re interested in canning and stuff starts coming out of the woodwork. My mother-in-law has had her day with canning and is now giving me all of her stuff. w00t! :sheepjump:
Now that we are somewhat settled on our acreage, I am looking forward to doing more canning this coming year.
You inspire me, Suzanne!! :happyfeet:
On November 29, 2009 at 1:52 pm
TXLady says:
That looks so good. I truly love the Ball Blue Book and would love a copy. I just voted and sent my usual reminder email to all my friends.
On November 29, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Dana Lou says:
<—Would love to win the canning book!!!
Just a thought about adding the rum in the peach conserve.
I thought the heat from the cooking made the alcohol evaporate and just leave the flavor, such as with vanilla. So there wouldn't really be any alcohol in the finished peach conseres. That's what I was told….not sure if I am right or not?
On November 29, 2009 at 1:58 pm
morningstar says:
Suzanne,
I think Phyllis Ryan has the right idea. I’ll skip the Ball Book – although I think whoever donated it is a wonderful person and should get major props – if you’ll put me on your Christmas list! Mmmmmmmmmm
Seriously though – what’s the difference between orange zest and orange rind? I know the pith is the bitter white part between skin and fruit, but where does the zest hide?
Thanks
On November 29, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Cythia says:
I made my first stab at jelly and canning last week. It did not go great but I’m going to keep at it. I could really use the canning/recipe book. I am very inspired you and your site.
Thank you for your great site Suzanne.
On November 29, 2009 at 2:37 pm
JenniferB says:
You are so brave — I don’t like the cold enough to be willing to do the canning outside in wintertime. I like it fine in decent weather, but still do it inside (we usually have too many bugs bopping around). I would love to win the Ball canning book!
On November 29, 2009 at 2:41 pm
wkf says:
I want a prize!!! those peaches are beautiful. It’s like a grown up fruit cocktail….
On November 29, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Aedrielle says:
Suzanne, this look like a great gift to give at Christmas time! What fun!!
I’d love to win the book. 🙂
I’ve been voting for you (and daily reminding my husband to vote for you, too!) and I really want you to win!!! You deserve it so much!
I made grandmother bread rolls and your cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving! Both were a HUGE hit! Folks who previously didn’t like cranberry sauce (myself included) couldn’t get enough of it! :yes:
On November 29, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Miss Becky says:
Suzanne, I gotta tell ya, there is something about your blog that makes me feel like I am HOME when I read it and look at your gorgeous photos. The life you lead is so familiar to me, I know it well. I live in an urban area now and you allow me a taste/peek into your beautiful world and for that I am so grateful. thank you for another lovely view of your ordinary splendor :yes: :yes: :yes:
On November 29, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Miss Becky says:
oh, I forgot, I would very much like that Ball Blue Book :happyflower:
On November 29, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Myrna Mackenzie says:
I’ve never had any desire to can, but oh, I want something that looks that good sitting on my shelves.
I love the fact that your visitors are from all over the place. Yesterday there was someone from…Englahd, maybe? Today, Mexico. And everywhere in the US. That is so cool. I feel as if I’m bonding with this huge community of people. It’s like sitting down around a wood stove or in front of a fireplace with a cup of coffee (or tea for you tea drinkers) and just having a friendly chat.
On November 29, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Patty says:
I Would love that book! My mom canned all the time when I was growing up, but never had the patience to teach me anything about it. She’d done all that with my older sister, so I was out of luck. I have been married almost 20 years now and I’ve finally decided I want to start trying things I never did before. I’ve baked Grandmother Bread (we did your cornmeal yeast rolls for T-Day and they were wonderful!), I’ve made chocolate meringue pies, and pumpkin pies for the first time in my life. Guess there’s a first time for everything. I would love to start canning. Those peach conserves are GORGEOUS! Keeping my fingers crossed! :happyfeet:
On November 29, 2009 at 3:39 pm
5kathleen2 says:
Your conserve is lovely. I hope I win the canning book. My husband and I dream of owning some acreage of our own. He grew up on a farm. We keep looking but can’t find 20-40 acres we can afford! Right now I enjoy coming to your farm, it’s the next best thing.
Kathleen H from Indiana
On November 29, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Julie in KS says:
I want to learn how to can, so I really need this book. I love your site. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
On November 29, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Nanny says:
The conserve looks delicious…..would love the canning book…..VOTED!
On November 29, 2009 at 4:01 pm
LisaAJB says:
Suzanne, that sounds delicious. I like extra peach too. I’d also really like a copy of the Blue Ball book to share with my sister. We don’t have peach trees, but she grows a lot of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries we could can.
On November 29, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Tracey In Paradise Pa. says:
:dancingmonster: YUM YUM GIVE ME SOME!!! :dancingmonster:
I so wanna win the canning bible!!
I voted!!
Hugs Granny Trace
On November 29, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Estella says:
That looks soooo good!
I am still voting.
On November 29, 2009 at 4:22 pm
geena says:
Mmmmmm I wish I was on your list:) I will settle for getting the canning book tho’ :woof:
On November 29, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Sharon Gosney says:
Looks yummy! I would like to win the Ball Blue Book.
On November 29, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Melody says:
That looks so good.I have voted everyday..Fingers crossed.
On November 29, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Valerie says:
Those jars are just lovely. Sorta like my jars of Cranberry Sauce!! I would love a chance at winning the BBB of Canning.
On another note, my dsl was down all day yesterday..grrrr..but I was on-call for work, and had to go in, and so I voted from there. :shimmy:
On November 29, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Yes, I don’t see any reason why rum flavoring wouldn’t work. The rum is really an extra in this recipe and not necessary if you want to leave it out entirely.
On November 29, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Mrs Smith says:
I totally want that book. When we bought our house last year I became the domestic goddess I was ment to be. I was so excited to have a full garden I planted 86 tomato plants. Lets just say the family didn’t care for maters’ for long. I love reading your blog. It makes my day. I just wanna kiss clover.
On November 29, 2009 at 6:59 pm
JOJO says:
:woof:
This looks fabulous!
Am going to the store tomorrow to buy lots of cranberries to make the sauce to give as Christmas gifts, Even my friends who thought they didnt like cranberry sauce loved this. I made jello today with fresh fruit and added some of my sauce and nuts, it is delicious.
JO
On November 29, 2009 at 8:34 pm
JAL says:
I LOVE your blog! I’ve been reading it every day for months and this is the first time I’ve commented. You’ve taught me so much (I make Grandma bread on average twice a week when before I wouldn’t have imagined making my own, and I now always have QuickMix on hand for biscuits and pancakse!) and I greatly admire your spirit and love your photos and farm yard friends! (Hope your solo duck finds some duck friends soon!! – that post made me tear up) We have 5 computers at home & I’ve been voting for you 5 times every day since this started b/c I’m really hoping you get the SAM-E job.
I hope everyone who reads your blog ads a link to their blog or FB page and will send notes to their friends and family encouraging them to vote every day. I wish I knew more people I could shout out to to help increase your votes and I hope everyone who reads this does whatever they can to achieve that!!
On November 29, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Selene says:
Beautiful website, Suzzane.
The recipes sound great, the pictures are
inspiring too.
If the contest is still open, I want The Book.
Selene
On November 29, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Lisa says:
Lord, Suzanne…the suspense is killing ME. I can’t begin to imagine how YOU feel.
Come on, people! Ask everybody you know to vote for Suzanne!
On November 29, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Darlene in North Georgia says:
Oh, Oh, I’d like to win the BBB.
Is there any way to make this without the use of Rum (or any alcohol)? Don’t like the taste – which is a good thing, since it’s against my beliefs to drink alcohol. But I don’t like the “essence” or Extracts either. Ok, so I’m weird. :butterfly:
On November 29, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
You can just leave out the rum, no problem!
On November 30, 2009 at 5:52 am
Dessa says:
Hi Suzanne! I would love to have this book. Canning is the next thing on my list to learn how to do. :fairy:
On November 29, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Jennifer A says:
I love to can! Bread and butter pickles are my favorite! I have heard that this is the best canning book. Would love to win it! Jennifer
On November 29, 2009 at 11:29 pm
shannon says:
dang, missed the cut off…poo on eastern time!
funny though, this book is the only thing on my christmas list this year!
On November 30, 2009 at 12:19 am
lisa brawner says:
those turned out just so pretty ..
On November 30, 2009 at 10:39 am
M. Brown says:
Those did come out just beautiful. What a pretty conserve!
On November 30, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Angie says:
Hi,I can quite a bit and am always looking for some new and interesting recipes. I found this one and it sounds awesome. Just have a few questions. I assume that the pineapple and cherries are canned not fresh. Is that correct? Also I have never heard of mace, what is it? Also, this sounds lame, however, I am going to ask anyways. What do you do with conserve? Thanks for your time and I love your site. I sit and smile everytime I read an adventure of yours. Thanks again, Angie
On January 11, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Yes, I used canned pineapple and maraschino cherries. Mace is a spice that is sort of similar to nutmeg but not! You can find it in most grocery stores in the spice aisle along with all the others. You can use conserve just like you would use jam–on toast, on top of oatmeal or ice cream or yogurt etc. I also use it in baking, such as in coffeecakes or biscuit twists etc. Lots of ways to use it! Oh, also, topping on yellow cake or pound cake, yum!
On January 11, 2010 at 2:41 pm