5-Minute Strawberry Jam

2008-07-25T15:35:00.003-07:00

5-Minute Strawberry Jam

by: Rondi Hillstrom Davis

Nothing tastes better than fresh picked strawberries. For many people, making homemade jams and jellies conjures up memories of grandmother in the kitchen preparing bushels of fruit, stirring and straining, and sterilizing jars. Actually, nothing could be simpler. The key to making jam is small batches. Do not double the recipe. The jam will not set up. This strawberry jam keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. But, we’ve never been able to keep it around that long! It’s also great as an ice cream topping.

Try this quick and easy recipe with your kids. It makes a great Mother’s Day present for family and friends. And, if you’re lucky, they may even save some for you.

Ingredients

* 1-pint strawberries, hulled and sliced

* 2-tablespoons fruit pectin

* ½ teaspoon butter

* 1-cup sugar

* 2 8-ounce jelly jars

Directions

1. In a medium sized bowl, crush the strawberries with a potato masher

2. In a skillet, combine the crushed strawberries, pectin, and butter.

3. Stirring constantly, cook over medium-high heat, until the mixture boils.

4. Add the sugar and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute and remove from the heat.

5. Pour the jam into the jars. Seal. Refrigerate until the jam is set, approximately 6 hours. Keep jam refrigerated. It will keep for up to 3 weeks.

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About The Author

Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co-authors of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit http://togetherparenting.com/

info@togetherparenting.com

3 Simple Tips For Making Perfect Coffee

2008-07-25T15:35:00.001-07:00

3 Simple Tips For Making Perfect Coffee

by: Gary Gresham

Want to brew the perfect cup of coffee?

Here are 3 simple tips that will make a difference in every single cup you drink.

Tip #1Clean Coffee Pot

A clean pot is essential and can make a world of difference in the taste of your coffee. Old oils from previous batches of coffee and soap residue left on the pot makes coffee taste bad.

Baking soda and water work well for cleaning coffee mugs and pots. Be sure to rinse extra good so no residue is left behind.

Tip #2

Clean Filtered Water

The water you use for your coffee will affect the taste more than anything. Coffee is 99% water so use clean filtered or bottled water free from chlorine and other minerals that will affect the taste of your coffee.

Using stainless steel or gold mesh filters instead of paper filters will also make your coffee taste better. Paper filters release dyes, chlorine and bleach that affect taste. If you insist on using paper filters buy the unbleached, brown paper filters.

Tip #3 Use Fresh Quality Coffee

Quality coffee costs more but will consistently produce better tasting coffee.

For the best results use quality, whole bean coffee and grind the coffee beans just prior to use. You might think it's an inconvenience compared to ground coffee, but once you taste the difference you'll never go back.

If you still want to use ground coffee, make sure you use a good, drip grind coffee.

Use 2 level tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. This can be adjusted for individual taste preference. Make sure to spread the grounds evenly in the coffee filter so full brewing is achieved.

Drink your fresh coffee right away for the best flavor. Coffee will break down quickly if left on a heat source. Coffee should never be reheated or microwaved.

A clean, preheated air pot or stainless steel Thermos will keep coffee hot for about an hour without hurting the flavor.

If you follow these 3 simple tips, every cup you brew will be perfect coffee.

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This article may be re-published "as is" (unedited) as long as the author's bio paragraph (resource box) and copyright information is included. The URLs in the resource box should be set as hyperlinks if used on a web page.

About The Author

Gary Gresham is the webmaster for http://www.perfectcoffees.com where you can purchase quality coffee, tea, cups & mugs, coffee gifts and delicious desserts online. He offers a free monthly coffee newsletter at http://www.perfectcoffees.com/newsletter.html.

Food and Drink

5-Minute Strawberry Jam

3 Simple Tips For Making Perfect Coffee