sat*tis*faction

You cook. You clean. You fold laundry and pull weeds. You put the same plates in the dishwasher day after day.

And do you get satisfaction from all this?

I don't.

But I know a little secret. One of the easiest ways for a domestic engineer to acquire the satisfaction that so alludes us is to can.

Jams and Jellies are the easiest.


Yesterday I finally got around to making my pomegranate jelly from the fruit that I juiced and froze last fall.

It had been nagging at me. Every time I open the freezer there it was peeking out underneath the frozen chicken breasts. It would say to me, "Helloooo? Are you going to do anything with me or what?"

And folks, I don't need that monkey on my back. I've already got two, as in kid monkeys, not addictions. Although I have my fair share of those too. Nothing serious. Don't send the cops.

I tell ya, there is soooo much satisfaction in looking at those deep crimson jars sitting on my counter like precious gems. And they are precious. I get a ton a mileage out of divvying this jelly out to friends who crave it's sweet tartness on their morning toast. You know who you are, you jelly fiends, you!

Oh, and I couldn't help myself, I had to carve a stamp for the tops of the jars. I make this jelly every year, and every year I write on the top "Pomegranate Jelly". Blah. How boring. A stamp is much better, don't you think?

The jelly is done. I don't have to do it again tomorrow.

The next crop of pomegranates will be ready to pick in October, but I'm pretending that's a long way off.

anything pumpkin

Warning: If you are on a diet quickly click to here. You shouldn't see what's ahead.

I love Fall. I love how everything is back to business after the Summer season. I love how schools are in full gear, children are out on the field at soccer practice, parents are coaxed into remembering all the state capitols and how to do algebra in an effort to help with homework. And yet there is a certain quietness about it. A stillness, that is the calm before the Winter storm of the Holidays. And there is comfort. Comfort found in a soft blanket on a rainy day. Comfort in being back on schedule and most of all, comfort food.

I love the foods of this season more than any other. Squash and nuts and heirloom tomatoes. Crisp apples and artisan breads. Carmel and taffy and licorice. And pumpkin. Anything pumpkin.

I will be making my yearly batch of pomegranate jelly in a few weeks. It is a process, but well worth the work.

If you would like to try your hand at jelly making- invest in this little kit by Ball. It will make it a ton easier for you as a beginner.

You still have today to enter to win Friday's giveaway. I have three little monsters that will go to three different homes. Just leave a comment.