recently i was gifted a jar of homemade jam. not just any jar of jam, one of the best jars of jam i’ve ever tasted. srsly. but that’s kinda beside the point of this post. 
what i realized upon placing this delicious jam on the center of my saturday breakfast table is that it’s been quite a long time since i have been gifted a homemade jar of jam. probably because i’m always the one doing the jam-gifting.
what a joy it was to slather shae’s amazing rangpur lime jam atop a hunk of baguette and butter, knowing as i do, how much effort goes into a really great jar of jam. it was a delicious reminder of how homemade food nourishes us. yes, because the ingredients were most likely plucked directly from the season and the place from which they grew, and devoid of manufactured ingredients otherwise known as foodstuffs. but also because of the love and care that goes into each jar.
it’s been said many times, and in many ways more eloquently than i ever could, that the little things in life are the big things. in a world where we [think we] need to do and be and have, a given jar of jam offers up a moment to savor the little-big things. like making, giving, receiving. like slowing down. like toast and jam on a long saturday morning at the on-rush of spring, given by a friend met through the interwebs who shares the same passion for putting fruits in jars.
basically receiving a gift of homemade jam is like getting a tail hug.
and i don’t know about you, but that’s all the reason i need to get excited about this upcoming jam-making season.
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Wow that looks and sounds great:).Yum yum yum. First time here…you have a nice blog:)
I love the ‘Tail Hug’ and I love giving jars to people I care about. Also again thanks for all you blogging Jammers do to share and teach. I have learned so much and been so inspired by all of you.
thank you for the kind words brooke.
I agree it’s kinda beside the point but, in this case, not to meeeee. Thank you for making the jam look so pretty and for encouraging folks to share the love.
I have to say, Gloria’s comment made me laugh out loud. Sometimes the jam is shit-hot and sometimes it’s just, well, the first part of that term. Just yesterday I went through my larder and disposed of a few jars (made by me) that were like, I’m not quite sure how this happened but I know I’m not going to eat it. It’s all part of the process.
Your cats do remind me of my pigeons, BTW.
Tail hugs,
Shae
…and of course it’s not beside the point, didn’t ya see the wink!
totally agree, love gloria’s comment. i have two of those jars in my larder too. maybe it’s time for the real spring cleaning!
they totally remind me of pigeons! they are only 6.5 and 7 pounds so very small for cats, although that would make for a couple of very large pigeons!
thanks again shae for the lovely jam. i actually left it in the berkz because i was like, if i take it back down to ny it will be gone in 2 days. i (we) really love it.
xo
Love this post. Yup, you’re right – it is about the little things. Always. That tail hug is making my life right now.
Tail hugs are the best.
I’ve been doing the pickle/ferment thing. Loved your quick pickled ‘shrooms recipe last summer. We ate them till the cold weather arrived. They’ve been requested again already.
I will be trying jams this year.
Our felines look alike! Do you can food for them?
I always enjoy your posts. Thanks.
are your cats burmese?! no I don’t can their food, they are actually quite happy with a good dry food and an occasional fishy treat.
so glad you liked the quick pickled ‘shroom recipe! and yes try some jams, they can be easy – and fun! and of course delicious.
I guess our felines are cousins, mine are thai and siamese.
I’ve got my jars ready the strawberries and rhubarb can’t get here soon enough.
the strawberry and rhubarb must be here now suze! happy canning!
tail. hug.
Thanks for making my day
i’m always the one giving the jam, too. i love the color of this one, electric orange!!
Just discovered your blog and I love it! Thanks for all the awesome jam posts!
welcome tanya. i look forward to seeing you around here.