It's time to introduce you to the fabulous world of 'Keep It Simple Spencer' (KISS) otherwise affectionately known as the 'Jam N Pickle Club'. This is one of my favourite things in life at the moment - a bunch of ladies (and my boys) get together to make delicious preserves out of local windfall produce, share stories, swap skills and enjoy each others company.
We have been meeting monthly for about a year and have made BUCKET LOADS of great jams, pickles, chutneys, cordials, sauces and all manner of food in jars!
We recently applied to the council for a grant and got it - so the jam n pickle club is on it's way to a whole new level....I hope it doesn't change too much - it is lovely and simple now, and as the name states, that's how we want to keep it.
This monday we decided to try a seed swapping table and it was a veritable treasure trove of wonders! We had quandong (native peach) seeds from up north, all sort of fruit and vegie seeds collected from people's gardens, cuttings, seedlings and excess produce for sale or swap. A fantastic way of getting tried and true local stuff to plant in the garden.
We have been meeting monthly for about a year and have made BUCKET LOADS of great jams, pickles, chutneys, cordials, sauces and all manner of food in jars!
We recently applied to the council for a grant and got it - so the jam n pickle club is on it's way to a whole new level....I hope it doesn't change too much - it is lovely and simple now, and as the name states, that's how we want to keep it.
This monday we decided to try a seed swapping table and it was a veritable treasure trove of wonders! We had quandong (native peach) seeds from up north, all sort of fruit and vegie seeds collected from people's gardens, cuttings, seedlings and excess produce for sale or swap. A fantastic way of getting tried and true local stuff to plant in the garden.
We then moved onto the seriously fun job of jam tasting and creating. Flex learned how to make lemon butter at one of the first jam n pickle days, and is now the 'Lord of the Lemons'. He deftly cut a bagful of lemons, juiced them (with a little help from mum because his cut finger was protesting against the acidic citrus), measured out the right amount of juice, melted butter and eggs, mixed and cooked the delicious golden yellow concoction and poured it into sterilised jars ready to be sold at the market. His jam mentor J is very proud!
Have I mentioned how much I love this gang of groovy grandmas? This pack of pot stirrers? It is a warm haven of sweet smelling, jewel coloured preserved slices of life. They embrace having our two home schooled boys and their mates around, taking any opportunity to include them in the activities. The idea is old fashioned and fun and real and as relevant as anything I have ever been a part of. Every town needs a Jam N Pickle Club!
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