freezer raspberry rhubarb jam

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I am not a big jam person at all.  I like my homemade strawberry freezer jam because it isn’t really like jam, it is more of a spreadable preserve.  The way I like it.  My neighbor had given us some rhubarb this year and of course I took it and froze it and thought what can I make with this?

The answer was freezer raspberry rhubarb jam.

You will need the following for this:

  • 6 cups fresh or frozen sliced rhubarb
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 2 cups fresh/frozen raspberries
  • 1 -3 oz pkg raspberry flavored gelatin

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In a large pan, combine the rhubarb and sugar and let it stand about 15 minutes or until sugar is moistened.  Since mine was frozen, I turned my burner on barely warm simmer to help melt it a little.  Then when it is all moistened, turn up your burner and and let it boil.  Boil, uncovered for 10 minutes.  Stir frequently so it does not burn.IMG_20140820_122039

Add your raspberries; return to boiling.  Boil hard for 5 minutes, stir frequently.IMG_20140820_123224

At this point, I take my potato masher and smash the raspberries to make them look like jam.  Add your pkg of gelatin and stir until dissolved.IMG_20140820_124109

Ladle this into freezer containers.  Place lids on and let stand at room temperature for several hours or until jam is set.  Store up to 1 year in your freezer.

 

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homemade American cheese

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As you know, we have been diligently trying to rid ourselves of processed foods this past month.  There is one food that I buy each month because it makes the best grill cheese sandwiches.

I know it is probably one of the worst foods that I like to have along with my coffee creamer.  Technically I don’t even think you can consider it cheese.  It is more of a scientific mix of milk, whey, milkfat, artificial flavorings, oh and dyes to give it that orange color.

But how can you make homemade tomato soup and NOT make grill cheese sandwiches???  When we make our sandwiches I add some “real” cheese along with the American cheese to make myself feel better about feeding it to my children.  Why shouldn’t I just MAKE the American cheese myself?  Well that is what I did this week.

Image00022 300x225 Kid friendly homemade tomato soup

 

You will need the following to make this:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 1 Tablespoon water
  • 12 ounces of colby cheese, you can use cheddar if you like
  • 1 Tablespoon dry milk powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons milk

 

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In your food processor put your shredded cheese, powdered milk, salt, and cream of tartar.  Pulse for a few seconds to combine the mixure.

 

 

IMG_20140820_121223In a saucepan bring your milk to a boil.  Remove from heat.In a separate bowl sprinkle the gelatin into your water.  Stir with a fork.  After dissolved stir this into the milk until mixed well.

IMG_20140820_121300Slowly pour your milk mixture into your food processor and process until smooth.

 

 

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It will take about 1 minute.

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Transfer your mixture to a pan that you have lined with plastic wrap.  You can use a bread pan, a square pan, even a plastic dish.  Smooth down the top and spread out evenly in pan.IMG_20140820_121807

Cover with plastic wrap.  In my photo, I doubled the recipe that is why it fits a square pan.  Refrigerate for about 3 hours until completely hardened.IMG_20140826_112110

Enjoy it immediately. We sliced some off and made grilled cheese sandwiches and I didn’t even add any other cheese to it.  Tastes delicious.

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