Late Summer Jellies

There is definitely a freshness on the breeze--the light is changing and the shadows are growing just a tiny bit longer. Fall is in the air.

K and E are back from the lake, and it is time to turn our minds to planning for back to school. Shopping, haircuts, organization, schedules...

Much as I have been yearning for the arrival of fall in order to escape the unrelenting heat we've experienced this summer, I am not ready to take the full plunge into autumn just quite yet. One more full week of holidays left, and I intend to savour every single sweet moment.

As I may have mentioned (numerous times), our garden has been quite a disappointment this year (understatement), so preserving has been pretty minimal. I did, however, manage to whip up a batch of this sweet red pepper jelly, which is fun and delicious as an hors d'oeuvre served with crackers and cream cheese. Great for gifting too! I will be sure to share the recipe later in the week (thanks Mum).

In the meantime, into the pantry they all shall go (with the exception of one for testing purposes); tucked away safely like little twinkling jewels, waiting to be unearthed and rediscovered after being long forgotten.

Speaking of jewels, if I am to strengthen my relationship with my BBFL, it is imperative that I build and maintain an effective stash of fabric and notions in order to keep her contented. 

I patiently explain the imporatance of effective relationship management to the Mr, who I am very proud to say has a full understanding of such things. I am so blessed! With that in mind I recently received this absolutely lovely jelly roll of Amy Butler fabric in the mail... perfectly delicious! 

I have a few ideas, but for now it will serve as another jewel. A treasure to be stored on the shelf, waiting to be rediscovered on a future rainy or wintery day. If I can contain myself that is, these little strips are gorgeous!

In the meantime, Celes and I continue to develop our close bond. Ahhh, sweet peace, how I love to knit!! 

Wishing you all a wonderful week dear friends. xoxoxoxoxo

Comments

[zephyr]

What a delightful post!
i know it's been creeping up on us, but i was quite shocked one morning this week when i woke, thinking it must be another cloudy dawn (we'd had a lovely string of them) only to realize the sunrise is suddenly later. It really does seem to happen "all of a sudden."

your pepper jelly has me salivating...i will be watching with eagle eyes for the recipe. ;^) Have you ever made pepper and garlic jelly? i've bought it at the farmer's market a few times, but never tried it myself.

i, too, love knitting, but i marvel at this lace! Not sure i could manage it.

[Olallieberry]

I know exactly what you mean by fall arriving "all of a sudden," same thing over here. It really is my favourite time of year!

I admit I've never tried pepper and garlic jelly, but it does sound fantastic--I am a HUGE garlic fan, much to the chagrin of the family, so for their sake I try to sustain my addiction in moderation. However, I may have to google some recipes and give it a try.

Lace knitting is really not as difficult as it looks. There is a very simple secret that will make your break your success... Stitchmarkers! Yup, that's it! Believe me, if I can do it, you can do it!

[Annie @ knitsofacto]

Now I'm regretting selling my Bernina!

Apple jelly making happening here this weekend. And I've just shown the Mr. this post and he's now expecting red pepper jelly too!

[Olallieberry]

Apple jelly-- I am SO jealous! Our very young apple tree did produce fruit this year, but not nearly enough for preserves. Perhaps a trip to the farmer's market is in order...

[[email protected]]

gosh---this whole post is full of eye-candy!! (and inspiration!!!) glad you are going to share the red pepper jelly recipe; I've done the green pepper jelly in the past, but it doesn't come close to being as pretty!! fabric....yarn.....the nesting has begun!!! (here, too!)

[Olallieberry]

That's It.... Nesting! You said it just right Steph! :D

[Stephanie]

Dear Janine,

I have been thinking of you today and I just saw your comment popping up on my blog so I am grabbing a couple of minutes of bliss before putting the children to bed tonight to read your post. I agree with Steph above: beautiful eye candy. However your space here always has a cosy feel; a place where the everyday speaks eloquently and is always alluring. That last picture of your knitting is fabulous.

I completely agree with you, Janine: Autumn is hurtling towards us far to fast. I too am savouring this last summer holiday week. I'll be thinking of you.

[Olallieberry]

Stephanie, as always it is such a pleasure to hear from you. Thank you for your very kind and gracious words, it is you who is so very eloquent.

This week we will be kindred spirits... Wishing you enjoyment in every moment!

xox

[zephyr]

Ah,ha! Maybe one of these days i will give lace knitting a try...but i'll probably get to making garlic-pepper jelly first! :^)

[Olallieberry]

LOL! An excellent choice ;D

[petrox]

Enjoy the pepper jelly, J --- I might try the pepper and garlic recipe next. Thanks for the idea Zephyr :)