Strawberry Season
I have learned from many years of experience that children love to garden and cook right along with you, as long as you keep it short, simple and fun. Kids love to pick fruits and veggies that they like, they like to learn about measuring, they love to use fun tools, and they even like to learn about time by setting and watching the timer. There are so many simple lessons that can be learned in the kitchen, especially if the food you are preparing comes straight from the garden. But mostly kids love to spend time with you. And of course, you should always bring along your best friend, too.
Best Friend
Since it is strawberry season here at Cowlick Cottage Farm, my 6-year-old grandson, Jacob, and I spent yesterday afternoon making Triple Berry Freezer Jam. First we picked the strawberries, fresh from the garden. He has loved to pick the strawberries since he was old enough to walk. He used to pick the green ones, too, but now he knows to hunt for the bright red ones, because they are the sweetest and juiciest. While I trimmed up the strawberries, Jacob washed the blackberries and raspberries that we bought at the market. He sampled them as well. A lot of them. Our jam might just be a tad short on berries, but no matter! Once we got all the berries washed and prepared, Jacob took on the very serious role of mashing the berries to smithereens with the potato masher. This was a most satisfying task for him.
Future Chef?
Jacob didn’t quite believe me when I explained to him that berries, sugar and a special thing called pectin are all that you need to make jam. Actually, I don’t think he quite believed that you can make jam from the berries in the garden. He’s a skeptic at heart.
For Real?
Did I mention that the crushed up berries smell good? They do. They smell really, really good!
Inhaling the Fresh Berries
Measuring and Pouring are Fun!
Jacob had fun counting and lining up all the freezer jam jars, with their matching tops. We carefully measured the jam into each jar. We didn’t spill TOO much.
One, Two, Three...
Finally, Jacob made labels for each jar of triple berryliciousness. One for papa, mama, daddy, Nonnie, Auntie Nat, Auntie Cubby, and Uncle Phil. It’s fun to stick the labels on the jars! He was quite pleased with himself, but when I asked him if he’d like to taste the jam, he said, “No thank you, ma’am. I would rather make it for other people.” Sweet boy. Now, out to play!
Homemade Jam for Loved Ones
What is the recipe?
Hi Amanda: There is a link to the recipe in the post. Here it is again! http://www.cowlickcottagefarm.com/spring-in-full-swing/
How fun! I need to try this with the Wonder Kids. Boy Wonder #2 would especially love the squishing of the berries. We made popsicles from strawberries last week and he was in heaven. I can’t wait til our strawberries finally come in.
It’s a great project to do with the Wonder Kids. Enjoy!
Carolyn, what a wonderful project with your grandson. You have such a gorgeous garden — full of fruits and herbs and veggies. I do think my favorite part of your post–and my favorite part of cooking/gardening with children–is that they connect food to it’s original form and how to create it themselves by growing! ~ Mary Beth @ Bonnie Plants
Thank you so much! We did have a great time together in the garden and the kitchen. Looking forward to meeting one of my favorite plant producers at P. Allen Smith’s this week!
I make fruit “spread” by using a few tablespoonsful of water over berries and cooking them just til soft at a low temp. Crush the berries with a masher and when room temp add a teaspoonful of lemon juice and a teaspoonful of vanilla. No sugar or pectin. Put in Mason jar. Keeps in frig for a week or so, or can freeze in a Mason jar.
Hi Sue:
Thanks for your suggestions! One of the best parts of cooking with garden-fresh fruits and vegetables is the many wonderful ways to prepare them. I always love to get new ideas and inspiration from readers and friends. Have fun!
Carolyn
Yum, Yum and triple yum! Got to try this!
I hope you do, Chris. It’s simple and delicious!
You and Jacob not only made Triple Berry Freezer Jam, but you also made Memories For A Lifetime!
Thank you, Shelly. I enjoyed every moment.
How wonderful to have a 6 yr old Grandson! great post!
Thanks, Geri! He’s a lot of fun right now, and I love that he is exhibiting some interest in gardening and playing in the kitchen.
This such a great blog post Love it!
Thank you, Annie! Always happy to have you in the garden with us! #MooPooTea