But what fine weather we are having just now!
This summer in addition to the regular Farmers' Market at the Co-op carpark in Lochgilphead, I had stalls at both Tayvallich Gala Day and Kilmartin Green, for the reopening of the Famous Kilmartin Museum. Unfortunately Tayvallich did not have great weather, but they made the best of it. I was even able to enter Bonnie into the dog show - for which she was awarded a 'taking part' medal:). Kilmartin, on the other hand, was very lucky. A beautiful day and great praise for the newly renovated museum. I heard children coming out and saying what a fun place the museum was! I never recall saying that about any museum when I was a child.
Earlier in the summer we went down with COVID again. I was poorly for a week and then lacking in energy for another two. This led into a week of disruption when we had new Central Heating installed and my kitchen was out of use. So I have basically had a month of not making preserves. Is 'Jam Deprivation' a thing? Me not making did not stop the orders coming in and I was getting really low in stocks. This Saturday is the next Farmers' Market and I was low or out of several of the most popular products. The past week has seen me beavering away making Strawberry Jam, Blackcurrant Jam, Apricot Jam, Lemon Curd, Raspberry Jam and this afternoon I will be making Mint Jelly actually using home grown mint and local apples. I 'think/hope' that there might be lamb for sale at the Farmers' Market and you just can't have lamb without mint jelly!
This summer I added two new products - they are Apple Jelly and Ginger in Syrup. Both things I had been asked for. However I do all this in my kitchen at home. What used to be our dining room has morphed into my Jam Office. Where normal people have bookshelves I have jam shelves! In order to make something new something else has to give. So this time Winter Ale Chutney and Cranberry Chill Relish are out. Other preserves that have been suggested to me are Raspberry Jelly, Gooseberry Jelly, Dill Sauce and Fig Chutney. I am definitely going to do the latter once I source some fresh figs.
My current challenge is that my usual jars are out of stock with the supplier. I am hoping that is only a temporary hitch as I don't want to change jars. I really do appreciate any that come back for me to recycle - and there is a box for that on the lower shelf of my jam stall in the garden. Speaking of jam stall - there is also a box of Freebies on there. They are those that are either underweight or nearing the Best Before Date. Such dates are arbitrary as these are PRESERVES after all! But if people can use the jars I am unable to sell, and then return the empties I am very happy.
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