Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Rewards of a Busy Day

It's a good feeling to have something to show for a busy day. I had the privilege of staying home today; no carrying anybody anywhere, no errands to run, no groceries to buy. I love spending a day at home, and it's especially rewarding when I have something to show for my busyness.

I started out the day by doing a few cleaning chores and helping Taylor with his (home)school work. I was down to my last jar of jelly, so after lunch I started with my jelly making joys. I've mentioned before that my favorite breakfast is buttered toast with my home-made Cinnamon Apple Jelly and a cup (or two...or four) of good coffee. So I pulled out the ingredients for the jelly....



It's really easy and pretty fast to make. I pour 7 cups of unsweetened bottled apple juice into a large kettle, then add a pkg. of powdered fruit pectin, and 2 teaspoons of butter. I bring that to a full rolling boil on high heat while stirring constantly. Then I stir in 1 cup of red-hot cinnamon candies until they dissolve. Next, I stir in 9 cups of sugar and return the mixture to a full rolling boil. It boils for 1 minute, while I stir constantly. Lastly, I remove the kettle from the heat; skim off the foam and pour into hot sterilized jars, cap them, and process in a boiling-water bath for 5 minutes. And, voila! Breakfast jelly for many happy mornings.



It really didn't take long to make the jelly at all. I had enough time left over before having to start supper to practice a few piano pieces. Then, after supper, I finished up a project I started yesterday...making pink Peonies. I found the instructions in the April 12 issue of First magazine. The only materials needed are tissue paper, which I found at the local Dollar General...



... some florist wire, and hair spray.



I was very pleased with the finished project. They're the new centerpiece for my living room coffee table. They're much easier to make than the coffee filter roses I made a couple of years ago.



Throw in a walk with my sweet hubby and some fun time with my sons and it was a very good day! A day I am thankful for.

Linked to:  Eat at Home

13 comments:

  1. You had a busy day! I love those paper peonies! I also love the ones that grow in the garden! Where did you find the instructions? Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. HOW CUTE, I LOVE THE FLOWERS, I'LL HAVE TO TRY THEM.
    lOVE,DEBBIE

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the flowers - they are so pretty and cheery!

    xo
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love the ease of your jelly recipe. And it looks beautiful. Do you give them as gifts?

    Thanks for visiting!
    Leann

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sherry, my coffee filter roses are a snap to make, honey! And they last longer than tissue paper I would think. Come over and look or if you need help, just holler. Truly, e a s y!!

    xoxo,
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anne, the instructions for the flowers are in the April 12 issue of "First" magazine. Thanks for the sweet comments.

    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  7. Leann,
    I have given some of my jelly as gifts, but I mostly squirrel it away for me. :)

    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  8. Connie,
    I'll be over to check out your roses as soon as I get a chance. Thanks for the invite!

    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  9. your tissue paper peonies are perfect! Just in time for some spring color
    Thanks for visiting my blog
    (~~)
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  10. Saw your post on Made by you Mondays. I am hosting a canning blog party the week of August 23-27th. We will be having lots of tips, recipes, linky parties, give-a-ways and more. Hope you can stop by for a Latte' and link up this tasty jam!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Laura Aldridge8/28/10, 1:59 PM

    Thanks for the easy Cinnamon Apple Jam recipe. I made it and it is by far the best I have had! Can't wait to share it with friends and family!

    ReplyDelete
  12. That jelly is so pretty! It reminds me of the red hots and applesauce my mom used to make.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Mmmm, thanks for the jelly recipe. I'm gonna try it!

    ReplyDelete

I'm so happy you're leaving me a comment! ~ Sherry