'tis the season

Strawberries still looking good - and so are the families coming out to pick. It looks like a Hallmark Made for TV Movie around here lately - moms and kids during the week, grandparents and kids during the week, Dads and kids on weekends. Then you get the serious pickers that bring their own containers and wagons, and pick enough to can/freeze for the neighborhood.

Speaking of that - my favorite lazy man's jam:

Easy Fresh Fruit Jam

• 1 lb strawberries washed, hulled and sliced thin (about 3 generous cups - don't use over-ripe berries)
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 TBS lemon from one lemon
• Bring all to a gentle boil in a 10-12 inch skillet
• Stir frequently and skim foam for about 6 minutes until it looks syrupy
• Test by putting 1/2 tsp on a cold plate - if it gels, it's done, if it runs, cook a bit more
• Put in pretty glass jars, give to neighbors and pretend you worked all day.
• Use within 3 weeks

So the grandkids are having a ball with the Strawberry Jerk. (http://tassleberry.com/Detail31c7.html?no=7). It's actually Strawberry JAMACIAN Jerk, but as you might imagine, the chance to call someone a Strawberry Jerk is irresistable. When the eyebrows are raised in their direction, we get an innocent "What??"

Aside from that, it tastes good, too. We had our moment of fame in The Nibbler http://www.thenibble.com/reviews/main/rubs/best-barbecue-sauce.asp, and are happy to say that either lots of you have been reading that online newsletter, or the sauce is just finding an audience, because it's selling well. Thanks.

If you have a favorite BBQ sauce, jam recipe, whatever - let me know...