I have noticed Christmas in July stuff all around, and realized we are halfway there. I am still in a holding pattern and totally uninspired to finish the room of horrors. It's hot, muggy, and I had rather be swimming than stuck in a room surrounded by seasonal decorations. Maybe next week? I have my doubts, though it could happen.
The only thing even remotely Christmasy I have done this week is to download a Christmas book from my Libby app. I said in January I was going to read a Christmas book every month, but as I look in the mirror I am 4 months behind, excluding the current download, You Make It Feel Like Christmas.
It looks like this will be a quick read if I ever open the blooming thing and start reading.
My pear tree is loaded this year and I have picked some hard green ones to make pickled pears for Christmas gifts, but have been skillfully avoiding actually doing it. This is time sensitive because I can't make it with fully ripened pears.
At least I do have the jars washed and ready and have all the necessary ingredients. Now I just need to get my rear in gear, but the pool is screaming at me right now and I feel I must pay attention to it. Tomorrow?
Ho, Ho, Hum.
A pool or sweltering in the kitchen canning pickled pears. I know you'll make the right choice. :)
ReplyDeleteI am answering this right after showering post swim. I am justifying it as exercise since I do swim laps, but I might float a little too. We have central a/c so the kitchen would not be terribly hot, but picking those blooming pears in the heat is not fun.
DeleteIf I were normal, I would pick them early in the morning or early evening, but the mosquitos are out then and they love me. I'd rather be hot than covered in welts.
I am working on some small batch charcuterie items: Strawberry Jalapeno jam and Balsamic Ren Onion Jam. I am also going through a couple plastic bins and getting rid of some Christmas Ornaments and general decor. The first was a success , the second might get in the way of my pool time.
ReplyDeleteI figure we will have a day of thunderstorms (I will swim in the rain if there is no lightning)and then I will go back to the room of gloom and doom and possibly finish it.
DeleteI decided anything I am hanging on to that I no longer use just needs to go.
Amy...I'd love your strawberry jalapeno jam recipe.ine last year turned watery but I use for the jam and ketchup meatballs or cocktail weiners.
DeleteHow do you make pickled pears? We have two pear trees that sometimes produce a lot if we can get them before the bugs and the end rot. Our pears are very grainy. Do you have that problem?
ReplyDeleteYou have to use underripe pears. Peel, core and cut in half or in strips. Coat in lemon juice, pack in canning jars. Make a syrup of vinegar ,sugar and a little pickling salt, bring to a slow boil. Add whatever whole pickling spices you want to each jar. I am using allspice, cloves or cardamom, cinnamon stick and a small bay leaf. Pour the hot vinegar over the jars, leave about 1/2 inch headspace. Process in a water canner. Its pretty easy to make
DeleteThanks.
DeleteYour pears sound like the cherries iny freezer. No jam made yet and now I have strawberries and raspberries measured and ready too! I hate to say it, but Christmas is really pretty much in 5 months.
ReplyDeleteI just need to get off my duff and get them pickled before they are ripe. But I had rather swim and read and eat watermelon!
DeleteI'm trying to imagine how pickled pear might taste. I'm too inept to attempt making my own, but might keep my eyes open for something already on the shelf.
ReplyDeleteI have to get to my own room of doom, although it doesn't have any seasonal decor in it, just files of papers, extra pantry supplies, and tons of craft supplies! I need to make room to store daughter's boxes! And I don't have a swimming pool calling me (don't know to swim, either!)
ReplyDeleteThe pickled pears sound delicious.
I would rather be in the pool than picking pears. LOL Enjoy your swim!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think about Christmas this week.