Homemade Raspberry Vinegar

We have had an abundance of raspberries around here this year, so I decided to find some creative new ways to use them.  Here's one of my latest favorites - Raspberry Vinegar.  Not only will it make great salad dressing, but I think it'd make good hostess/holiday gifts (crazy to think about, but it's coming up quickly!).  It's super easy to make, but does take some time, so plan ahead.  Here's how Mama makes it:

Ingredients:

- 2 c. Fresh raspberries

- 2 c. Apple cider vinegar

- 1 T. Balsamic vinegar
*Note:  you can use any kind of vinegar that you like.  Some recipes use red or white wine vinegar, some just plain white vinegar, etc.  I decided to use apple cider vinegar as the base and just a touch of balsamic to add some sweetness.  I think it compliments the raspberry flavor quite nicely!

Directions:

1.  Rinse raspberries, then place in a large mason jar.  

2.  Pour vinegar over the raspberries, cover and store for two weeks to allow vinegar to extract the raspberry flavor/color.  

3.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.  Pour raspberry vinegar into a smaller jar or container for storage.  Store in refrigerator for up to 6 months.  Use in place of other vinegars in recipes or to make raspberry vinaigrette for salads.

Look at that amazing red color!

 

printable recipe

Baby Product Review: Sucup Feeder

Here's a new innovative product recommended by one of my readers.  As you all know, I'm a complete sucker for gadgets, especially baby gadgets, so I was super curious.  After checking out the site (www.sucup.com),  I was so impressed and intrigued by this unique design that I couldn't resist ordering one just to see how it worked. 

The product is made in the UK and received a prestigious double gold award at the British Invention Show in 2012.  The Sucup comes in two different models - the Teeny-Weany for babies 4+ months just starting on solids, and the Toddler for babies 10+ months which is designed for lumpier foods and purees.  (Obviously I ordered the Toddler version for Annalyn since she's 19 months and been eating table food for awhile now.) The cost from the US was $16.37 and I received it within a week!

After ordering the product, I actually received a personal email from the inventor thanking me for my order and asking for my feedback.  Wow, talk about amazing customer service!  They even waived my postage charge since I was their first overseas order (though I'd imagine there will be more coming soon!).

At first look, the Sucup may seem a little intimidating because of all the parts, but it comes with great directions and is super easy to put together and use.  Here's my step by step directions on how to assemble the product:

Adventures in Canning: Tomato Jam

Maybe it's just me, but I find it sort of strange that the first jam I've ever made is tomato.  Honestly, I hadn't ever heard of such a thing until I was looking for ideas for preserving cherry tomatoes (since we have an overabundance this year).  I happened across the idea to make tomato jam, which was perfect since it doesn't require you to skin or de-seed the tomatoes (can you imagine trying to skin 5 lbs. of tiny tomatoes!?).  The skin and seeds actually add to the flavor and texture of the jam, too.  After researching the idea a bit, I came up with this recipe and I must say, it rocks!  Sweet and savory, tomatoey... but not too acidic.  I just can't wait to see all the fun recipes we will come up with using this jam!  I imagine it would be awesome on burgers, splendid on sandwiches, and divine on a biscuit or English muffin.  Only time will tell, but for now, here's how Mama makes it:

Tomato Jam

Ingredients:  (makes about 3-4 pints, depending on how long you cook it.  Mine made exactly 6 half-pint jars.)

- 5 lbs. tomatoes, chopped (I used a mix of small and large tomatoes)

- 2 1/2 c. sugar

- 1 c. brown sugar

- 1/3 c. apple cider vinegar

- 2 T. lemon juice

- 1 t. cinnamon

- 1/2 t. cloves

- 1 T. salt

- 1/2 T. red chili flakes (or more if you like it extra spicy)

- 1/2 t. cumin

Mama's Favorite Things - Apple Peeler, Corer, & Slicer



As I've told you all before, I absolutely love kitchen gadgets.  So when I discovered there was a contraption that peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the turn of a handle, I had to check it out.  Especially since I was getting ready to can pie filling.  I don't know about you guys, but my least favorite part of making apple pies is all the peeling and coring - it takes forever!  But not anymore...

 

For about $20, this peeler has a vacuum seal base and is capable of peeling, coring, and slicing apples, pears, potatoes, etc.  I've only tried it with apples so far, but after 12 lbs. of apples, it's still working great. 

Countdown to Christmas: Gift Ideas for the Kitchen

One week 'til Christmas!  It's Christmas shopping crunch time! 

Depending on who you are shopping for, kitchen gifts are some of the best.  I say that cautiously because there are always those people who don't want something they need for Christmas, but rather something they want, and unlike this mama, kitchen gadgets don't always top that list.  Personally, I love getting kitchen items as gifts because I think about that person every time I use it.  My mixer reminds me of my parents and graduating from pharmacy school... my favorite salad tongs - Dan & Shawna and their trip to Costa Rica... my what-did-I-ever-do-without-this tiny egg beater - my mother-in-law and her awesome stocking stuffers... my pink silicone pancake turner - my lil sis... my new favorite blue dutch oven - my dear husband.  I could go on forever!  If you have a sentimental cook in your life, here are some great gift ideas for his/her kitchen.

Countdown to Christmas: A Nativity Set for Peanut

 



Earlier this week, Annalyn got a special package in the mail from her Grandma & Grandpa Eddie.  It was her very own nativity set.  This Little People Nativity Set is so sweet, complete with a light-up star and "Away in a Manger."  What a fun and special gift!  I'm sure she will enjoy it for years (hopefully in place of playing with Mama's Willow Tree Nativity Set, which is also an ongoing collection from the Eddies).

With just 11 days until Christmas, I wanted to share this adorable set as an idea for the little people in your life.

Countdown to Christmas: Mama's Favorite Baby Items

With Christmas just days away, here are some of my favorite pregnancy/baby items you may want to add to your Christmas list.  These have helped make our last year sooo much better/easier/more fun... you get the picture! 

Mama's favorite gift :)



Countdown to Christmas: Gift Idea - Custom Jewelry by Bicursal Designs

 

How beautiful and unique is this necklace?!  Recently I found out that one of my coworkers makes gorgeous custom jewelry.  He and his girlfriend are the artists behind Bicursal Designs, a line of hand-carved natural wood, stone, and sterling silver jewelry.  Of course, I was curious.  When I realized that they make everything custom order, I had to check it out!