Blind Pig & The Acorn

When To Make Kraut - And Blooper Winners

 
Most of the cabbage seeds I planted way back in early Spring have survived their journey and are growing into some dandy heads of cabbage.

My family-and The Deer Hunter's family always make Kraut when the signs are in the head. Next Monday and Tuesday-July 5th & 6th the signs go into the head-and we'll be making Kraut. We use the traditional method of making kraut in a crock-in much the same manner that we make Pickled Beans and Corn.

To make Kraut the way we do-you need a crock, cabbage, and salt-either pickling salt or un-iodized table salt. Optional-peppers. The Deer Hunter likes to add banana peppers to our Kraut.

If you'd like to make it with us-I'll try to post directions as early as I can on Monday-hopefully by dinner time. Or you can see how we do it-then wait till August 1st and 2nd when the signs go back into the head again to make your own.

Thanks to all who entered the Blooper giveaway! The winners are #23 Lynn,

#13 Rick Crisman,

and #5 Terry! Each winner-pick 12 songs from the music player in the top right of this page-making sure the songs you pick are by the Blind Pig Gang-they'll have Paul Wilson in the artist area under the title. (you can scroll down through the list to find the songs) Email me your list at tipper@blindpigandtheacorn.com along with your address and I'll send you a cd!

Tipper

p.s. If you have any questions about the Kraut-leave me a comment or email me at tipper@blindpigandtheacorn.com

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Spreading The April Love

Time to Spread the Love for April. I'm sending a great big THANK YOU to all the Acorns who took the time to comment during the month of April-you truly helped make the Blind Pig & the Acorn a better place to visit: 

Sandy Carlson, Janet, Paula, Kathleen, Just Jackie, The Texican, Julie at Elisharose, Miss Cindy, Brenda Kay Ledford, Sheila B., Osagebluff Quilter, Terry, GrannyPam, Warren, Lanny, The Fishing Guy, Mary Traveling Hammer, Petra Michelle, David Templeton, Nancy M., Glenda, Nancy Simpson, Fencepost, Rick's Whitetail Woods, Trisha Too, Mary Life In A Cordwood Cabin, My Carolina Kitchen, Farmchick, Paul Saltcreek, Patty Hall, JoLyn, B. Ruth, CheE, Sallie Covolo, Barbara Gantt, Vicki Lane, Jay Henderson, Ethel, Janet Pressley, Eva Nell Mull Wike, Ph.D., Sarah, Wanda, Apple, Stacey South Western PA, Dee from Tennessee, Lynn, Pat in East TN, Charles Fletcher, Shirley, Teresa,  Clint, Jen,  Sandra, Betsy from Tenn, JennyJenny, Donna W, JoyceAnn, Granny Sue, Jennifer in OR, Marion, Sheryl Paul, Frances, Kelli, Amy, Miss FiFi, Elizabeth Westmark, Sandi, Kenneth M. Roper, Malcolm, Kenneth O Hoffman, Jeanna M, Diving Boracay, Melanie Graham Pieri, Fred Deegen, Carol, Jane, Nancy, Jen, Branson Bob, Lauren, GaFarmWomanPam, Baking Barb, Marj, Erin D, Nancy, EBet, Kathleen Gonna Want Seconds, Rhonda Haslam, Solstice Dreamer, Hopey Whisperwind, Quilter Bear, WKF, Shawn, Debbie, Ana Fesmire, Shane Moad, Kate In MT, Janera, Elizabeth, Tiffany, Trixie Goforth, Stephanie, Anastasia, Marilyn, June, Mike McLain, and Mary.

April's winner is...

 

Jenny Jenny! As soon as I get her address I'll be sending Jenny a jar of violet jelly-hope she likes it.

The month of May holds some excitement for the Blind Pig & the Acorn and it's readers. First up-the 2nd Annual Blind Pig & the Acorn Planting by the Signs Test gets started on the 17th. (if you signed up to participate and haven't got your seeds yet-shoot me an email at tipper@blindpigandtheacorn.com)

Second-I'll be hosting a Spotlight on music and it's relationship to Appalachia. The music features will be sprinkled in with the usual posts over the coming weeks. A few highlights of the Spotlight:

• Interviews-David Grier, Kathy Chiavola, and Bob Dalsemer to name a few
• CD giveaways
• Guest posts by notable writers from the music world as well as a few who write about Appalachia
• Go along with me as I visit local jam sessions
• Giveaway Sponsored by The Old-Time Herald-a year's subscription to their wonderful magazine
• Vintage Classical Ibanez Guitar Giveaway-sponsored by Paul Wilson
• Spotlight Sponsored by World Wide Bluegrass 

Hope you stick around for the sign test-and for the Spotlight on Music in Appalachia-both should be a lot of fun-and who knows you might just win a guitar.

Tipper

p.s. Don't forget to click on a commenter's name and go for a visit I know you'll be glad you did!

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Spreading The March Love

Where did the month of March go? If you figure it out let me know-cause it seems to have went by in a flash for me. Nevertheless it's gone-and it's time to Spread the Love for the month of March.

I'm sending a great big THANK YOU to each one of you who took the time to comment on the Blind Pig during the month of March-you know you made it a better place to visit:

Sandy Carlson, Janet, Paula, Kathleen, Just Jackie, The Texican, Julie at Elisharose, Miss Cindy, Brenda Kay Ledford, Sheila B., Osagebluff Quilter, Terry, GrannyPam, Warren, Lanny, The Fishing Guy, Mary Traveling Hammer, Petra Michelle, David Templeton, Nancy M., Glenda, Nancy Simpson, Fencepost, Rick's Whitetail Woods, Trisha Too, Mary Life In A Cordwood Cabin, My Carolina Kitchen, Farmchick, Paul Saltcreek, Patty Hall, JoLyn, Rachel, Stacey, B. Ruth, CheE, Sallie Covolo, Barbara Gantt, Vicki Lane, Jay Henderson, Michelle, Susie, Ethel, Julie Curtis, Janet Pressley, Eva Nell Mull Wike, Ph.D., Sarah, Wanda, Two Square Meals, Rooney Floyd, Apple, Stacey South Western PA, Dee from Tennessee, Lynn, Elizabeth Thomas,  Steve A in Florence Ky, Pat in East TN, Charles Fletcher, Shirley, Teresa  Clint, Helen G., Jen, Kay Keen, Sandra, Betsy from Tenn, Apple, Greta Koel, JennyJenny, Donna W, JoyceAnn, RazorFamilyFarms.com, Granny Sue, Teresa Maggie Grace Creates, Abbey Jenkins, Jennifer in OR, Georgie, Marion, Sheryl Paul, Carter McEver, Big John, Frances, Dana, Kelli, Elithea, Bob Dalsemer, Amy, G.Jackson, Catherine Seiberling Pond, Miss FiFi, alady's life, George, Will Dixon, Elizabeth Westmark, Bobby C, The Joy Of Christina, Janie Husband, Chimney Liner, Tammy, Flowers, Kim Roach, Amy's Creative Side, Kat, Rinkly Rimes, Hariharan, and Carolyn Knutter.

Who's the lucky commenter this month and what do they win?

Why it's Elizabeth Westmark and she wins a garden journal! Don't forget to click on one of those orange names above and go for a visit-I know you'll be glad you did.

Happy Easter!

Tipper

p.s. Drop back by in a few days for an update on my planting by the signs saga.

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Spreading February's Love

 

On another snowy day in the mountains of NC, it's time to spread the love for February.

Each of you who commented in February made the Blind Pig a better place to visit-and those of you who commented on the essays-helped encourage some young Appalachian Writers too keep writing. I thank each of you:

Sandy Carlson, Janet, Mary's Writing Nook, Paula, Kathleen, Just Jackie, The Texican, Julie at Elisharose, Miss Cindy, Brenda Kay Ledford, Sheila B., Osagebluff Quilter, Terry, Matthew Burns, GrannyPam, Warren, Lanny, The Fishing Guy, Mary Traveling Hammer, Petra Michelle, SolsticeDreamer, David Templeton, Farmchick Paula, Nancy M., Glenda, Nancy Simpson, Fencepost, Rick's Whitetail Woods, Trisha Too, Mary Life In A Cordwood Cabin, My Carolina Kitchen, Farmchick, Emily Cole, Paul Saltcreek, Patty Hall, JoLyn, Olecrowsnest, The Welldigger, Rachel, Stacey, B. Ruth, CheE, Sallie Covolo, Barbara Gantt, Vicki Lane, Mary Libby, Frances, Jay Henderson, wkf, Michelle, Susie, Ethel, Julie Curtis, Janet Pressley, Eva Nell Mull Wike, Ph.D., Sarah, Wanda, Benny Terry, Two Square Meals, Rooney Floyd, Apple, Stacey South Western PA, Elizabeth, Dee from Tennessee, Lynn, Elizabeth Thomas,  Sue, Vera, Steve A in Florence Ky, Pat in East TN, Charles Fletcher, Shirley, Daniela, doggybloggy, Teresa  Clint, Kay B., Helen G., Jen, Kay Keen, Elliott Queen, Sandra, April, Doug, December & Josey, Jamie Keener, Faye Marshall, Bruce, Crazy, Betsy from Tenn, Trixie Goforth, Crystal, Heather Rojo, Jonathan, Apple, Betty Blankenship, Greta Koel, Ms. Christy Horne, Henrietta Newman, Felted Kiwi, JennyJenny, Susan Rentze, Donna W, Chrisq, JoyceAnn, Ruth, GAFarmWomanPam, Haystack Jackson, RazorFamilyFarms.com, Granny Sue, Egghead, Threecollie, M. Diane Rogers, Teresa Maggie Grace Creates, Abbey Jenkins, Jennifer in OR, Georgie, Richard Beauchamp, Audrey, Marion, Nicolezmomma, Stove Pipe, Barbara Taylor, Mickey McKee, Rick M, Baking Barb, Sandra Spencer, Gwen Mangelson, Brenda S 'Okie in Colorado', and Jenny.

 

Even though it's snowing outside my window, my mind is on: spring, seeds, seedlings, greenhouses, warm dirt, fresh veggies, pretty flowers, mushrooms, sign tests-I guess you get the picture I'm dreaming of this summer's garden. In the spirit of my thoughts-this month's Spread the Love prize is a scrap-booked garden journal-made by me. (to be entered in the monthly giveaway all you have to do is a leave a comment during that month)

The winner is...Rick from Whitetail Woods.

Actually Rick isn't the only winner-since I'm dreaming of the beauty above-I've picked 3 additional names this month-I'll send each person a few flower seeds from the ones I saved last fall. Who are the 3... Jen, Stacey Southwestern Pa, and Marion. (send your addresses to tipper@blindpigandtheacorn.com)

I hope all of you continue to visit the Blind Pig & The Acorn-and don't forget click on a commenters name above and go for a visit, I know you'll be glad you did.

Tipper

p.s. There is still room in the 2nd Annual Blind Pig & the Acorn Planting by the Signs Test-if you're interested in playing along-email me at tipper@blindpigandtheacorn.com

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Spreading The Love For January

Time to Spread the Love for the month of January. You've went along with me as I bemoaned the cold, killed hogs with Keith Jones, made my debut radio appearance, rendered lard with Pap and Granny, made a might fine cake of cornbread, mourned the passing of Arley Phillips and picked out one of my favorite songs Silver Wings-and I thank each of you.

A big shout out for all those who took the time to comment during the month of January:

Sandy Carlson, Janet, Mary's Writing Nook, Paula, Kathleen, Just Jackie, The Texican, Julie at Elisharose, Miss Cindy, Brenda Kay Ledford, Sheila B., Osagebluff Quilter, Terry, Matthew Burns, GrannyPam, Warren, Lanny, The Fishing Guy, Mary Traveling Hammer, Petra Michelle, SolsticeDreamer, David Templeton, Greta Koehl, Farmchick Paula, Nancy M., Glenda, Nancy Simpson, Fencepost, Rick's Whitetail Woods, Trisha Too, Mary Life In A Cordwood Cabin, My Carolina Kitchen, Kelli, Farmchick, Emily Cole, Mike Mclain, Kat, Peggy P, Paul Saltcreek, Patty Hall, JoLyn, Olecrowsnest, The Welldigger, Rachel, Marilyn, Stacey, B. Ruth, CheE, Debbie, Sallie Covolo, Shane Moad, Barbara Gantt, Mary-Annies Goat Hill, John Dilbeck, Vicki Lane, Mary Libby, Frances, Jay Henderson, wkf, Marlene, Tazebell, Michelle, Susie, Ethel, Julie Curtis, Janet Pressley, Mark S., Michael Golch, Tish, Eva Nell Mull Wike, Ph.D., Sarah, Wanda, Christina-The Joy Of, Benny Terry, Two Square Meals, Dana, Catherine Seiberling Pond, Lonnie L. Dockery, Rooney Floyd, Jan, Apple, Annie, Miss FiFi, Stacey South Western PA, Carrie,  Will Dixon, Elizabeth, Ed, Sharon, Dee from Tennessee, Lynn Legge, Jen, Elizabeth Thomas,  Sue, Vera, Steve A in Florence Ky, Pat in East TN, Charles Fletcher, Becky Nicks, Malcolm, Nancy's Family History, Sheila, Shirley, Maggie Mallard, Michelle, Daniela, doggybloggy, Teresa, Wanda Pressley, Steve,  Clint, Brit,  Diane Crafty Passions, Finnishwahine, Dan Myshrall, Warren Meckley, Kay B., Chris, tracy sparks,  Ethelene Dyer Jones, Rhonda, Shirley Bullock, Larry Meckley, Nancy, Cindy Loven, the inadvertent farmer, Denese, Cindy, Rhonda Haslam, Joe Penland, Laura, Eunice, Dejoni, Mckee, Helen G., bluemountainmama, Thea Klein, Laura Jane, Jill at Livin Good Jewelry, and Paula Rhodarmer.

All of your comments-truly make the Blind Pig a better place to visit. This month's winner is...

Rooney Floyd! Since I happen to know Rooney likes good music-I'll be sending him one of Pap and Paul's Lamp Lighting Time cds.

Drop back by to read Keith Jones' memories of cutting firewood back in the day-and we've still got some sausage to can.

Tipper

p.s. don't forget to click on a commenter's name above and go for a visit-I know you'll be glad you did. Also-I'll be announcing the winner of Peggy Poe Stern's book on Wednesday.

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Spreading December's Love

Time to Spread the Love for the month of December.

I had a wonderful December that was full of Christmas, Music, Good Food, Love, Joy-and it was made even better by each of you who took the time to comment-and I thank each of you:

Sandy Carlson, Janet, Mary's Writing Nook, Paula, Kathleen, Carolyn A., Just Jackie, The Texican, Julie at Elisharose, Miss Cindy, Brenda Kay Ledford, Sheila B., Osagebluff Quilter, Terry, Matthew Burns, GrannyPam, Warren, Threecollie, Lanny, The Fishing Guy, Mary Traveling Hammer, Petra Michelle, SolsticeDreamer, David Templeton, Jennifer in OR, Teresa Atkinson, Jenny-Jenny, Greta Koehl, Farmchick Paula, Nancy M., Glenda, Nancy Simpson, Fencepost, Rick's Whitetail Woods, Martina, Trisha Too, Mary Life In A Cordwood Cabin, My Carolina Kitchen, Kelli, Farmchick, Emily Cole, Marie, Mike Mclain, Kat, Peggy P, Granny Sue, Paul Saltcreek, GaFarmWoman , Patty Hall, JoLyn, Olecrowsnest, The Welldigger, Rachel, Marilyn, Stacey, Calann, B. Ruth, CheE, Dean, Debbie, Sallie Covolo, Annie, Shane Moad, Cathy, Judi, Barbara Gantt, Mary-Annies Goat Hill, John Dilbeck, Vicki Lane, Mary Libby, Frances, Jay Henderson, wkf, Marlene, Tazebell, Randy, Michelle, Susie, Ethel, Connie, Julie Curtis, Kathleen, Laura, Yolanda, Far Side Of Fifty, Janet Pressley, Mark S., Michael Golch, Tish, Eva Nell Mull Wike, Ph.D., Sarah, Wanda, Monica Gatti, Christina-The Joy Of, Benny Watt Terry, David Haynes, Judith Richards Shubert, Thea, Two Square Meals, Trainwreck, Dana, Catherine Seiberling Pond, Lonnie L. Dockery, Rooney Floyd, Theresa, Jan, Apple, Christina Bumblee Bee Bags, Marydon Ford, Betty Patton, Annie, Shawn, Miss FiFi, Lisa Louise Cook, Carole Corlew, Steve In Florence KY, Chris, and N.S. Rights.

The winner for December is...

Catherine Seiberling Pond! What does she win? One of my Altered Digital Photos-the 5X7 photo above is matted and ready for framing-all Catherine will need is an 8X10 frame to put it in. I hope she likes it.

I took the photo while riding a ferry down Fontana Lake. We were headed to Hazel Creek for an amazing day full of hiking through history. We went to see the town of Proctor-or I should say what remains of the town. When the TVA built Fontana Dam-it effected quite a few small towns. Most of them were flooded and covered by the lake created when the dam was built. Proctor was effected too-but not by being covered-it was isolated. After the dam was built and the lake filled too capacity-Proctor was only accessible by boat. A post about Proctor is coming up soon-so if you're interested be on the look out for it.

Don't forget-all those names up there in orange-they each have a wonderful website-click on one and go for a visit and I know you'll be glad you did.

Tipper

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November Was Full Of Love To Spread

I'm not sure where the month of November went-it seems to have taken place in warp speed. As I drive along the curvy roads of life-its always nice to know you Acorns are willing to hop on board for the ride.

I thank each one of you who took the time to comment during the month of November:

Sandy Carlson, Rick M., Janet, Mary's Writing Nook, Paula, Kathleen, Amy, Carolyn A., Just Jackie, The Texican, Julie at Elisharose, Miss Cindy, Brenda Kay Ledford, Sheila, Osagebluff Quilter, Terry, Matthew Burns, GrannyPam, Warren, Threecollie, Helen G., Lanny, The Fishing Guy, Mary Traveling Hammer, Petra Michelle, SolsticeDreamer, David Templeton, Jennifer in OR, Teresa Atkinson, Jenny-Jenny, Greta Koehl, Farmchick Paula, Nancy M., Glenda, Nancy Simpson, Fencepost, Rick's Whitetail Woods, Martina, Shirley, Trisha Too, Mary Life In A Cordwood Cabin, My Carolina Kitchen, Kelli, Picture Girl, Farmchick, Emily Cole, Marie, Mike Mclain, Kat, Shirley Bullock, Peggy P, Granny Sue, Paul Saltcreek, GaFarmWoman , Patty Hall, JoLyn, Olecrowsnest, The Welldigger, Rachel, Marilyn, Stacey, Calann, B. Ruth, CheE, Dean, Malcolm, Debbie, Ethelene Dyer Jones, Beth W, Sallie Covolo, Annie, Shane Moad, Will Dixon, Karen B, finnishwahine, Cathy, Penny, Judi, Karen, Barbara Gantt, Dave Tabler, Mary-Annies Goat Hill, John Dilbeck, Denese, Holly Spencer, Vicki Lane, Mary Libby, Zola Marshall, Becky Kelley, Gloria Bautista, Rhonda, J.R. Hotmetal Clark, Frances, Jay Henderson, wkf, Keith Jones, Paul Chaney, Jane Patton, Wade Taylor, Marlene, Tazebell, Quilter Bear, Elizabeth, Kendra at New Life Homestead, A Joyful Chaos, Wanda, Jean Kinsey, Alana Jo, Carol, Valerie B, Gloria, Donna, Randy, Morgan, Ed Mahaffey, and Charles Fletcher.

This month's lucky Acorn is...

Charles Fletcher. Charles is a new comer to the Blind Pig-but rest assured he is a very interesting Acorn and you'll be hearing more about him in the coming weeks.

Charles wins one of Paul and Pap's Christmas Cds: Songs of Christmas. You can enjoy a few of the songs each time you visit(they're playing on the music player). If you're interested in purchasing a cd-just click on "Buy Pap and Paul's Music" over on the left hand side of the page for details.

Don't forget to click a commenter's name and go for a visit-I know you'll be glad you did.
 

Tipper

p.s. I just re-stocked the Blind Pig & the Acorn Etsy store. There are quite a few 8 X 10 matted prints for 10 bucks which includes shipping and handling-not a bad deal for someone on your Christmas List.

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Spreading The September Love

I'm sending a big Thank You to all the Acorns who took the time to comment during the month of September. You went along with me as I preserved food for the girls lunches, saved flower seeds the way Granny taught me, ate some delicious food at a pig pickin, finally got my fall garden planted, helped the boys pick out the Midnight Special, listened to the katydids, cured the toothache-and the itch.

Each comment you leave on the Blind Pig makes it a better place-and I thank each of you:

Sandy Carlson, Rick M., Cathy, wkf, Janet, Mary's Writing Nook, Paula, Kathleen, Amy, Carolyn A., Just Jackie, The Texican, Julie at Elisharose, Miss Cindy, Brenda Kay Ledford, Sheila, Osagebluff Quilter, Dee from Tennessee, Marlene, Kim Campbell, Terry, Matthew Burns, GrannyPam, Warren, Threecollie, Helen G., Lanny, The Fishing Guy, Kristi, Mary Traveling Hammer, Petra Michelle, SolsticeDreamer, Lisa, David Templeton, Jennifer in OR, Teresa Atkinson, Twosquaremeals, Jenny-Jenny, Greta Koehl, Farmchick Paula, Nancy M., Julie Curtis, Glenda, Leslie, Nancy Simpson, Fencepost, Rick's Whitetail Woods, Martina, Icecream, Shirley, Trisha Too, Brenda S 'Okie in Colorado, Valarie, Mary Life In A Cordwood Cabin, My Carolina Kitchen, Kelli, Caution Flag, Picture Girl, Pat Workman, Farmchick, Old Red Barn Co., Randy, Emily Cole, Kay, Mary-Annies Goat Hill, Michelle, Molly, Marie, Nancy, Patty H, Mike Mclain, Marydon Ford, Sheila, Kat, Shirley Bullock, Apple, Egghead, Tammy, Christina's Joy, Coach Daily, Peggy P, Granny Sue, Christina Bumblee Bee Bags, Paul Saltcreek, Carole Corlew, Yolanda, Toni Love Hyder Williams, Eva M. Wike, Lynda Lawerence, Shirley, Chris, Suzanne, GaFarmWoman , Patty Hall, Doug D, Ger Kusterman, E, Kristee, Ginger Leigh, Kikithespunkymunkey, Paul Wald, Far Side Of Fifty, Phil, Crowjoy, and TenZen.

I want to give you a heads up on some things that will be going on here at the Blind Pig. Starting soon-I'll be adding a new monthly feature. I've written about writers from Appalachia before, mostly poets, but in the future I'm going to make a real effort to support Appalachian Writers. Doesn't matter to me-if folks write for the masses and the money or if they write for their own creative outlet-I believe they all should be supported and celebrated-so be on the look out for this new feature.

Today is October 1st-this begins the month of black cats, jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, and trick-or-treaters. I plan to share some spooky stories during the month-and I hope you'll help me by sharing some of too. If you have a blog-share yours there and link back to me-you can grab this photo:

If you don't have a blog-but want to play along-email me the story at tipper@blindpigandtheacorn.com and I'll share it for you. The stories can be funny, silly, eerie, mysterious, scary-just something that fits this month. Got more than one? Save the best story for the week of Halloween when I'll have a Mr. Linky to link our stories together.

Now back to spreading the love. The prize for September is a small altered digital photo-made by me. The winner is...

Janet -Hope you like the prize! And I hope the rest of you Acorns keep commenting!

Tipper

p.s. The photos at the top-the girls have been practicing their clogging like crazy-the biggest show of the year is coming up this weekend-wish them luck!!

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Spreading The August Love

 

Time to Spread the Love for the month of August.

Sandy Carlson, Rick M., Cathy, wkf, Janet, Mary's Writing Nook, Paula, Kathleen, Amy, Carolyn A., Just Jackie, The Texican, Julie at Elisharose, Miss Cindy, Brenda Kay Ledford, Sheila Bergeron, Osagebluff Quilter, Dee from Tennessee, Marlene, Kim Campbell, Terry, Matthew Burns, GrannyPam, Vera, Warren, Threecollie, Helen G., Lanny, Stacey, The Fishing Guy, Kristi, Mary Traveling Hammer, Petra Michelle, SolsticeDreamer, Lisa, David Templeton, Jennifer in OR, Teresa Atkinson, Twosquaremeals, Jenny-Jenny, Greta Koehl, Farmchick Paula, Nancy M., Julie Curtis, Annie, Glenda, Sallie Covolo, Leslie, Nancy Simpson, Fencepost, Rick's Whitetail Woods, Martina, Shawnee, Shirley, Trisha Too, Brenda S 'Okie in Colorado, Debbie, Valarie, Mary Life In A Cordwood Cabin, Finnishwahine, My Carolina Kitchen, Louise, Kelli, Caution Flag, Picture Girl, Marilyn, Jeanne, Pat Workman, Farmchick, Old Red Barn Co., Randy, Emily Cole, Kay, Mary-Annies Goat Hill, Abbey Jenkins, Michelle, Dean Laughing Owl Farm, Welldigger, Dejoni, Molly, Marie, Ginger, Cre, Nancy, Keith Jones, Chirs Quinones, Rhoda-Southern Hospitality, Denese, Ed Williams, Bettyl, Catherine from The Pantry, Steve, Patty H, dmcelhoes, Pat, Misty, M. Mclain, Malcolm, Marydon Ford, Sheila, Kathy, Kat, Jack, and Eric Madison.

Each one of your comments-makes the Blind Pig a better place to visit and I thank you.

This months prize:

A jar of 14 Day Pickles. After all the pickle along hoopla-I thought someone ought to get to try a jar. The winner is...Rhoda-I hope she likes them as much as I do.

Don't forget to click on a commenters name and go for a visit-you can read about everything from an Appalachian Boy's new life in Thailand to caterpillars that devour oak leaves.

Tipper

Making Blackberry Jelly - The Old Time Way

 

Blackberry-is by far my favorite kind of jelly. I remember eating peanut butter and blackberry jelly sandwiches as an after school snack when I was a kid. Sometimes I'd swear someone else ate the other half of my sandwich it was so good-it disappeared too fast.

I make Blackberry Jelly every year-I've always used Sure Jel/Pectin in my jelly making but after hearing this I wanted to give the old way a try and see if it was indeed better.

 

First I looked my berries-rinsed them off in the sink and picked out all the leaves. I put them in a pot on the stove-added water until it barely begin to come up to the berries and cooked them about 20 minutes.

 

Next I poured the berries into an old flour sack (cheese cloth or an old pillow case would work too) and tied it on a broom over a pot to drain the juice out. After I had gotten all the juice from the bag-I put it back on the stove and brought it too a boil-boiling 10 minutes.

 

Next I added sugar. I followed the directions from the Mountain Folk Interview-and one of the Foxfire book-both said to add one cup of sugar for each cup of blackberry juice. This made the jelly very very sweet. If I make it this way again-I'll cut back on the sugar by half.

 

I brought the sugar juice mixture back to a boil. This is where I ran into trouble. Granny told me you have to boil it a long time to get it to set-and I remember her having to pour her jelly back in the pot and boil it some more when I was a child. What happened? I boiled mine way too long-I ended up with a rock hard mess-I mean you could lay blocks with it.

On my second try-I used my instincts instead of worrying about how long to boil-I watched the consistency of the jelly and when it begin to jell on my saucer (like in the picture above) I called it done. And it was.

 

Next comes putting the jelly in the jars. I use the open kettle method-which means-you have your jars, rings, taps, and jelly all at boiling temperature-and then you fill the hot jars with the hot jelly attach the hot taps and rings-and let the heat seal your jars. I know this method isn't recommended anymore-not by any canning/preservation authorities-but it's the method my family and The Deer Hunter's family have used for the last 40 years and it works for us.

After filling the jars-I turn them upside down for about 5 minutes then turn them back right side up-and cover with a towel to hold in heat. Then I listen for the wonderful sound of popping lids to let me know they all sealed.

 

My thoughts after trying the old fashioned way of making jelly:

*The first batch-tasted better because I started with fresh berries-but I ruined it by cooking it too long. I should follow my instincts instead of worrying about a set recipe.

*The second batch I made from juice I had in the freezer from last summer. It turned out beautiful-but a little too sweet. Next time I'll cut back on the sugar.

*Using pectin/Sure Jel is an easier method for someone like me-who likes specific directions. But I am glad I tried and conquered the old time way-even if it did take me 2 tries.

So have you ever made Blackberry Jelly the old time way?

Tipper

p.s. I'm having a giveaway for a $20 Walmart Gift Card-it started yesterday. Comment on any post between yesterday and Friday July 17th at 7:00pm. 5 Extra entries if you subscribe to the Blind Pig by email or in a reader (form is in upper left hand corner of this page under my picture). If you're already a subscriber-and want 5 extra entries-post about the giveaway, mention it on facebook, or send a friend my way. Anyone who gets the 5 extra entries by subscribing or spreading the word-email me at tipper@blindpigandtheacorn.com and let me know so I can be sure to add in your extra entries.