Peppermint Jelly

With the end of summer past and my herbs getting leggy, I gave them a good haircut, laying the leaves out to dry. Once dried, I grind and store them in sealed jars for use during the winter months.

One of the things I trimmed was my peppermint. Ummm! The aromatic fragrance of freshly cut mint is just beautiful. But, instead of drying, I decided to make Mint Jelly (recipe follows), which only has five ingredients.

One question that was brought to me attention was “What are you going to do with so much jelly—peppermint jelly, to be specific?” Good question! Ah! I have the perfect answer. Gifts! With a little fabric topper in a pretty fall print tied with packing twine and a little gift card attached, you have a perfect hostess gift.

Remember that mint jelly is great with lamb or over cream cheese spread over ginger snaps. Enjoy!

Homemade Sun Butter

When asked about becoming a part of the outreach ministry for my church, I got to thinking about what I could share in addition to the words of Jesus with others. And because I am so keenly aware of the many, many folks with food allergies, some severe, in addition to those with diseases such as my husband's Celiac disease, I came up with a two part idea that is easy enough children can help. Use canola oil to eliminate all of the recognized allergens.

First, we will make Homemade Sun Butter (recipe follows). Second, the sun butter that is our gift along with a recipe for Sun Butter Cookies ( Click here for the recipe) which the family we are visiting can make with the their children and family. 

My Homemade Sun Butter is terrific on gluten free crackers or as a substitute in any recipe that calls for peanut or any other nut butter. My version is much cheaper than the store bought stuff and tastes better. Why does my Homemade Sun Butter taste better? Because it is made with love.

The attached card is easily made with any desk-top publishing program and a color printer, or hand write the recipe and simply add a fall sticker from the craft store.

Lemon Herb Mayo Spread

Being rather tired of traditional burger condiments, I set out to develop a spread for burgers that was both bright and took advantage of my spring herbs. The amazing result was the birth of my Lemon Herb Mayo Spread (recipe follows). Here it tops my Lamb Burger (click for recipe). In addition to being a delicious topping for burgers, it is a tasty dip.