Putting up in Store

I have been getting my hands dirty lately.

Don't worry.  

I haven't turned into Lady Macbeth or anything.  This is only cherry juice that stained my fingers red for a few days.

I have been processing summer fruit over the last few weeks.  Some of it was purchased from growers or farm stands, and some was picked with my own (and my children's :) ) hands.

 These cherries will be delicious in smoothies and desserts next winter now that I've pitted them and packaged them for the freezer.

So far, I've also made some normal jam with my Mom (strawberry and apricot-pineapple) and freezer jam (strawberry and apricot). 

We plan to go raspberry picking next week and freeze some for smoothies, as well as make more 

(lots more--raspberry is the best!) jam.  

And sometime in August, we will definitely can and freeze as many peaches as I can possibly manage. Yum.

I have done more this year than I ever have in year's past to preserve seasonal fruit.  There is something infinitely satisfying about strapping on my apron and "putting up" what is so bountiful and delicious (and cheap!) today so that it can be enjoyed the middle of the coldest, dreariest winter.  

Corny as it may sound, when I do this--I feel bonded to all the many women who have put their time and love into feeding their families in generations past.  Maybe that's why I stopped and took a picture of this lovely rural cemetery in Carnation, WA when we drove out there to pick our berries.

What about you?  Are you putting up anything this summer?