Okay, I guess the first step to overcoming an addiction is admitting you have a problem. I am addicted to jellies and jams. That's right. I cannot get enough. I would buy a bottle of jam, jelly or preserve every time I went to the store if I wasn't already in a lot of trouble for the amount that are currently in the house. And lack of storage. I need a cupboard devoted to preserves.
This problem all came to light a couple of weeks ago when David and Danette were in town. One morning, I made a delicious zucchini and asparagus fritatta with toast, juice and coffee for breakfast. I got out all of the opened jars of preserves that were in the fridge (apricot, mixed berry [blueberry/cherry], pear and lingonberry) and told my guests I had a couple of more in the pantry if there wasn't anything they liked out. (Okay, I had like six more in the cupboard in addition to honey.)
"Strawberry?" someone asked.
"No," I replied, "but I have a lovely organic raspberry."
"Grape?" someone else asked.
"No, but I have a really delicious acai-pomegranate...."
"Plum?"
"No, but have you tried these fig preserves from Georgia?"
I was called out, not only for having too many jams, but for having too many 'exotic' jams. I love them all, what can I say, but am definitely drawn to the the ones that are different. I can't stop, I won't. Why should I? My little jam affliction isn't hurting anyone is it? Not really. In fact, it's helping people. Jam and jelly makers all across this county. This planet! I don't have a problem, it's the limited-jelly-flavor fans who are too scared, too safe in their little strawberry or grape jelly boxes, to try something new who have a problem. No apologies!
Complete list of preserves currently available at my house:
Apricot
Lingonberry
Mixed fruit, blueberry/cherry
Pear
Low-sugar blueberry
Fig
Amaretto Peach (I think this was a gift, because I don't do peach)
Strawberry (A new purchase to appease the masses)
Apricot (Unopened. What can I say, I love apricot.)
Raspberry
Mixed fruits, black currant/acai/pomegranate
Next week: a complete list of my condiments.
Mangez!