QUICK & EASY ZUCCHINI-CHERRY JAM

Yes, even busy cooks can make homemade jam to give as gifts or to enjoy with family and friends.

1 large zucchini
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 can (20-oz) crushed pineapple
6 cups sugar
1 pkg (3-oz) cherry gelatin

Peel and shred the zucchini.  In a 2-quart saucepan, bring the zucchini and lemon juice to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.  Stir in the pineapple and the sugar.  Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.  Cook for 5 minutes; remove from the heat.  Stir in the gelatin until dissolved.

Ladle the hot jam mixture into hot sterilized pint or half-pint jars; leave a half inch of space at the top.  Seal with hot two-piece lids.  Process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

Yield: 2 pints or 4 half pints

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PICKLED CARROTS

This recipe is from an August 1948 The Farm Wife and Home page from a now defunct Southern Indiana Farm Publication. Note: This is not a quick recipe as the carrots must set overnight. It is, however, easy and one I thought some of you would enjoy.

1 quart vinegar
1 tablespoon each of whole cloves, allspice, and mace
1 quart sugar
1 stick of cinnamon
carrots

Boil the carrots until the skins slip easily.  Remove skins and slice or keep whole.  Tie the spices in a bag and bring to a boil in pickling solution.  Pour the boiling solution over carrots and allow to stand overnight.  Bring to boil and boil for 5 minutes.  Remove the spice bag.  Pack carrots into hot sterilized jars to within one-half inch of top.  Seal while hot.

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