This year the fig trees were slow about ripening, because of the lack of rain for a few weeks, then when the rains came all those little green figs began ripening. They are sweet little bites of goodness that are very good for you. When I do the preserves, I leave then whole and let them cook slowly in a sugar-honey syrup with some thinly sliced lemon. They begin to soften and become clear but usually hold their shape. I love these right out of the jar and especially on fresh hot biscuits or toast. That will get your day started and make you happy to get going. I hope you enjoy these as much as we do. Come winter you will be glad to open a jar of these for that yummy warm feeling.
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This year the fig trees were slow about ripening, because of the lack of rain for a few weeks, then ... more

Our Navaho, Arapaho, and Black Satin thornless blackberries are grown in our fruit orchard in Cottonwood, Alabama. I pick blackberries from mid May to mid June. You have to have blackberry jelly for a PB & J sandwich! Delicious on a buttered biscuit, too!
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Our Navaho, Arapaho, and Black Satin thornless blackberries are grown in our fruit orchard in Cottonwood, Alabama. I pick blackberries ... more

Our peppers are grown in our garden in Cottonwood, Alabama. Jalapeno, Sweet Banana, Cayenne, and Bell peppers. This blend is a little heat with sweet for a delicious combination. I always serve Hot Pepper Jelly on a Ritz Cracker with cream cheese.
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Our peppers are grown in our garden in Cottonwood, Alabama. Jalapeno, Sweet Banana, Cayenne, and Bell peppers. This blend is ... more

Our Mayhaws are grown in our fruit orchard in Cottonwood, Alabama. The Mayhaws ripen in the month of May and resemble a miniature red apple. Each stem has long thorns. We usually shake the tree and gather the Mayhaw berries on the ground. It is a beautiful red color and delicious on buttered toast.
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Our Mayhaws are grown in our fruit orchard in Cottonwood, Alabama. The Mayhaws ripen in the month of May and ... more

This jam has all the flavor of an old world chutney but the consistency of jam. At first taste the fall spices create an amazing fruit pie taste, then it finishes with a hint of candied ginger. This not-too-sweet jam is great on anything buttered (of course!), but would also enhance grilled meats and sauces. We use sand pears from a gnarly old tree on our family farm. My 74 year old father remembers it being "the old pear tree" when when he was just a kid. Some things just get better with age.
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This jam has all the flavor of an old world chutney but the consistency of jam. At first taste the ... more

This is a very old recipe given to me by an elderly neighbor. There is no honey in the recipe. I believe the name derives from the rich depth of flavor created by the pears, pineapple and vanilla. Pear Honey is just absolutely wonderful on anything buttered. If you look online, you'll find people arguing about the name. Silly people, just eat it!! We use sand pears from a gnarly old tree on our family farm. My 74 year old father remembers it being "the old pear tree" when when he was just a kid. Some things just get better with age.
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This is a very old recipe given to me by an elderly neighbor. There is no honey in the recipe. ... more

Classic Pear Preserves like grandma used to make. Pears, sugar, lemon juice and cook until you get tired. We use sand pears from a gnarly old tree on our family farm. My 74 year old father remembers it being "the old pear tree" when when he was just a kid. Some things just get better with age.
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Classic Pear Preserves like grandma used to make. Pears, sugar, lemon juice and cook until you get tired. We use ... more

Our most popular jam! My husband (pepper head that he is) tweaked this recipe until he had the most amazing SASSY Apricot Jam. Have no fear, it isn't "hot" but it is zesty. We don't usually eat this like regular jam, but it adds a whole new dimension to a sausage biscuit! This is the most awesome jam! It great as a dippinng sauce for grilled pork or chicken, poured over cream cheese or added to BBQ sauce or stir-fry! Hubby loves it on vanilla ice cream. (I know, I know, but I love him) This jam is made with dried apricots, ripe bell peppers and habaneros. (Did you know habaneros have a fruity flavor?) Note that cooking will increase heat level.
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Our most popular jam! My husband (pepper head that he is) tweaked this recipe until he had the most amazing ... more

This jam is also called Indian Chutney! It has a sweet spicy flavor that is excellent as a condiment for beef, chicken or pork. It is one of the condiments used in Indian Curry. This one is tomato based.
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This jam is also called Indian Chutney! It has a sweet spicy flavor that is excellent as a condiment for ... more