Chirstmas in July

Today is the 1st of July, and Christmas is less then six months away!  Let's get busy and start getting ready.  I have made berry syrup this week, great on pancakes, waffles, French toast, and ice cream.  On the left side is blueberry syrup, and on the right a mixed berry syrup.  Very easy to make, and with some pancake mix would make a wonderful gift for someone this Christmas season.  

Pancake Syrup

12 cups berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc)  Use one kind or mix them up.

5 to 7 cups sugar

Wash all fruit, place in a pan, mash well (potato masher works well).

On low heat start to cook down, when the juices start to flow start adding the sugar. After you add the 5 cups check to see how sweet it is, if you use the full 7 cups it will also be a little more thicker.

Cook to it starts to boil, and the sugar dissolves.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Place in a blender, or run though a food mill.  A food mill will leave you with juice, the blender will give you some pieces of fruit.  I like a little fruit in mine, but this is up to you.

While the syrup is cooling down, get your jars and lids ready.

Return the blended juice to your pot and heat to boiling again.

Fill each jar to about a 1/2" from the top.

Water bath 1/2 pints 10 minutes, pints 15 minutes.  Remove from canner, and listen to your lids pop.

There are great web site with basic canning directions if this is new to you.

Pancake Mix

12 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar

4 cups powder milk

2 tablespoons salt

3/4 cup baking powder

Mix together, and place in a tightly sealed container.

To make pancakes use

1 1/2 cups of the above mix

1 egg beaten

1 cup water

2 tablespoon salad oil

Mix well, cook on a hot grill, serve hot with butter, and your homemade syrup.

Some of the mix, with syrup, would make a wonderful gift to a co worker, neighbor, friend, or a elderly person on your list. Place in a basket, gift bag, or wrap up in a dish towel, with a new wooden spoon.   The best part is you can read what you are eating! 

Some gifts done!  I will have some more fresh from the garden or farm market ideas for the holidays.

Enjoy!