Update from Jam on the Hill

I can't believe I'm still sitting here at my desk basked in sunshine..I think it may be time to ditch my thermals after all!! May and Samm are as busy as ever in the kitchen and the incredible aromas rising from downstairs are making my tastebuds do cartwheels. they've just made Chilli Sauce and it's HOT,HOT,HOT, which is exactly as it should be,although I recommend a jug of margerita's to put out the fire. Mmmmmm, Yummy.

May made scones this morning and it would have been rude of me not to accept the one she brought me covered in our Summer Pudding mixed berry jam. I can't understand why my waistline is expanding!! Rosie and I had a lovely week-end at The Smithy with 2 full days of classes,"Some Like It Hot",another great reason for me to sample shots of our limoncello,purely medicinal you understand, to put out the fire in my mouth.

Samm and I are off to join the team from Jam Jar Shop next week at the Country Living Fair, come and visit us, we'd love to see you and hear all your preserve making adventures. Or why not join one of fun weekends of classes, you do know that jam making is to the soul what the little black dress is to our wardrobes - an essential. Well bye for now,hopefully see you next week with rosie and the team,if not you'll hear all our adventures in my blog the week after... Penelope x

Spring at 'Jam on the Hill'

Today is a beautiful sunny day at The Smithy, the birds are singing, ( as are May and Samm in the kitchen) and the green outside is awash with Snowdrops and Crocuses. The Daffodils are just awakening from a long slumber and the “Spreading Chestnut Tree”, which was mentioned in Longfellow's poem, has tiny buds on its’ branches. We often have locals popping in for a quick cuppa, a chat and a sample of the latest taste bud awakener that we’ve made in the kitchen ,Chilli Jam is the hot favourite at the moment!!

The Seville Oranges are now dormant for another year, so we’ve stock piled all the wonderful Seville Orange Marmalade, some with the added flavours of Ginger and Whisky, (which no doubt was sampled first on a cold morning.. hic!!). On Saturday we have our first Wedding Favours Day which is very exciting, May and Samm are busy in the kitchen baking Lemon Drizzle Cake topped with our Marmalade for Afternoon Tea…Mmmmm delicious… maybe I can sneak down later and nibble at a corner and blame the local field mice!!..although once started, I doubt there would even be a crumb left for any visiting mouse!!

When I think of Spring my mind wanders to all the lovely fruits, and the jam making adventures to come, we’ll keep you posted!! Our classes are filling up quickly so if you were thinking of coming along to one maybe you had better get it booked!

BTW we have an Open Day on April 2nd with all sorts of lovely things for Easter - come and see us if you are close enough.

Bye for now…..Penelope