Food Photo of the Day ~ Marmalade

I... we, did get up to having a bit of kitchen foolery. I say that because we did not exactly slave in the kitchen to make these jars of marmalade. Most of the pulp, rind and essence that makes up this jam was already done and came in a huge can. We just added the sugar, water and a dollop of butter, followed the directions and simmered it on the stove and poured it into sterilized jars. It was a bit of a process however not labour intensive. I remember my parents making strawberry jam and helping out, my husband and I have made lemon curd and he recalls making jars of various things when growing up. If anything this was a process, an exercise and certainly gives me a taste for creating my own jam from start to finish.  

- JD  

Bacon Marmalade

Was really intrigued when we saw this on the shelf. Two worlds are colliding in a very savoury way. If you need a quick bacon fix then this might do. I did slather it on toast and it was quite nice. To me, seems that it would work better with cheese and crackers, waffles and meats. 

Have a good weekend everyone! - JD

More Scottish Tartans Preserve

Just shortly after one of my viewers commented on the first post I did regarding the Scottish Tartans preserves they magically appeared at Winner's. The universe works in mysterious ways. Surprised, I bought a few. For the many American viewers that read my blog you may want to check out Marshalls. And hopefully you will find some there. To the Canadian viewers check out Winner's frequently. As always around this time of year there seems to be a landslide of kitchen/pantry items.   

This line of preserve is made by York Speacialty Foods LTD in Wheldrake, York, England Y019 6NA. There was no other additional information on the jar than that. This may help you in finding them online. 

- JW  

Casa Giulia Lemon Marmalade

If you like lemons and enjoy marmalade, this is the breakfast spread for you. In fact this is so good that I want to spread it over everything. Not too sweet and loads of tartness to tantalize the tongue which leaves one picturing rows of lemon trees, tall glasses of lemonade and mountains of lemon gelato.

Enjoy your long weekend everyone! - JW 

Pink Grapefruit

With the closure of one British shop I had to resort in going to another one here in E-town. There I found this MacKays Pink Grapefruit marmalade. It has a subtle sweet tart flavour which is a nice change from orange marmalade which may have a sharp bitter flavour. MacKays offer plenty of jams and marmalades. And I am never disappointed with the flavour. Another favourite of mine is the Dundee marmalade. - JW 

Scottish Tartans Preserve

If you are mad about plaid than this should put a smile upon your face at the breakfast table. Another Winners find. These jams are absolutely delicious and not overly sweet. They are made in York, England and give a brief tartan history about the clans tartan that graces the label. The thick Rhubarb and Ginger preserve is wonderful! I highly reccommend that one. I have not tried the Raspberry preserve. Although a round of scones would do that one very nicely.   

Hope you all had a great weekend. - JW 

Lavender Jelly

The only thing wrong with this is that I should have bought the larger jar! 
I bought this from a lovely little shop at the Market Place at Brogdale Farm which is the home of the National Fruit Collection. Brogdale Cottage Foods is a family owned and run bussiness. We bought a selection of local British cheeses and two small pots of this Lavender Jelly. One pot was devoured in England with crackers and cheese and the other boarded the plane with me. Ready for a cold winters day when I am craving a taste of summer - JW 

Windsor Preserves

Another Winner's find. This jam was nice with no overindulgent strawberry flavour . Not to sweet and not to fluid either. It was as stiff as they come. You could slice it with a knife. I like to use a spoon when serving up jams. Mornings dipping into this was met with a bit of a struggle. As far as the champagne flavour you could not taste it. So don't shy away from the whiskey and champagne preserve bottles. The gold cord bow is a nice touch however nothing really royal tasting here. - JW

Lemon Curd

Another spread I like is lemon curd. The label states "surprising english flavour." I was assuming that Rule Britannia would play when I opened the jar or with a mere morsel I would be enjoying a lovely picnic in Regent's Park. It did neither! When I think of lemon curd I think of Scotland. Why? I have no idea! Lemon curd is of Great Britain; England, Scotland and Wales, origin. I have tried many curds... Fortnum and Mason's being, by far, the best! This one I place second. I have made my own lemon curd to which I was quite pleased with my first time results. I find it is a great alternative to jam and can be used on a variety of things. Such as crumpets, scones, pancakes, sponge cakes, toast, ice cream and yoghurt. -JW

Marmalade

I luv marmalade! Probably just as much as Paddington Bear if not more. It isn't a big surprise that I will try many different flavours and varieties. I found this jar at Winners a few week ago. I was quite taken with the packaging and of coarse the lemon and lime combination. I found the lime flavour prevailed over the lemon which gives this marmalade a very unique taste. A delicious way to wake up in the morning. - JW