Thursday, October 3, 2019
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Making Grape Jam
So, I got enough grapes this year to make jam again. This is how everything went.
Grapes harvested
And weighed out
Next comes the fun part. Preparing. You have to take them off of the stems & separate the innards from the skins. There I am having tons of fun. It's necessary to wear a glove on the hand that you'll use for squishing the innards out, otherwise, you'll end up with pink/purple hands.
Check out those grape guts & skins
Next, we dump the grape guts into a pot & cook them til they're all mushy
Once they've turned to mush, they'll need to be strained to get the seeds out. We don't want all those seeds in our jam.
Look at all those seeds!
Liquid grape guts
Next, you dump the liquid grape guts back into the pot & add the skins. Remember those skins from the beginning? Now is the time that they get used.
Once it starts to change colour, you add the sugar in. 1 cup per pound of grapes. Since I had just over 1 1/2 pounds of grapes, I added about 1 3/4 cup of sugar. Now, you cook it with the sugar until it starts to thicken.
Notice how the colour gets the longer you cook it?
The end result is this lovely dark colour.
Next, you make sure that your jars are clean.
See the nice clean jars? Fill up said jars with the jam & put the lids on tight.
This was a sample during the cooking process. See how nice & thick it is after it cools. Mmmm...it tastes good.
Here's a video of the jam cooking
Making Grape Jam
That's all there's to it. Now, Here's the recipe that I used. I had found it online a few years back.
Grapes harvested
Next, you dump the liquid grape guts back into the pot & add the skins. Remember those skins from the beginning? Now is the time that they get used.
Next, you make sure that your jars are clean.
Making Grape Jam
That's all there's to it. Now, Here's the recipe that I used. I had found it online a few years back.
Concord
Grapes Jam by DK on Oct
11, 2011
It's
sweet and its slightly tart and it has the MOST AMAZING purple blue
colour.
From what I read online, Concord Grapes (from Concord, of course!)
are less sweet than regular grapes and which you can skin easily. You
can give a slight squeeze at one end and you will find the pulp
readily leaving their skins. These are mostly used for their juice,
Jams and jelly - remember Welch?
They are also used for making pies and tarts. Due to the fact that
they have large seeds they are normally not used for eating just as
they are.
- Cook time: 30 min to 1 hour
- Prep time: Under 30 min
- Serves: 8+ people
- Yields: Around 5 cups
Ingredients
- 3 lbs ripe Concord Grapes
- 3 cups Sugar (see Tips)
Tips
Sugar:
The book suggests using additional 1 cup (total 4 cups) if you prefer
your jam sweeter. I used only 3 cups and for us it was quite sweet
already.
Method
1.
Wash the grapes well in cold water.
2.
Pick the Grapes off their stems.
3.
Squeeze them out of their skins into a stainless steel pot. It’s
totally fine if a little skin stays stuck to the pulp.
4.
It’s a cumbersome process indeed but it doesn't take as long as you
might think. The book suggested something on the lines of 15 minutes.
For me, in spite of distractions galore from a little one trying to
whisk the grape from the table to trying to capture photos, it took
only 30 minutes.
5.
Set aside the Grape skins. You will be using them later.
6.
Yay! Pink fingers! Well you might have coloured fingers even after
washing them and you will be fated to remain with pink palms for the
rest of your life..err..ahem! OK! Bad joke I know!
7.
Place this pot of grape pulp over medium heat.
8.
Cover and bring to a gentle boil.
9.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10.
When the grapes have broken down to a mush remove them from the heat.
11.
Place a large bowl in the sink and set the sieve over it. Pour the
grape pulp into the sieve
12.
and using a wooden spoon, push down the pulp through the mesh.
13.
Discard the seeds.
14.
Add the grape skin to the pulp
15.
and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 2 minutes
wherein you will notice that the now this mixture has turned dark
thanks to the colour
of the grape skins.
16.
Alternatively while the jam was coming to a boil, warm the sugar in a
150F oven.
17.
Gradually add the warm sugar, stirring in 1 cup at a time to the
pulp.
18.
Bring back to a rolling boil and cook stirring constantly. Did
you look at that color? Deep purple! Looks mind bogglingly good,
isn’t it?
19. How
to check if your Jam is done?
1. Temperature Test – If the temperature (using a candy thermometer) shows 220ºF (or 104ºC), then the Jam is done. Make sure that your thermometer is placed vertically and the bulb is covered with the jam. The bulb should NOT touch the bottom of the pan.
2. Spoon Test – This is similar to how you test a sugar thread consistency. Take a cool metal spoon and dip it into the boiling Jam mixture. When you life the spoon, if the Jam runs off the spoon like a syrup, then the Jam needs more cooking time. But if it is heavier and drops like slate/sheet off the spoon instead of flowing as drops, you know that the Jam is done.
3. Refrigerator Test - I mostly use this method to check the doneness of my jams. I keep a plate in the freezer and remove it when I want to test. I then pour a small amount of the boiling jelly/jam on this plate and let it sit in the fridge for few seconds. If the mixture gels /mounds and wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it's done. If runny and it does not have a body to it, then continue to cook the jam for few more minutes until it clears the nudge test.
I hope you enjoyed my little jam making adventure.
1. Temperature Test – If the temperature (using a candy thermometer) shows 220ºF (or 104ºC), then the Jam is done. Make sure that your thermometer is placed vertically and the bulb is covered with the jam. The bulb should NOT touch the bottom of the pan.
2. Spoon Test – This is similar to how you test a sugar thread consistency. Take a cool metal spoon and dip it into the boiling Jam mixture. When you life the spoon, if the Jam runs off the spoon like a syrup, then the Jam needs more cooking time. But if it is heavier and drops like slate/sheet off the spoon instead of flowing as drops, you know that the Jam is done.
3. Refrigerator Test - I mostly use this method to check the doneness of my jams. I keep a plate in the freezer and remove it when I want to test. I then pour a small amount of the boiling jelly/jam on this plate and let it sit in the fridge for few seconds. If the mixture gels /mounds and wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it's done. If runny and it does not have a body to it, then continue to cook the jam for few more minutes until it clears the nudge test.
I hope you enjoyed my little jam making adventure.
Oopsie....apparently I did not add enough sugar to my jam, so it's a bit tart. Oh well.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Friday, August 23, 2019
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Heat Warning Out
We're under a heat warning.
4:52 AM CDT Saturday 03 August 2019
Heat Warning in effect for:
Highs near 32 are expected today in the Red River Valley, with humidex values approaching the 40 mark. Warm temperatures will continue tonight, with overnight lows near 20. Sunday will be somewhat unsettled with a good chance of thunderstorms and continuing warm with highs again near the 30 mark. Passage of a cold front will bring a return to more seasonal conditions on Monday, with daytime highs in the mid-twenties.
Other areas of the province will also see hot and humid conditions, although they should remain just shy of warning criteria.
Extreme heat affects everyone.
Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Watch for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine.
Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
For more information on heat and your health:
- Visit Manitoba Health at: http://www.manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/heat.html.
- Call Health Links - Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm.
4:52 AM CDT Saturday 03 August 2019
Heat Warning in effect for:
- Mun. of Emerson-Franklin incl. Roseau River
- R.M. of De Salaberry incl. St-Pierre-Jolys and St. Malo
- R.M. of Hanover incl. Steinbach Niverville and Grunthal
- R.M. of La Broquerie incl. Marchand
- R.M. of Ritchot incl. St. Adolphe and Ste. Agathe
- R.M. of Ste. Anne incl. Richer
- R.M. of Stuartburn incl. Zhoda Vita and Sundown
- R.M. of Tache incl. Lorette Ste-Geneviève and Landmark
Highs near 32 are expected today in the Red River Valley, with humidex values approaching the 40 mark. Warm temperatures will continue tonight, with overnight lows near 20. Sunday will be somewhat unsettled with a good chance of thunderstorms and continuing warm with highs again near the 30 mark. Passage of a cold front will bring a return to more seasonal conditions on Monday, with daytime highs in the mid-twenties.
Other areas of the province will also see hot and humid conditions, although they should remain just shy of warning criteria.
Extreme heat affects everyone.
Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Watch for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine.
Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
For more information on heat and your health:
- Visit Manitoba Health at: http://www.manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/heat.html.
- Call Health Links - Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Another Severe Storm Watch Out
With this heat & humidity, it's not surprising
10:13 AM CDT Thursday 25 July 2019
Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for:
Mun. of Emerson-Franklin incl. Roseau River
R.M. of De Salaberry incl. St-Pierre-Jolys and St. Malo
R.M. of Hanover incl. Steinbach Niverville and Grunthal
R.M. of La Broquerie incl. Marchand
R.M. of Ritchot incl. St. Adolphe and Ste. Agathe
R.M. of Ste. Anne incl. Richer
R.M. of Stuartburn incl. Zhoda Vita and Sundown
R.M. of Tache incl. Lorette Ste-Geneviève and Landmark
Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and damaging hail.
A cold front tracking eastward across central and southern Manitoba is expected to trigger thunderstorms as it progresses towards Ontario. Some of these thunderstorms may become severe with the main threats being large hail and damaging winds. The thunderstorm activity is expected to exit the region by late afternoon or early this evening.
Very large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles and cause serious injury. Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Book Review: A Walk Among the Tombstones by Lawrence Block
Here is my short review of A Walk Among the Tombstones.
This was another good addition tot he series. It started out a bit slow, but picked up about half way thought. Like always, the current case was resolved by the end. Also, the book was much better than the movie, which I found boring. All in all, it was a good read.
This was another good addition tot he series. It started out a bit slow, but picked up about half way thought. Like always, the current case was resolved by the end. Also, the book was much better than the movie, which I found boring. All in all, it was a good read.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Tornado Watch Out
2:34 PM CDT Thursday 11 July 2019
Tornado watch in effect for:
Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop over southern Manitoba late this afternoon and progress eastward into the evening. The main hazards with these thunderstorms will be large hail, strong winds and heavy downpours. In addition, isolated tornadoes are possible into the early evening hours.
Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.
In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm.
Tornado watch in effect for:
- Mun. of Emerson-Franklin incl. Roseau River
- R.M. of De Salaberry incl. St-Pierre-Jolys and St. Malo
- R.M. of Hanover incl. Steinbach Niverville and Grunthal
- R.M. of La Broquerie incl. Marchand
- R.M. of Ritchot incl. St. Adolphe and Ste. Agathe
- R.M. of Ste. Anne incl. Richer
- R.M. of Stuartburn incl. Zhoda Vita and Sundown
- R.M. of Tache incl. Lorette Ste-Geneviève and Landmark
Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop over southern Manitoba late this afternoon and progress eastward into the evening. The main hazards with these thunderstorms will be large hail, strong winds and heavy downpours. In addition, isolated tornadoes are possible into the early evening hours.
Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.
In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm.
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Air Quality Statment
4:52 PM CDT Sunday 07 July 2019
Special air quality statement in effect for:
The air quality is expected to improve this evening and overnight over southeastern Manitoba as the southerly winds continue to push the smoke to the north. Communities closer to the fires and Ontario border, such as Little Grand Rapids and Bissett, may still experience poor air quality through tonight and into Monday.
These same winds will begin to push the smoke into northeastern Manitoba tonight. This smoke will linger through the day Monday and likely into Monday night.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.
Due to the smoky conditions, individuals living in or travelling to the above noted areas are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with current air conditions. In these current conditions, even healthy individuals may experience sore eyes, tears, coughing and a runny nose.
In areas affected by smoke from wildland fires, Manitobans are encouraged to:
- limit outdoor activity and/or strenuous physical activity; if breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity
- reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors or moving to areas with cleaner air, as conditions can vary dramatically by area
- turn off furnaces and air-conditioning units that may draw smoke indoors
- keep indoor air cleaner by avoiding smoking or burning other materials
People at higher risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions (particularly asthma), and therefore should avoid as much exposure to smoke as possible.
Manitobans with health questions or concerns can contact their health-care provider or call Health Links - Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257. More information on the health effects of smoke is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/smoke.html.
If you or those in your care are exposed to wildfire smoke, consider taking extra precautions to reduce your exposure. Wildfire smoke is a constantly-changing mixture of particles and gasses which includes many chemicals that can harm your health. For more details, please consult www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/wildfire-smoke.html.
Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
Issued by Environment Canada and Manitoba Health
Special air quality statement in effect for:
- Mun. of Emerson-Franklin incl. Roseau River
- R.M. of De Salaberry incl. St-Pierre-Jolys and St. Malo
- R.M. of Hanover incl. Steinbach Niverville and Grunthal
- R.M. of La Broquerie incl. Marchand
- R.M. of Ritchot incl. St. Adolphe and Ste. Agathe
- R.M. of Ste. Anne incl. Richer
- R.M. of Stuartburn incl. Zhoda Vita and Sundown
- R.M. of Tache incl. Lorette Ste-Geneviève and Landmark
The air quality is expected to improve this evening and overnight over southeastern Manitoba as the southerly winds continue to push the smoke to the north. Communities closer to the fires and Ontario border, such as Little Grand Rapids and Bissett, may still experience poor air quality through tonight and into Monday.
These same winds will begin to push the smoke into northeastern Manitoba tonight. This smoke will linger through the day Monday and likely into Monday night.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.
Due to the smoky conditions, individuals living in or travelling to the above noted areas are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with current air conditions. In these current conditions, even healthy individuals may experience sore eyes, tears, coughing and a runny nose.
In areas affected by smoke from wildland fires, Manitobans are encouraged to:
- limit outdoor activity and/or strenuous physical activity; if breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity
- reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors or moving to areas with cleaner air, as conditions can vary dramatically by area
- turn off furnaces and air-conditioning units that may draw smoke indoors
- keep indoor air cleaner by avoiding smoking or burning other materials
People at higher risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions (particularly asthma), and therefore should avoid as much exposure to smoke as possible.
Manitobans with health questions or concerns can contact their health-care provider or call Health Links - Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257. More information on the health effects of smoke is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/smoke.html.
If you or those in your care are exposed to wildfire smoke, consider taking extra precautions to reduce your exposure. Wildfire smoke is a constantly-changing mixture of particles and gasses which includes many chemicals that can harm your health. For more details, please consult www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/wildfire-smoke.html.
Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
Issued by Environment Canada and Manitoba Health
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