Thursday, September 03, 2009

Summer In A Jar


My mum just spent a few weeks with me in Los Angeles and she left me an edible present that is much more than just blueberry preserve - it's also the sweet taste of summer in a tall jar, and a testimony to her impeccable talents in the kitchen. (You can follow her step by step recipe on her blog)
She loves making preserves, pickles and other treats that allow us to hold the tastes of summer in our plates well into the winter, as they used to do back in the days when the seasons dictated what produce was available. Let's just wait for a chilly, damp fall morning to spread some of this precious blueberry preserve on a still-warm slice of toast, with a cup of tea.

29 comments:

Laura in Paris said...

Oh, what in incredible shot! Thank you for every word.

artycho said...

have that preserve addiction too since I live in the countryside! Your mum is great couldn't have left a better treat to you. I have just finished pots of plum jams. Also your first picture is almost tangible, love it!

Leia said...

Yummm, that looks delicious!

Anonymous said...

I looks and sounds delicious! I'll have one on toast with some tea ;)
Have a lovely weekend!
-M

Roxana said...

lovely pictures! and mmm...

Beth said...

“The sweet taste of summer in a tall jar.” I love that.
We made chili sauce with our mother this summer – not quite as sweet but always full of memories & a wonderful sense of tradition.

Mary-Laure said...

WORLD IN A PAN - no thank YOU. You're the best cook and the BEST mother.

ARTYCHO - oh I love plum jam too...

BETH - chili sauce, that sounds fun and delicious. You should talk about it on your blog.

Lizzy said...

That is always the best kind of gift!! Lovely post : )

Merruli said...

Just by the look of it, it must be super yummy!

Rebecca said...

Ooh, that sounds delicious! :)

the southern hostess said...

Yum! This looks like perfection.

Spangler Cummings said...

What an inspiration to tasting the beauties in life.

Gabbi said...

That looks so delicious! I didn't know your mom had a blog!!! I'm officially following as of today.... :)

Mary-Laure said...

GABBI - well my mum has heard a lot about you!
I hope you enjoy her delicious blog.

J Elaine said...

That first picture is scrumptious! You and your mum always make such delicious preserves. My favorite is your lemon curd!

Unknown said...

everything about this post is precious..;))

Mary-Laure said...

J ELAINE - oh the lemon curd is just sinful... Fafa and I also adore the preserves you bring from the Bakery sometimes - beautiful tall jars, too.

Tina said...

Aurea, thanks for stopping by my blog! I read your last post here and realized the blueberry preserves comments seemed very familiar. Your mom is AMAZING!

I like your art and selection of books by the way.

Janis said...

Love your blog - glad you visited mine, so now I know about yours :) Also - thank you for the name suggestion (on my blog) - it's a wonderful one!

(and...pleased to see in your profile that you are into animal rights!)

Mary-Laure said...

PIERCE - ah yes, I think I reached your blog through my mum's! She is amazing indeed. The BEST.

JANIS - I absolutely loved your rag doll on your blog.
And yes, I am very passionate about animals' rights and am happy to hear you are, too.

Beth Dunn said...

Looks delish! I wish I had that talent. xoox

Joyce said...

A very sweet gift left behind by your mom filled with love. I love homemade jams and jelly. I love the photos!! I'll pop on over to visit your mom's blog. Enjoy your jar of love and sweetness. xoxo

Sunny said...

hi thanks for the comment on my blog! i love the oil for my achy shoulders, especially since i'm on the computer alot! :)
oh, your mom is a world in a pan?! i love her blog, it's like i go on a little getaway every time i read it! :)

Mary-Laure said...

BETH - but it's so easy to make, really, no talent required.

JOYCE - I agree, homemade jams and jellies are really so much nicer than the commercial type.

SUNNY - I'm happy to her you enjoy her blog, I find it lovely too.

marie said...

oh i remember your mums beautiful apricot jam i tried. mmm

; said...

Oh what a great gift, I have to try to make it! Thank you for the recipe:) Yum!

natsumi said...

These are great shots! They look so delicious and healthy too!

Mary-Laure said...

MARIE - ah, yes, we had the apricot jam with the scones, right?

NATSUMI - yes they are healthy because my mum uses plenty of fresh fruit and little sugar.

Alya said...

I had no idea Laura was your mother! I visit her site regularly and love every post!

Well, like they say, like mother like daughter :)