Jam Withdrawls

I have a tendency to try new things, learn them, practice until I'm comfortable doing them, then stop. I had yet to find that one thing that holds my interest for too long. Call it ADD, ADHD,or simply attribute it to a short attention span.  I prefer to call it exploring my own creativity. 

In the past year I have learned to sew. I traded in the Kindle my husband gave me for my birthday for a sewing machine.  It was a good trade, sewing is fun. I made a few aprons, more pillows than my house can tastefully display, and some cute little skirts for my Reesey. I have a closet full of beautiful fabric, purchased with the best of intentions, yet the desire to sew has passed into the abyss.

Then I decided I wanted to learn to make homemade bread. I have successfully mastered, in the opinion of my children, a delicious Vermont Honey Oat Bread and I can make a decent batch of Hearth Bread. The ingredients for Pumpernickel are still sitting in my pantry, yet to be attempted. This is the bread that I wanted to make the most. The one I ordered special ingredients for. The one that is yet to be made.

Scones.......Yummy, scrumptious, make your pants too tight for comfort scones. I learned them, I loved them, I ate them, I had to stop. I will make them in the future or sure, however, due to the desire to retain my current pant size, I will have to save these recipes for special occasions.

Then I tried making Jam. My first batch was mediocre at best, I knew I could do better. Heck, I made bread, I made clothes, I made waist defying scones, so I tried again. The second batch, Blueberry Lemon, was slap your momma good. It was on after that. I learned the 411of Jam making, the very important do's and donts, and the safe ways of adding my own spin to a recipe.

As with all the other experiences I was waiting for the interest to wain, the task to become tedious, the excitement to morph into drudgery.......It never happened. In fact, when I have not had the opportunity to get in my kitchen and cook up a batch at least once a week I've felt what I can only describe as withdrawls. I miss it if I cant do it. I think constantly about what combinations of fruit, sugar and spices will make someone smile with delight after tasting. I smile now thinking about it.

I think I've found my passion.