Finding Some New Tunes

Pineapple Chile Jam used to make Pineapple
Chicken Stir fry.

The passing of the Cottage Food Bill in California has opened up new opportunities for Jams by Jen. The possibility of branching out into my surrounding community to sell my Jam without having to rent a commercial kitchen is very exciting.

Along with these new opportunities comes various regulations, a mass amount of fees,  and a lot of limitations on the fruit and ingredients that I am allowed to make Jams and Jellies with. The latter of these three changes has been the most challenging. What I am not permitted to sell seems to be the favorites. The Pepper Jams and anything with peppers in it is out... goodbye Mango Jalapeno adios Habanero & Hot Pepper Jams. No more Spicy Pickled Carrots or Pickled Garlic, also on the chopping block are the herb jellies, garlic jelly and anything that does not comply with the FDA's Code of Regulations Title 21. Talk about singing the blues! Anyone recall the Cosby Show episode where Cliff taught Theo to sing the blues? It went something like this... "JUSTINE, JUSTINE!" If you have no idea what I am talking about skip ahead a few lines. If you do remember I bet you are smiling. I sounded very similar to Theo,  bemoaning the lost possibilities of these newly blacklisted jams and other fine culinary compilations.

Pineapple Chile Jam

Aw but you cant keep a good Jammer down now can you? I think not! Life has taught me that growth rarely happens without challenges. Instead of focusing on the limitations of my new ingredient list I decided to embrace it, to study it, and to find some new tunes. I am pleased to share that while I have yet to find a way to turn a strawberry into a pepper I have been able to pair pineapple and various approved spices to bring you the new Pineapple Chile Jam. 

So while I am waiting for the last few permits and various other technicalities to be completed I will continue to find new and exciting flavor combinations to bring to you in the very near future.