I was sorting through my recipes and found this jem. It’s a recipe written on a recipe card in my mom’s handwriting. My mom passed away 19 years ago when I was 24 so it’s extra special to me. Even better, there’s a little note in the corner that says “Orella”. To you, that means nothing, but to me, that means it was our neighbor Orella’s recipe. I couldn’t resist trying this recipe for Rhubbarb Apricot Freezer Jam.
The recipe calls for junior size apricot baby food and apricot jello. My grocer didn’t have the baby food so I modified the recipe and used peach.Â
Here is the original recipe:
6 cups cut rhubbarb
3 cups sugar
Put this is a pan. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes.Â
Add
1 small pack of apricot jello-sugarfree worked fine
2 junior size jars of apricot baby food
Cool and put in jars. Store in the freezer.
I couldn’t find the junior size jars so I just used two small jars to equal one large jar. When you first try to bring the rhubbarb and sugar to a boil it will seem like you need to add water but you don’t. The rhubbarb quickly breaks down to create a liquid. Another note….the jam will seem like it isn’t thick enough after you are done cooking it. Trust me, it will be thick once it complete cools…I left mine overnight. This morning I filled these great little freezer jars that I got at Wal-mart.
The jam is wonderful. We had it on top of ice cream lastnight before the jam was completely cooled…what a treat!Â
When I found the recipe and was reminded of my mom’s handwriting, it was really special memory for me. It makes me wonder what we will leave our children in this electronic age…looking at my mom’s computer generated typing wouldn’t be nearly as moving. So, take time to put a pen to paper and leave a little memory for your daughter or son whether it’s a recipe in a recipe box or a little note left in your jewelry box. It’s amazing how a little recipe, given to mom from our neighbor, written in my Mom’s handwriting, can take me back and make me feel connected 19 years later.
I have similar feelings when I see Mom’s recipes. I have her easy bar recipe. The original is written on one side and her modified version is on the other side of the card with her explanation that the original is too rich and expensive. I have to raze you though cause I don’t have an Aunt Orella so I wondered where you got one. I am guessing you mixed it up with Oriet which I used to do when I was a kid. By now you are probably remembering that Virgil Johnson’s wife was Orella. Just thought I’d set the record straight.
I love checking in on you.