WHAT DID YOUR MOMMA USED TO SAY ABOUT FRUIT?

Well, mine always told me to stay out of the canned apricots. Every year I remember her harvesting fruit, boiling water and sealing jars during the canning season. 

And if the canned fruit didn't work for you, she always made a batch of fresh jam and a couple of warm pies, perfect for summer treats. When Mom cooked she wore her sweet vintage apron and was sure to keep her hair and make up in perfect shape. And she never forgot her pearls, telling me girl can always enhance her look by wearing her classic pearls.

So, what to do with the fruit of the summer, particularly, apricots? Try making a pie, or some homemade jelly.  Betty Crocker's picture cookbook published in the 50's says, "If I were to design a coat of arms for our country, a pie would be the main symbol. For a pie is part of our history and tradition. Every home has it's favorite pie." 

Here is a recipe for a lovely Apricot Pie--If you're really ambitious and want to make the crust from scratch, leave a comment below and I'll post the recipe! 

Apricot Pie

4 1/2 cups cut up apricots

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 Tablespoons cornstarch

1/3 tsp. salt

Mix and pour into 9 inch

pie dough crust, cover with

top crust, cut several slits

Bake 350 for 45 to 60 minutes

And now for the jam. The Famous Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Given, published in 1942, 1953 and lastly in 1958 says, "Generally, home-made jam has a superior flavor and often a superior, more delicate texture. Grapes, plums, and apples are fruits which are especially good for the inexperienced jelly/jam maker to start with, because they have enough pectin and acid for a successful jam and have a good flavor besides." 

Apricot Jam

Wash little jam jars in dishwasher

Boil washed lids for 10 minutes

5 cups cut up apricots

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 package MCP Pectin

Bring to boil in large pot for

one minute

Add 8 cups of sugar, slowly

Boil hard for 4 minutes

Take off of burner

Ladle into 1/2 pint jars

Place in canner with water to cover

1/4 inch. Boil for15 minutes.

Take out carefully to cool and set.

If these recipe's don't catch your fancy, go to your aunt's, grandmothers, or mother's recipe books and make what your family has been making for generations. Cherished things like favorite recipes make life enjoyable and pays homage to our past. Next time you're out with friends, ask them what their favorite family recipes are and schedule a breakfast, lunch, dinner or other event using those recipes. Or post your favorite recipes right here on the patch for all of us to enjoy......What was YOUR favorite? Share with us by posting below!

And where did I get my old vintage cookbooks? Right here in town at our local antique stores-- Take a trip to find a treasure that brings some vintage style into your life. And don't forget what's in your back yard….You might have a fruit tree right now with fruit that is ripe and ready for the picking! Make something, do something, eat something, ENJOY SOMETHING and remember the nostalgia of yesterday by bringing it into today!