Canning has become not only something that I enjoy doing but a passion to teach. In doing the canning process I find that I am busy “externally”, but calm and centered “internally”. I know that sounds silly and philosophical but I just wonder if anyone else feels that same way.

Over the last few months we have had such beautiful fruits and berries here in California. I have past by, sample tasted at the farmers market, and eyed from a far the magnificence of the raspberry. I even went as far to pick up a raspberry bush three months ago at our local garden exchange just to put one in the ground. I don’t know why I have not doled out the money to buy some. Maybe it seems like so little berry for such a high price. But this last weekend I secretly bought two baskets and decided to create a jam that I would hold “close to my vest”. Yes this is not a gift to friends, nor a giveaway to my family. I made something for myself, for me, and it is delicious.

When I made the recipe it was easy to put together but I found myself being extra careful not to overcook, stir too much, or add too much sugar. I stood over the pot the entire time and made mental note afterward that I did. It was weird for me to covet something so simple but I wanted the jam to be worth the money I put into the berries. It was that and so much more.

I think that the jam is like any other you make but there is something about the red luscious color and sweetness that is, as they say, “over the moon”. I look at the jar and it says decadence to me. Many people probably have eaten these lovely berries their whole lives and are sick of them, but this is my new treat in a jar.

I hope that you will all spend the money to make one “small batch” of this recipe and enjoy every last spoonful.