Baked Yams and Apples

 

(Originally from Una Nelson.  Modified slightly by Judy to use apple juice and add nutmeg and vanilla)

 6-7 baked, peeled and chunked yams (bake in oven or microwave just like potatoes…)

3-4 chopped, peeled apples

3/4 cup sugar or  1/2 cup honey

4 T. Cornstarch

1 cube butter

2 cups apple juice

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 to 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Melt butter and sugar in a saucepan. Stir together cornstarch, nutmeg and juice.  Add to melted butter and sugar.  Cook until thickens. Add vanilla. Pour over yams and apples in casserole dish and bake at 325* about 45 mins.  This recipe is for a big group of 20 or so and can be halved easily for a smaller group. Makes a great side dish for turkey or ham.

 

Traffic Jam

 

Traffic Jam

(Totally original recipe inspired by "Traffic Jam" seen in stores and shops.  They also contain peaches and cherries, but I suppose you could use any combination of fruit and berries.)

Ingredients

3 C. raspberries

2 C. strawberries, crushed or diced

1 C. cranberries, crushed or diced or put in food processor for a few seconds.

1 C blueberries

3 C. sugar

 1 Tbl. lime zest

1 Tbl. lemon zest

1 Tbl. orange zest

2 Tbl. lemon juice

3 Tbl. low sugar pectin (or one package)

 (The zest is optional, but it gives it a nice "zing." I just happened to have all three in my freezer.)

Prepare about 7 half pint jars and lids by putting in pan to boil and sterilize.  Keep them hot while you Combine sugar, berries, lemon juice in a large pan.  Stir and bring to a boil.  Boil for 1 minute.

Add pectin and zest, stir well and bring to another boil, reduce heat and simmer for a couple of minutes.

Ladle into hot jars and seal with hot lids. Process in water bath for 10 mins if desired, but I don't and my lids seal fine.

(It's very likely that this “jam” took its name from the crushing or squeezing of fruit to make it, reflecting the original “press or squeeze” sense of the verb “to jam.”)