To Market, to market

The Wytheville farmer's market opens in less than 90 days! Seeds are inventoried and plans are made. Lists are created and ideas bounced around between me and the Mister about what we should have in our stall for this growing season. We have reviewed what other vendors sell. Frankly, we have such a wonderful group of vendors that one may come to the market and leave with nearly everything one would need for the week -- veggies, eggs, lamb or beef, sometimes milk, bread, and dessert. It is a perfect collaboration.

This weekend begins the rush to prepare some goodies for the market. Making soap and canning pumpkin butter are two things on the agenda.

We had a bumper crop of pumpkins last year and those that weren't sold were baked and put in the freezer for later use. One thing I sell out of quickly are pumpkin scones. I had requests for pumpkin butter, but didn't have a receipt. So, after diligent searching, I found one and gave it a try this week. Yummers...

I used a crock pot so I wouldn't have to baby sit it as it simmered. This is quite simple and, if you have a little left over pumpkin in your freezer, it will work beautifully.

Pumpkin Butter

4-5 qts. pumpkin puree (my crock pot holds four -- you want to leave about 1-2" of space between the pumpkin and the top or you'll have the same mess I did!)

2 T. ground cinnamon

1 t. ground cloves

1/2 t. allspice (I used more cause I like this spice -- 3/4 t.)

4 c. sugar (or you could use honey, just 50% less volume  -- 2 c.)

That's it. Turn your pot on low and leave the lid open a skoosh so that the steam can escape and your mixture will thicken.

After your pumpkin has reached the consistency you want, you have the option of using a blender or mixer to puree it more or leave it as it is. I like butters a little chunky, so I didn't puree mine more.

This has to be kept in the refrigerator or you may can it thusly:

Using a pressure canner and a 10-lb. weight, process for 65 minutes for pints and 75 minutes for quarts.

Bake bread while it is processing and cooling. Grab some butter, toss on some pumpkin butter and enjoy!

Join the fun at Verde Farm!