Gifted.....Marmalade

I may be predictable and boring, but every year I give the gift of marmalade.  To me a jar of homemade marmalade tells my friends and neighbors how much I care about them.  I want them to have something special made by me. I am trusting that if they are sick of it, they will drop me a small (or big) hint.  I've met so many really lovely people on my blog, I wish postage of a 2lb jar wasn't just plain ridiculous or I would send you a jar.

Each year I change it up just a little bit...one year old mason jars, last year clay tags (you can see those HERE).  This year I decided to go Old School, so I used Ball jars, a simple brown paper lid wrapping cut out from left over wrapping paper. You could also use brown paper grocery bags.  A silver shimmery ribbon and a little robin stamp on the top. No further wrapping needed.

I've just boxed some up in my parcels heading to Montreal.  My son's new Grandmother-in-Law, is a big fan of my marmalade.  Her 83 year old husband bring her toast and marmalade in bed...so I need to keep George well stocked.

I made a double batch which gave me nine 16 ounce jars.  I tried for many years to get real Seville oranges (the best for marmalade) here in Canada, but if available the quality sucks, so I use Marmade...a tin of fresh Seville Oranges, already peeled and ready to go..it doesn't get much easier than that.  You can see my post on Marmade HERE if you are wondering about it.

I know some people think making jam or marmalade is a daunting task, but it really is simple and makes a really inexpensive and old fashioned gift.  If you have any questions about making a batch, just ask me.