Mistakenly Marmalade

Over the summer my dear husband (Pa)

and I (Gamma) had the joy of keeping our oldest three

grandsons with us one-on-one.

These three grandsons belong to our oldest daughter

who live two hours away from us,

so our time with them is not often but sweet when it happens.

Each of these boys are different and unique in there own special way,

so we, my husband and I, tried to accommodate to their

individual likes during the time they were with us.

 On one of the mornings when the middle grandson was here

I asked him what he would like for breakfast,

and after naming all that I had to offer his reply was,

"Gamma, do you have marmalade jam?

I could have toast with marmalade jam."

Now what 9 year old child loves marmalade??

Our precious little grandson who has some of his 

Canadian Great-Grandfather in him is one of those children 

that loves marmalade. :) Really loves marmalade!

I disappointed him when I said that I didn't have any.

But, Gamma to the rescue!! 

" We could make some, I said."

Oh the delight of this precious boy's heart!

This is the grandson that LOVES to cook,

so while he was with us I kept him busy in the kitchen

and during his time here we canned peaches
(in memory and honor of Grandpa Don)

made homemade pizza and doughnuts topped with nutella for Pa.

Our last adventure would be the marmalade,

and though he didn't get to have toast with marmalade

that day he sure enjoyed it the days that followed.

The first tea cup exchange that my dear Stephanie hosted

I received a beautiful cookbook from the lady who gifted me.

"Barefoot Contessa at Home" was someone I had never heard of

but I have so enjoyed her recipes.

I had always wanted to make a marmalade jam recipe that was

in her book but never got around to doing it,

so why not make it for my grandson?

If you love marmalade, you are going to love this recipe,

but I have to warn you ahead that it takes two days to make.

Well worth it though!

Anna's orange marmalade

4 large seedless oranges

2 lemons

8 cups sugar

Cut the oranges and lemons in half crosswise, then into very

thin half-moon slices. Discard any seeds.

Place the sliced fruit and their juices into a stainless-steel pot. 

 Add 8 cups water and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.

Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar until it dissolves.

Cover and allow to stand overnight at room temperature.

The next day, bring the mixture back to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 hours.

Turn the heat up to medium and boil gently, stirring often,

for another 30 minutes. Skim off any foam that forms on the top.

Cook the marmalade until it reaches 220 degrees.

It will be a golden orange color.

(If the marmalade is runny, continue cooking it and if it's hard add more water)

Pour the marmalade into clean, hot Mason jars; 

wipe the rims thoroughly with a clean damp paper towel;

and seal with the lids. Store in the pantry for up to a year, or

give it all to your grandson. :)

Enjoy!

You are probably wondering why I titled my post

"Mistakenly Marmalade"?

When I went to the little neighborhood grocer 

that carries mostly unique items I was delighted

when I saw that they had "Ocean Spray"

bagged oranges. 

  My first thought was...

These are going to be quite sweet and flavorful.

Yes, they were certainly flavorful, but they were not oranges,

they were mandarins. oops!

It was a mistake that I had not realized

until the jam was in the jars sealed and ready to enjoy.

 I believe I fell upon a recipe that I will use from now on.

"Debbie's Mandarin Marmalade"

I like that!

*~*~*~*

Ashley over at Precious Moments 
was having a give-away and I was the blessed winner
of these delightful cards from Mrs. Smith.
You can visit her beautiful etsy shoppe at

 Delightful Daisy 
Thank you again Ashley for your sweet thoughtfulness
in your give-away,
and Mrs. Smith, for your generosity in sharing your creations
for someone to win and enjoy.
You have both blessed my heart!

*~*~*~*

Thank you Heavenly Father, for grandsons!
 Thank you that we as grand parents,
have the opportunity to come along side
our dear loved ones and teach them
of Your love and grace.
May they grow to know You, love You and serve You.
Amen.

Joy!
~ Debbie ~

I'm joining Stephanie's party over at
Roses of Inspiration