TOTALLY GEEKED!

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Fantastic Friday!

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Yay!

For your marmalade and for Friday!

Spring break begins at 3:29 pm today.

And we have a freeze watch tonight and Saterday night.

Oh well. Gonna be warm after that.

Have a great day ya'll!

Blankie · Guru

Morning all! Spring continues, YAY!

School kids around here don't have a March break. One week off in February and another in April.

Have a great day everyone!

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Our next break will be for Summer.

That is on May 22.

ed11563 · Guru

Got a nice 6-month bonus this paycheck. Withholding took half.

Still nice to get a decent bonus.

-- Edited by ed11563 on Friday 27th of March 2015 12:29:01 PM

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

ed11563 wrote:
Got a nice 6-month bonus this paycheck. Withholding took half.
Still nice to get a decent bonus.

-- Edited by ed11563 on Friday 27th of March 2015 12:29:01 PM

How nice, ed! (Well, the withholding sucks, but still!) wink

Congratulations!

Time to "happy dance"! smile smile smile smile

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
I made blood orange marmalade. FOR THE FIRST TIME! YEAH ME! It came out so well! Now I just have to turn all the grapefruits, regular oranges, and lemons into citrus marmalade. I am so rockin. And so ready to teach canning!

That sounds good, NJN. Did you can it?

If I wanted to make a small amount, I wouldn't have to can it. Right?

Divine Geek · Guru

ed11563 wrote:
Got a nice 6-month bonus this paycheck. Withholding took half.
Still nice to get a decent bonus.

-- Edited by ed11563 on Friday 27th of March 2015 12:29:01 PM

Congratulations!

I'm still holding out hope for a bonus. Technically, it should be based on 2014 (which was a record year), but with the situation we're in now, I just don't know.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Bonuses are always good! Yay!

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
I made blood orange marmalade. FOR THE FIRST TIME! YEAH ME! It came out so well! Now I just have to turn all the grapefruits, regular oranges, and lemons into citrus marmalade. I am so rockin. And so ready to teach canning!
That sounds good, NJN. Did you can it?
If I wanted to make a small amount, I wouldn't have to can it. Right?

If you make a small amount you can still can it if you have a pot big enough to sink the little jelly jars in. HOWEVER, I found a trick to not water canning the marmalade. Make sure the jars and lids and discs are clean and HOT. Put the HOT marmalade in the HOT jars and put the lids on. You need a quarter inch of head space in them. Then, as soon as they are filled, turn them upside down on a dish towel. The heat of the marmalade on the seals will seal them completely providing you used CLEAN stuff. If it is dirty then the bacteria will cause it to go bad.

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
I made blood orange marmalade. FOR THE FIRST TIME! YEAH ME! It came out so well! Now I just have to turn all the grapefruits, regular oranges, and lemons into citrus marmalade. I am so rockin. And so ready to teach canning!
That sounds good, NJN. Did you can it?
If I wanted to make a small amount, I wouldn't have to can it. Right?
If you make a small amount you can still can it if you have a pot big enough to sink the little jelly jars in. HOWEVER, I found a trick to not water canning the marmalade. Make sure the jars and lids and discs are clean and HOT. Put the HOT marmalade in the HOT jars and put the lids on. You need a quarter inch of head space in them. Then, as soon as they are filled, turn them upside down on a dish towel. The heat of the marmalade on the seals will seal them completely providing you used CLEAN stuff. If it is dirty then the bacteria will cause it to go bad.

Thanks for the tip! I might have to give it a try! smile

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

I found a really easy recipe on a blog site too. If you want it. Mine came out FAB and I didn't go through the three extra steps of boiling down the peels, blanching them, and separating the pith from the peel.

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
I found a really easy recipe on a blog site too. If you want it. Mine came out FAB and I didn't go through the three extra steps of boiling down the peels, blanching them, and separating the pith from the peel.

Oh, heck yeah! Please share it with us! smile

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

I have never done marmalade and it looked really complicated. I studied good old Martha Stewart to learn about pith. Had no idea about it. Then I read a blogger. Here's what she does. This works for any citrus fruit.

Get your citrus fruit out. Using a potato peeler (what I used) or a very sharp peeling knife take off just the skin of the fruit. The white spongy part between the skin and the fruit is called the pith. It's very bitter. You can use it but it makes the marmalade bitter. You then cut the little strips of peel in 1-2 inch little strips. Thin. Throw them in a pan. Take the fruit. Peel the pith off. Cut it into slices. Like if you're making a slice of lemon to put on a cup of tea. So thin slices. She quartered them. I halved them. I probably should have quartered them. Take all the seeds out! Throw the fruit into the pot on top of the peels. Even out the fruit/peel mixture in the pan. Using a one cup measure JUST BARELY cover the fruit/peels with water. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer for an hour. When the hour is up USE THE SAME AMOUNT OF SUGAR as you did water. Equal parts. Add the sugar, bring to a boil, simmer for 45 to 1 hour. I have a fancy thermometer so I measured when it got to 220. But you can check by putting some on a saucer and letting it cool for a whole minute. If it has jelled then it is ready. Took mine about 45 minutes. I used three pounds of oranges and it made five eight ounce jars of jelly. It was an easy batch to handle. This was so easy to do. We put them in jars and water canned them for ten minutes.

I have a ton of lemons, grapefruits, and regular oranges. I am going to do them the same way but in small batches.

-- Edited by Nobody Just Nobody on Friday 27th of March 2015 01:38:26 PM

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

Thanks NJN! I'll have to give it a try! smile

Lexxy · My dog name is Sasha, too!

I got lost & gave up reading her explanation. Just as well I wasn't planning on making marmalade anyway.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Lexxy wrote:
I got lost & gave up reading her explanation. Just as well I wasn't planning on making marmalade anyway.

LOL You should have seen the recipes I started with! They were ten times more complicated. Basically the skin of the fruit is like the zest you use in the recipe. It's go a lot of good stuff in it. Including pectin which is a natural thickener. The spongy white part between the actual skin and fruit is the pith. I honestly didn't know this until recently. Most people don't want the pith in the marmalade.

It's actually pretty easy once you get the fruit cut.

Lexxy · My dog name is Sasha, too!

I've only had marmalade once & they must have left the pith in when it was made because I thought it was bitter & it had pieces of the skin in it. I'll stick with jam or jelly or apple butter.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Yes, marmalade is made with the SKIN. But you are not supposed to put the pith in it. The pith is the white spongy part and nasty. The skin has all the vitamins and flavor and also a lot of other stuff including pectin. Pectin is a thickening agent. If you do it right the little bits of skin are soft and tasty.

Lexxy · My dog name is Sasha, too!

I always associate orange marmalade with the Paddington Bear stories. I loved those books when I was a kid. Paddington loved orange marmalade!

just Czech · Give Me Grand's!

Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
I made blood orange marmalade. FOR THE FIRST TIME! YEAH ME! It came out so well! Now I just have to turn all the grapefruits, regular oranges, and lemons into citrus marmalade. I am so rockin. And so ready to teach canning!
That sounds good, NJN. Did you can it?
If I wanted to make a small amount, I wouldn't have to can it. Right?
If you make a small amount you can still can it if you have a pot big enough to sink the little jelly jars in. HOWEVER, I found a trick to not water canning the marmalade. Make sure the jars and lids and discs are clean and HOT. Put the HOT marmalade in the HOT jars and put the lids on. You need a quarter inch of head space in them. Then, as soon as they are filled, turn them upside down on a dish towel. The heat of the marmalade on the seals will seal them completely providing you used CLEAN stuff. If it is dirty then the bacteria will cause it to go bad.

Glad you learned that trick on your own. I wasn't going to pass it on because people go nuts over the safety issues, but I use it all the time.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Lexxy wrote:
I always associate orange marmalade with the Paddington Bear stories. I loved those books when I was a kid. Paddington loved orange marmalade!

I love it too. And now I have orange marmalade.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

just Czech wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
I made blood orange marmalade. FOR THE FIRST TIME! YEAH ME! It came out so well! Now I just have to turn all the grapefruits, regular oranges, and lemons into citrus marmalade. I am so rockin. And so ready to teach canning!
That sounds good, NJN. Did you can it?
If I wanted to make a small amount, I wouldn't have to can it. Right?
If you make a small amount you can still can it if you have a pot big enough to sink the little jelly jars in. HOWEVER, I found a trick to not water canning the marmalade. Make sure the jars and lids and discs are clean and HOT. Put the HOT marmalade in the HOT jars and put the lids on. You need a quarter inch of head space in them. Then, as soon as they are filled, turn them upside down on a dish towel. The heat of the marmalade on the seals will seal them completely providing you used CLEAN stuff. If it is dirty then the bacteria will cause it to go bad.
Glad you learned that trick on your own. I wasn't going to pass it on because people go nuts over the safety issues, but I use it all the time.

Safety is about everything being CLEAN!!

just Czech · Give Me Grand's!

Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
just Czech wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
I made blood orange marmalade. FOR THE FIRST TIME! YEAH ME! It came out so well! Now I just have to turn all the grapefruits, regular oranges, and lemons into citrus marmalade. I am so rockin. And so ready to teach canning!
That sounds good, NJN. Did you can it?
If I wanted to make a small amount, I wouldn't have to can it. Right?
If you make a small amount you can still can it if you have a pot big enough to sink the little jelly jars in. HOWEVER, I found a trick to not water canning the marmalade. Make sure the jars and lids and discs are clean and HOT. Put the HOT marmalade in the HOT jars and put the lids on. You need a quarter inch of head space in them. Then, as soon as they are filled, turn them upside down on a dish towel. The heat of the marmalade on the seals will seal them completely providing you used CLEAN stuff. If it is dirty then the bacteria will cause it to go bad.
Glad you learned that trick on your own. I wasn't going to pass it on because people go nuts over the safety issues, but I use it all the time.
Safety is about everything being CLEAN!!

The handling of that clean jar and lid is the crucial part. Making sure they are super hot at the right moment is key. The lids can not be to hot for over 3 minutes as well, otherwise the seal breaks down later.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

On call until Monday when I get to work. Boo.

just Czech · Give Me Grand's!

Southern_Belle wrote:
On call until Monday when I get to work. Boo.

Wow, they sure know how to ruin a good weekend. cry

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

just Czech wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:
On call until Monday when I get to work. Boo.
Wow, they sure know how to ruin a good weekend.

On a happier note that means I won't be on call Easter weekend!

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

Southern_Belle wrote:
just Czech wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:
On call until Monday when I get to work. Boo.
Wow, they sure know how to ruin a good weekend.
On a happier note that means I won't be on call Easter weekend!

I knew there had to be a bright side, SB! wink

just Czech · Give Me Grand's!

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:
just Czech wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:
On call until Monday when I get to work. Boo.
Wow, they sure know how to ruin a good weekend.
On a happier note that means I won't be on call Easter weekend!
I knew there had to be a bright side, SB!

Oh, I like your bright side, SB. smile

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Yep, I knew what I was doing!

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

All my geeks are getting a jar of marmalade for Christmas! lol

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Make some with a little hot pepper mixed in!

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

For you! ANYTHING!

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Yay!

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

biggrin

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Long day at work. Briefing to the higher ups started at 2, went until 4. I have so many extra hours in which is a good thing since DD has her annual Tuesday afternoon so have to leave early.

Book (wine club) tonight!

just Czech · Give Me Grand's!

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Long day at work. Briefing to the higher ups started at 2, went until 4. I have so many extra hours in which is a good thing since DD has her annual Tuesday afternoon so have to leave early.

Book (wine club) tonight!

The wine is chilled here, so I will join you, IKWTDS. wink

Have fun!

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

Boo, I can't drink this weekend. I usually don't but it's different when I can't.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

DD just found another golf ball in the yard.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

It is officially Spring Break.

And it's 50 and dropping.

May have some mountain snow flurries.

Good news is that Sunday it starts climbing again.

Why is basketball on so many channels? Ain't this March crap over yet?

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

lilyofcourse wrote:
It is officially Spring Break.

And it's 50 and dropping.

May have some mountain snow flurries.

Good news is that Sunday it starts climbing again.

Why is basketball on so many channels? Ain't this March crap over yet?

Sigh, no.

Honeys_Mom · Mod & Permanent Board Sweetheart

It's in the high 80's here today and I'm not done wearing my winter boots! Well, I guess I am, but I'm not happy about it!

cry

Momala · Great cook-happy wife-superb fisherman

NJN ~ here's my method - super easy, and almost no work

THREE DAY MARMALADE
1 grapefruit 1 orange 1 lemon sugar or Equal
Day One, cut fruit in half, remove seeds, cut away & discard ends. Slice as THIN as possible (or use grater); barely cover w/ cold water in china or enamel bowl. Leave overnight at room temp, covered.
Day Two, put mix in enamel or aluminum pan; boil 30 min. Cover, leave at room temp.
Day Three, measure fruit, add equal amount of sugar, less to make it tart. Cook on slow fire 1 hour, longer if not thickened enough. Pour into sterilized jars to seal.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Southern_Belle wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
It is officially Spring Break.

And it's 50 and dropping.

May have some mountain snow flurries.

Good news is that Sunday it starts climbing again.

Why is basketball on so many channels? Ain't this March crap over yet?

Sigh, no.

NOTRE DAME is in the Elite Eight, and they play unbeaten Kentucky tonight!!!

flan

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Long day at work. Briefing to the higher ups started at 2, went until 4. I have so many extra hours in which is a good thing since DD has her annual Tuesday afternoon so have to leave early.

Book (wine club) tonight!

What did you read/drink?

flan

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

flan327 wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Long day at work. Briefing to the higher ups started at 2, went until 4. I have so many extra hours in which is a good thing since DD has her annual Tuesday afternoon so have to leave early.

Book (wine club) tonight!
What did you read/drink?
flan

Drank a cab - Irony. Very smooth. No one read the book. confuse

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
flan327 wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Long day at work. Briefing to the higher ups started at 2, went until 4. I have so many extra hours in which is a good thing since DD has her annual Tuesday afternoon so have to leave early.

Book (wine club) tonight!
What did you read/drink?
flan
Drank a cab - Irony. Very smooth. No one read the book.

Just make it a wine club then! LOL

flan