Friday was, of course, kitchen day. I didn't have a lot to do, so I decided that the latest gift - a consignment of ruby grapefruit - had to be dealt with. It's only the second time I've made this particular marmalade. The fruit different preparation is entirely different and my time management went to hell. It ended up being a very long day with a time crunch at lunch time.
As I don't do breakfast, lunch is not negotiable. Even if I'm not hungry, I'm most definitely hangry. It also means that if I can, I must stop what ever's happening in the kitchen and eat. Usually, too, we eat lunch together. Yesterday, I didn't have time to think of anything and remembered the green avocado I'd bought from Cecil last Saturday and which was ready for eating.
That, with hot sourdough buns, farm butter and a locally made Worcester sauce was delicious. My mouth is watering - just at the memory! Rounded off with a fresh a naartjie made a perfect Friday lunch.
The marmalade had reached a critical point but not too critical a point to put on hold for lunch. I sold the last jar of the first test batch, this morning. I am astounded at how it sold. I have a regular customer that's already put in his order.
Please can I have two jars of grapefruit marmalade?
Yes. I'll have the new ones at the market next week. Large ones?
The biggest you have!
With that, he presented me with two jars. One with one of "my" lemon marmalade labels on it. For some sort of refill, I guess.
This batch of grapefruit marmalade is a larger batch than the first one. I'm still uncertain of quantities and yields because, as I say, it's different in the making: the ratios of fruit to sugar and water are different. The preparation of the fruit, too, is different and that's what took the time: nearly three hours... This batch will hit my stall at the McGregor market next week after the jars are cleaned and labeled.
Again, the grapefruit came from friends. One jar of that original batch went with them to Holland as a gift for their parents. Made with love and from McGregor.
Speaking of sales and the popularity of my marmalade, after the market this morning, I totted up: I have sold 210 jars of marmalade since we restarted the market after lockdown. This weekend is the first anniversary of that resumption making it a full calendar year. I did another sum: in the time since the citrus season began - in April - I have made 121 jars of marmalade. Given last year's sales and the current glut of citrus suggests I should be making more. I shall have to order jars and get going.
Not tomorrow. That's already designated for chilli jam: two friends and 2 consignments gifts of chillies that need dealing with.
Until next time, be well
Fiona
The Sandbag House
McGregor, South Africa
Photo: Selma
Post script
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