Moody Blues Blueberry Farm - Last Day

Today my daughter and I went blueberry picking again at Moody Blues Farm.  They are certified Organic and have some of the prettiest blueberries I have ever seen.  Along with the nicest people who own and run it.

This is the last day of the season so head out if you can.

They are open today till 7.  They are located at 404 Cloverleaf Drive, Lithia, FL  33547.  813-684-8468

Organic U-Pick Blueberry Farm

We decided to head out to an Organic Blueberry farm with the family today.  I had read about a local place that we had to check out.  Moody Blues U-Pick Blueberry Farm.

They are located in Lithia, FL  outside Brandon.  It honestly doesn't seem like much from the street, but when you get to the end of the drive it is the cutest little place.  They have a giant blueberry farm ready for the picking.  The owners couldn't have been nicer.  They even had swing seats and seats for the kids, picnic tables set up and a great homey atmosphere.  It was so accommodating!  

We took our buckets and set out to pick.  They blueberries were amazing!  We picked almost 7 lbs.  I am so excited about the blueberry jam, blueberry pancakes, blueberry ice cream, and whatever else I can think of to make with them!

Worth the drive.  Check them out online moodybluesfarm.com

I'm sure some blueberry recipes will follow.

Till next blog........

Easy Yummy Strawberry Jam Recipe

So with the Florida strawberry season ending we went to a local U-pick Organic strawberry farm.  After getting 20 lbs (yes that's right 20 pounds) of delicious strawberries it's time to make some jam.

You will need:

ball canning jars

4 cups sugar (Organic)

1/4 cup lemon juice (from Organic Lemon)

4 cups of mashed strawberries (Organic)


In a large pot combine the mashed berries with the lemon juice and sugar.  Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves.  Increase heat to medium high/medium heat, depending on your stove,  and bring mixture to a boil.  Boil stirring often until mixture starts to thicken, about 30 mins to 45 mins.  Take little spoonfuls out and let sit on a plate to cool so you can test thickness.  When you are happy with the thickness take it off heat.

Bring a large pot of water to a low boil.  It must be tall enough to cover the ball canning jars by 1 inch.  Put in the jars and lids and let boil for approx 30 minutes.  Take them out with tongs (canning tongs work better).  Fill the jars leaving 1 inch at the top free. Make sure to clean off any on the outside.   Add lid and screw top on until hand tight.  Put jars into low boiling water and let sit for about 10 minutes.  Take out with tongs and wait for the pop sound.  It's the best sound because you then know you have done it!!!!!  You have now made strawberry jam!!

It's really that simple and so delicious.

Enjoy!

Till Next Blog........

Great Non-Toxic Easter Idea

As easter approaches I have been trying to think of what to do for my daughter.  I refuse to get the plastic easter eggs, no plastic please!  I am not loading her up with a bunch of candy either, she doesn't eat it.  Just about everything in the stores are cute little easter themed things all made of plastic or candy made with all kinds of sugar and artificial (dye) coloring.  No Thanks!  So what is a non-toxic Mommy to do?

I found something so great that I did a little happy dance when I discovered them.  Easter egg shaped non-toxic sidewalk chalk!  The ones I got are by Chalk It Up.

They are so great!  They come in really cute colors and they are non-toxic.  If you child is like 

mine, sidewalk chalk is IT!  I will be hiding these throughout the yard and having her take 

her little easter basket and find them!  

The Easter Bunny is going to be a hero this year!!!!!

Till Next Blog.............