You might ask why you would spend a weekend preserving food, it seems so time consuming and difficult. Well, the perks are unbeatable; Save money, eat healthier, impress your guests when entertaining while being less stressed to do so because you have pre-made gourmet items at hand, have great gifts to give, create memories and extend traditions to your children and grandchildren, shorten your preparation time for holiday meals and what’s best is that you made it yourself. You can even have a get together or canning party to make or swap items. The choices we make can change the world.

This article will give you an overall understanding of both methods; pressure cooker canning and water-bath canning.

For people with memories of Grandma’s pantry it is heartwarming seeing rows of homemade piccalilli, tomato sauce, soups and spreads in your cupboard. …read more of Canning Preservation Methods Expanded: Two Ways To Use At Home here

The Fair Trade initiative is a market-based approach that empowers small growers and craftspeople by organizing them into co-operatives.  Fair Trade’s strategic intent is to work with marginalized producers and workers to achieve economic self-sufficiency and environmental standards.

According to Fairtrade Labelling Organizations (FLO), as of 2007 almost 8 million producers and their families have benefited from Fair Trade projects.¹ The global market for Fair Trade goods experienced significant growth in 2008 and in the face of a global recession, realized sales of about $4.08 billion worldwide, a 22% annual increase.²  An impressive feat that can be attributed to the outstanding partnerships that have evolved between Fair Trade companies such as Alter Eco and the producer communities nurtured by international Fair Trade organizations. …read more of Purple Jasmine Rice Pudding: Fair Trade and Gluten-Free. Sweet! here

Grilling fruit imparts a smoky intensity to the sweet juiciness of ripe summer fruit. Grilled Fruit Sundaes feature ripe chunks of pineapple, strawberries, bananas and apples over dairy-free strawberry ice cream and topped with Tosteds soynuts.

The fruit kebabs are rolled in Wholesome Sweeteners Fair Trade raw cane sugar from Malawi, a Demerara type sugar prized for its large sparkling crystals and rich aroma. You can grill fruit kebabs on a barbeque or pop them under the broiler.

Fruit makes a great dessert and contains lots of fiber and disease fighting antioxidants however; traditional dessert making can add unhealthy cholesterol, excessive fat and calories that overshadow the healthful benefits. …read more of Grilled Fruit Sundaes here

’Tis the season to eat rhubarb. Whether you are going to a BBQ or having friends over for dinner, it’s always nice to bring a simple and delicious dessert to share.

For all of you avid gardeners who have more rhubarb then you know what to do with, and for all those who love cooking up local in-season tasty treats, then here’s the recipe for you.

I’ve baked this twice already this season and it has received rave reviews. …read more of Seasonal Rhubarb Crumble here