The Need for Jam

Did you ever find yourself with an intense desire for jam?  Sounds ridiculous but it happened to me.

We were in Hershey PA this weekend for a LAX tournament. With temperatures approaching 100 degrees  and the idea of high intensity thrill rides making me sick, my wonderful husband agreed to take the kids to the amusement park so a friend and I could explore PA.  Did you know Hershey is right in the heart of Amish country? I had never been and thought it would be a kitchy way to spend an afternoon.

We parked in a little town with the most adorable shops.  All I could think of was my mother mentioning that the Amish make great jam.  I must have jam.  Lots and lots of jam.  We rarely eat jam or jelly regularly but the desire was overwhelming.  The first stop was much like a market with quilts, hand sewn linens and much food stuff... especially jam.  Jam and jelly and preserves.  After about 10 minutes looking at each flavor, I settled on Sweet Cherry and Rhubarb.  Maybe spread on a turkey sandwich?

Next we went into an antique place.  Right outside we saw more jam options.  This time I had to get boysenberry AND blueberry.  I was feeling a purple.  Maybe on toast or waffles?

While walking to the quilt store, I bought fudge and my friend bought whoopie pies.  Yummy.  No jam, do I have enough.  Bought apple butter instead.  Now starting to think I may have a problem.  What do you put apple butter on?  I think my sister likes it so consider it a souvenir.

It's getting late and we have to go to the yarn store.  Right outside I see one more jam stand.  The amish girl is adorable and so sweet.  Of course I will buy just one more.  Zucchini Jam.  It is made with zucchini, sugar, crushed pineapple, jello, hello and lemon juice.  Can the Amish buy jello?  What do you do with zucchini jam?  I cannot even make up a recipe for this one.  Had to have it.  Now I know I am over the edge.

Go into the yarn store to distance myself from the sugary purchasing addiction.  Low and behold, this store is the mecca of hand dyed yarn.  New addiction?  Oh yes.  I need alpaca yarn and wool and specialty colors and patterns and and and....

Maybe I can eat all that jam while I am knitting.  I think I like Amish country!  Maybe I should consider retirement there...