Summer is for BLUEBERRIES!

Out of all my farm ventures during the growing seasons, I would have to say picking blueberries is my most challenging. They are rather petite little fellows…and you can only pick so many at a time. Even after a few hours in the hot sun, you probably only have a gallon or two in your bucket and a nice sunburn!

The majority of the blueberries I picked in Louisiana this year were pretty small, mostly due to not receiving enough rain down here in the hot, steamy South.

But, the blueberries that I picked in Mississippi near our farm were ENORMOUS! As you can see from the picture above they were something to talk about! It seemed like every branch we touched you could hear one of us shouting out with joy! “Look at these blueberries, this is amazing!” We were literally dancing all around the bushes with excitement!

This particular farm is literally just around the bend from us and they have had these blueberry bushes for over 22 years!

Tyson’s grandmother is such a trooper! She came out picking with us every time! She is a lot like me, and just loves to be out on the farm- no matter what the conditions may be. I will confess that she is the fastest picker out of our group!

While preparing the blues for my jam I tied a couple to see how we were looking on the flavor front. I ate a blueberry and it tasted like a blue Icee pop! I had some disbelief at first, and tried a few more…then a few more. Could it be that these plump, perfectly ripe blueberries captured the flavor of a blue Icee pop?

Sounds trivial, but when have you ever realized that something as small as a blueberry could jam pack so much flavor that it brought back one of your most cherished childhood memories?

My philosophy never fails me: “It really is the small things in life that make the biggest difference- especially with food!”

I couldn't resist the temptation to share! In fact, the day this happened I was running around town telling everyone!! Practically screaming it, "Hey! I just ate a blueberry and it tasted like a blue Icee pop!"

If only that flavor profile hadn’t changed during the cooking process…that would have been some amazing jam for sure.

But, if I do say so myself…the jam that did come from those blues is in fact pretty tasty…order yours today! www.etsy.com/shop/FeedMeEatPretty

Tah-Dah! FMEP's new product line!

Last Friday I finally launched my very own Feed Me Eat Pretty product line through Etsy.com!

What an unbelievable feeling. The proudest moment for me was when I saw the labels for the very first time!

First I want to acknowledge all the friends and family that have given me unbelievable support all these years!!! THANK YOU really doesn't do it justice.

This has been a dream of mine since I was a child. When I was given the opportunity to work at A Southern Season as an Assistant Grocery Buyer, I was beside myself each and every day! It was like being a kid again- working in a candy store! It also enabled me to really get a grasped on the Gourmet Food Industry.

There are currently 4 flavors as 1 sold out in less than 24 hours! Red Wine Louisiana Strawberry available in 8 oz or 16 oz jars, Spicy Georgia Peach, Louisiana Blueberry Lemon, and Louisiana Blueberry Basil Jam available in 8 oz jars. The cost is $6 for the 8oz jar and $12 for the 16 oz jar. It will last in the pantry for up to 1 year or in the fridge for a month after opened.

Keep checking the website for new flavors! Each week I will be posting updates.

But, I would like to be clear about one thing. I source all my ingredients locally. In fact, all the fruit and veggies in my products are either grown in my garden or picked on a farm by my hands. The names come from where the produce was picked. If I have used Georgia peaches, it was because I physically got them myself while travelling through Georgia. So don't let the distance fool you.

I don’t consider my products to be gourmet, they are all-natural, made with unprocessed foods and taken straight from the farm to the table! The way nature intended for us to eat. Just trying to do my part in helping others get to know what real food tastes like.

I also take flavor requests! If it is in season and I can source the ingredients locally, I will definitely whip up a batch just email me! Would be great for gifts at a wedding or a party! I can do a variety of sizes as well.

Tip: If you live in New Orleans, send me an email before ordering. I will deliver it to you instead of you having to pay for shipping! Also, look for me soon at the cities farmer’s markets!

Click on the link to check out my online store:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FeedMeEatPretty

PS- The July 4th weekend will be full of friends and family in Mississippi. Tyson and I have a culinary farm tour planned to meet and greet some new growers. I am planning on picking up a ton of fruits and veggies so keep a look out for next weeks blog!