Laurel Hills Jams & Jellies at the Newmarket Farmers' Market 4/17

Laurel Hills Jams & Jellies will be joining the Newmarket Farmers' Market on April 17th, May 15th and May 22nd offering artisanal, award winning wine jellies and fruit jams to market goers.  Asian Pair Jelly, Black Mission Fig Jam, and Chardonnay Wine Jelly just some of these Laurel Hill delectables.

The name "Laurel Hill" originates from the area of Bedford, NH, where Sue Stretch resides on Birchwood Circle. Laurel Hill is named on the topographical map of Bedford. The magnificent evergreen flowering shrub, Mountain Laurel, with its white flowers, blossoms around June 15th and surrounds her home where she produces her unique wine jellies and fruit jams. 

Creating homemade jams and jellies of exceptional quality is not difficult, according to Sue.  It does require patience, attention to detail, the necessary utensils, and use of only the best ingredients available. Making one’s own preserves ensures total control over the quality of ingredients used, as well as ensuring that there are no hidden extras, such as artificial colors or flavorings. 

Sue says she uses the best fruits and wines available to produce the outstanding flavors.

Jams and jellies share two things in common. They are each made with fruit (or wine) that is preserved with sugar and pectin, and they are all jellied or set to a greater or lesser degree.

Jellies are made from a clear liquid. The fruits (such as apples, crabapples, peaches, pears, grapes,) are steamed to make the clear juice, and then processed into a translucent spread.  Jams are made with the fruit in them. The fruits (such as strawberries) are crushed or chopped and cooked with sugar to create a preserve. Wine jellies are merely wine, sugar, and pectin.

Pectin is a water soluble substance that is found in the tissues of all fruits. Pectin is a natural thickening and jelling agent. It is what makes the jams and jellies jell, explains Sue.

Laurel Hills unique wine jellies are made with Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Vin Rose, Pink Champagne, White Champagne, White Zinfandel, Rhine, Riesling, Port, and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Check out the recipes such as Colorful Cranberry Compote with Port Wine using the Laurel Hill products.  Laurel Hill’s Strawberry Jam was top pick of the five jams tasted in the July 2007 issue of NH Magazine.

Call Sue at 603-472-5388 for more information.  Click on all underlined words to open windows to websites for more information.