It was time to make the second batch of the year of Smiths’ Marmalade so today we’ve made 12lbs in a variety of sized jars, some family size, some give-away size and some just enough for breakfast in bed or for taking for friends when we all go out for breakfast together. As regular readers will know, my lovely Dad is always there in the kitchen with me when I’m making marmalade as when I was only 10 years old, he taught me how to make marmalade with him so I could get my Brownie Badge and I made it with him every year after that until I left home. 
I bought a bunch of sunflowers today and they are very cheering. 
Awakening Wonders
August 22, 2025 at 5:35 pm
Homemade goodness in a jar – where every spoonful is a ray of joy!
mybeautfulthings
August 24, 2025 at 6:35 pm
You are right, golden marmalade on buttered toast – what a treat! 🙂
nrhatch
August 22, 2025 at 4:47 pm
Marmalade + Sunflowers = Perfect Together!
mybeautfulthings
August 24, 2025 at 6:35 pm
Exactly so! 🙂
utesmile
August 21, 2025 at 8:04 pm
Wow you made so much – with dad …hugs xx
mybeautfulthings
August 24, 2025 at 6:38 pm
Thanks, it’s always special to have such lovely memories and his ‘presence’ when the marmalade is sending its fragrance all over the house as it boils. 🙂
Ark
August 21, 2025 at 8:01 pm
Your marmalade looks fabulous, Sally.
We are down to our last jar and our bitter orange tree is full. Time for another batch, methinks. 😊
mybeautfulthings
August 21, 2025 at 9:00 pm
Oh, I wish we had our own tree! We rely on the once a year market and freeze some for this second batch. 🙂
Ark
August 21, 2025 at 9:34 pm
The bitter orange tree was one of three citrus seedlings my wife had in pots from our old house. The other two were lemon. We planted them out soon after we moved here.
As the saying goes… The best time to plant a tree is seven years ago… or right now.
However…. We also have a pecan nut tree which has never fruited and a quince which produced a single fruit for the first time last year.
Sigh…. Some you win… Some not so much.
mybeautfulthings
August 24, 2025 at 6:37 pm
Even if the pecans haven’t played nicely, fresh lemons and oranges are very special! I use lemons almost every day and would love my own supply. 🙂
Ark
August 24, 2025 at 7:21 pm
Lemon peel is apparently good for prostate health. I drink a tumbler mist
Chop whole lemon,(I add a banana or a few blueberries) add water and liquidise. Best to rinse with water after drinking as the acid can have a negative effect on tooth enamel.
We also use lemon juice in the baking so we always keep a stock in the freezer.
Have you considered growing a lemon tree in a pot?
mybeautfulthings
August 24, 2025 at 8:30 pm
I like the idea of a lemon tree in a pot and since we are about to get a greenhouse, perhaps we could grow one in there – and then I can make your morning drink for Mr S. 🙂
Ark
August 25, 2025 at 6:33 am
Excellent!
Ark
August 24, 2025 at 7:22 pm
Oops.. typo “… most mornings. ”
mybeautfulthings
August 28, 2025 at 6:42 pm
:). 🙂