Blueberry Preserves & Green Bean Woes

I'm very disappointed in my pole bean teepee. My plants all grew beans on them (I pulled them off yesterday and put them in a quiche) but they are only 1 foot tall!! We have had a month of nothing but rain, almost no sun, which I believe is the culprit. I am hoping once the sun comes out they will take off -- and still produce beans??? They are blue lake pole beans which are supposed to be a"renowned pole bean for its stringless, tender pods. 15 cm long. Early. Nice fresh or for freezing and canning. One of the best. 60-65 days." HAH! As if. These are closer to three months old. Does anyone have any idea what might have gone wrong other than the weather? Ah well. The fava bean plants are doing better -- two feet tall, and full of flowers.

Yesterday I made blueberry preserves -- they were on a major sale at the market, 4 pints for $5, so each jar cost around $1.00. These are very easy to make, and take about 1 hour.

* Blueberry Preserves *

6 cups washed blueberries

2.5 tsp fresh lemon juice (or Apple Cider Vinegar)

3 Cups Sugar

1/2 Tsp Cinnamon

1/4 Tsp ground nutmeg
1 Vanilla Pod, opened and scrapped into the pot

Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil, cook to gell point. Sir often.

Ladle into hot, prepared half-pint jars. Leave 1/4 inch head space and cap with hot lids. Process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.