Almost every refrigerator in Austin probably has at least one jar of jam on the shelves. But was it handmade with care? Stephanie McClenny, owner and artisan of Confituras, is on a mission to bring back the traditional jams and preserves that our grandmothers made while adding a modern twist.
Stephanie has always been interested in cooking and food and enjoys the independence of being a small business owner. As co-owner of the former Dandelion Cafe, she developed the menu and managed the kitchen. With Confituras, Stephanie is mixing things up, putting a modern spin on traditional canning and preserve recipes using current safety standards.
When I asked Stephanie why she was interested in canning, she answered, only half jokingly, "I come from a long line of hoarders. I grew up in earthquake country and we always had an emergency stash of canned goods. I find comfort in looking at the shelves and seeing all the things I've stored. I know the ingredients and that they were made without preservatives and chemicals."
Stephanie taught herself how to can, doing a lot of research and troubleshooting. She stumbled upon the online canning community, whose members are eager to support each other, and has learned to stretch her canning muscles through groups like Tigress Can Jam .
In addition to making fruits and vegetables available out of season, Stephanie wants to bring back some of the food traditions that have been lost as many of us have abandoned the practice of canning. In particular, she has enjoyed pickling fruit like peaches and blueberries.
"People are surprised to find pickled fruit because they haven't seen it in a long time. I'm modernizing traditional recipes and am hopeful that we can revive some of our Southern food heritage. It was a common for families to share pickled peaches on special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas, long after the last fresh peach was available."
Stephanie is definitely on to something as she sold out of almost all her inventory her first week at the Barton Creek Farmers Market.
You can find Confituras on Saturdays at Barton Creek Farmers Market or order through Farmhouse Delivery. Stephanie will be sending out weekly inventory by e-mail and will be adding website ordering in the near feature. You can contact her by e-mail at info at confituras.net or on twitter @confituras.
Offerings for Saturday 9/4:
Texas Fig Preserves
Heirloom Tomato Jam
Pickled Blueberries (last batch - get there early to get yours)
Cardamom Apple Butter
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