So, what’s new, you ask?
Here’s the thing. I fell in love with canning and, as it turns out, I’m pretty darned good at it. I decided (with the support of my husband, who also thinks I’m pretty darned good at it) that I’m going into business to sell my jams, marmalades, and assorted other products I’ve been canning. I’m incorporated (LLC), having my logo trademarked, and even have a bank account! The name?
Freakin’ Flamingo.
That’s me – all over. (Thanks, Barb.) I’m working on a retail website right now which, when it’s ready, will be found at FreakinFlamingo.com. But not yet. Soon. I’ll let you know.
You may find this strange, but I want to keep this small scale. Really small scale. The basic premise is that my stuff is not only hand-crafted and small-batch, it’s micro-batch. Everything is prepared and canned during it’s proper season (usually local, or as local as I can get it), and no more than about a dozen half-pints or pints at a time, and with my own South Florida twist. I’ll be offering it to you as it’s prepared, and when it’s gone, it’s gone. Until next season. At my whim, or if you demand it. As I like to say, you never know what you’ll find until I cook it up and write it down.
So, why am I telling you this now?
Because it’s the holidays, I wanted to do a turn on the iconic cranberry sauce. I found myself inspired by tweets from my friend Maria (@ViceQueenMaria on Twitter), who as it turns out, kinda lives in my ‘hood. Maria’s been doing a lot of traveling around Florida lately, and has kind of gotten into the coastal and Caribbean pirate culture.
I got to thinking about my favorite pirate, Ann Bonny. Yes, there were female pirates, boys and girls, and she was one of the best. What would Ann Bonny do? Well, you know, after she got out of pirate prison, got married, and had a bazillion kids. She’d infuse those whole cranberries (acquired on a daring New England coastal raid, no doubt) with lots of limes and just a tot of Jamaican spiced rum. I present to you my first offering:
Ann Bonny’s Pirate’s Reserve Caribbean Cranberry
(5 available)
Perfect with your holiday turkey, pork, chicken, and equally delicious on toast or English muffins.
(6 available)
Feeling a little chilly? Imagine yourself on a sunny, warm Caribbean beach, sipping Mojitos in the middle of January. Well, this Florida blueberry jam, infused with lime, a hint of mint, and the merest suggestion of rum, might not get you there, but if you close your eyes…
Carambola Honey Jam. Carambola, also known as Starfruit, is a crisp and sweet-tart tropical fruit that is usually only seen as a garnish. I used locally-sourced carambola and local wildflower honey to make this a treat you’ll want to spread on toast, stir into yogurt, and spoon onto everything in sight!
(1 available)
See the Freakin’ Flamingo Facebook page for more flavors. All are half-pints and are priced at $8.00 per jar.
Um, want some?
**NOTICE**
This is totally embarrassing, but these stupid PayPal links aren’t working. Again. If you’re interested in ordering jam, please e-mail me at: FreakinFlamingo@att.net. I will be more than happy to accommodate you. So sorry for the inconvenience, but hopefully, the web site will go live soon – watch this space!
Hi … I stumbled upon your blog through April's 12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies. Just wanted to say that everything you make and post about looks great. I can't wait to try out some of your ideas. Also, Congratulations on the canning and Jam venture. Good luck! I'm sure these jars will fly of the shelf.
Good luck with this Renée – I think it's "freaking" brilliant!
That's great news. I wish you all the success you can handle. Keep up the good work.
Good luck Renee!! I know it is long time in the works. Job well done!! Like the boutique feel of in season and hand crafted.
How cool! I love the labels. =) I hope it goes well for you!
Woohoo–congratulations! You already know how thrilled I am for you, but it bears repeating. 🙂
I love a nice spin on cranberry sauce and always like to try something new. YUM! And have fun with you new business venture. I keep threatening to have a dessert on wheels delivery, but haven't gotten off my rump. Too much dessert, I guess!
Finally, Renee!!! Congratulations! 🙂 I can't wait to try your jams. I'll order now, but will ask you to ship later, for fear that someone might steal it. Haha. xo.
I sent you a message on Twitter, but just in case you didn't get it — I couldn't order. The PayPal link goes to PayPal, but not to a shopping cart. I'd love to order the Blueberry Mojito.
All fixed now! I changed the buttons to "Add to Cart" from "Buy Now" and added a "View Cart" button, too. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to e-mail me directly at RJFlamingo-@-bellsouth.net or FreakinFlamingo-@-att.net (without the dashes, of course)
Congrats Renee on your new venture, love name! Nothing wrong with small scale. I'm all for quality over quantity. I am so honored to have tried one of your DELICIOUS Bluberry Mojito Jam! PLEASE bring me 2 jars this Sunday! I'm paying right NOW! I still think you teaching canning would be a great idea and sell them the first jar!