Hello and welcome to The Birch Cottage! My name is Pam Baker. I’m married to the most incredible man on the face of the earth, Lenny. Between the two of us we have seven children and ten grandchildren and counting.
The Birch Cottage is a very special place for us. It’s not only where we have the privilege of sharing our creative ideas, recipes, and our home remodeling journey, but we also get to meet incredible people just like you!
I like to think I’m the creative brains behind The Birch Cottage and Lenny is the “master of power tools” {a nickname our grandson gave Lenny}. Together we make quite a team, if I do say so myself.
The Birch Cottage blog was born out of my desire to create an online resource for our growing children. I’m just sure that one day one of them will wonder what tool they need to refinish a dresser, how to make guacamole or cinnamon rolls, or maybe even how to really clean the bathroom like mom. Then I thought that if this information could be useful to our children, maybe you would find it useful, too.
You may be wondering why our blog is named The Birch Cottage. Well, each summer since my husband was a little boy, his parents and grandparents would travel to Northern Ontario to vacation in a cottage on the French River. The French River is right in the heart of Canadian cottage country.
But the French River is more than a vacation spot to Lenny and me. It truly is the one thing that has brought our family closer together. Sometimes we would camp on the river, which meant no electricity, no cell phones, no TV, no social media – just our family and nature. In fact, when we do stay in a cottage, our children choose not to use their electronics. French River is family time and we love our time on the River!
Just like the French River renews us and gives us inspiration, we hope The Birch Cottage is a place you come to find inspiration, peace and hope: inspiration to be creative, the peace of mind of knowing that everything doesn’t have to be perfect, and hope for a future filled with loving memories of time well spent with family.
Regardless of your reason for visiting The Birch Cottage, we’re really glad you’re here!
From our family to yours…
Julie
Tuesday 31st of October 2023
How do I get the bowl cozy tags I've been to this site several times and the link is just greyed out. Thank You
Pamela Baker
Tuesday 31st of October 2023
Hi, Julie. I just sent you the bowl cozy care tags. I didn't see where you had requested them, but did see where you had requested the other care tags for handmade projects. Anyway, please check your email inbox and let me know if you receive them or not.
Thank you! Pam Baker The Birch Cottage
Pamela Baker
Tuesday 31st of October 2023
Hi, Julie. There is a form on the Bowl Cozy Care Tags page where you submit your name and email address. The tags will then be emailed to you.
https://www.thebirchcottage.com/6-printable-microwave-safe-bowl-cozy-care-tags/
Hope this helps!
Terry
Thursday 5th of October 2023
I've made your Asian Pear Walnut bread twice now and it's delish! We've shared with many friends. It was the first time I'd eaten an Asian pear. A friend gave me some, so I looked for recipes to try. Yours is a winner! Thanks so much.
Pamela Baker
Thursday 5th of October 2023
Terry, I’m so glad you found and loved the Pear Bread recipe. My family absolutely loves it! Thanks for sharing!
jc
Tuesday 22nd of August 2023
Hi Pam, Hello from Wilmington NC ! So glad to have found you ! I'm mostly a crafter and enjoy making things for my home and for gifts. I'm afraid I'll have to skip the food items as they look too yummy to resist! Can't wait to read what's next! Jane, PS yes we do (see email address)
Cynthia
Monday 7th of August 2023
HI there I have made your casserole cozy in the past and it was very easy to follow your youtube video. My daughter now wants a cozy for her glass containers that measure 11.5" x 10" by 3". How could I adjust your template to fit those measurements. I am just a beginner.
Thank you,
Frances
Sunday 2nd of July 2023
In the receipt section of the jalapeño pineapple jam you state to bring the pineapple mixture to a boil then add the liquid pectin and boil one minute. This is what I did and it did not jell properly. In reading the instructions before the recipe (step four)it says to bring to a boil and boil for 10 min. then add pectin and boil one min. but I did not read that until I was finished and trying to figure out why it didn’t jell so now I have jars of jalapeño pineapple syrup.
Pamela Baker
Sunday 2nd of July 2023
Hi, Frances. I am so sorry for the confusion. Here are two possible solutions:
Liquid Pectin For each quart you are recooking you will need: 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of liquid pectin, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Bring the jelly to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Remove it from the heat and quickly add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine. Return the pot to the stove and bring the mixture back to a boil and boil it for 1 minute. Test to see if the jelly is setting. If not then boil for another minute, if it is then remove it from the heat, skim the foam, and fill your jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe the rims clean and add the lids finger tight and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (or according to your altitude).Without Adding Pectin
Pour the soft jam or jelly into a medium-sized pot and add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for each quart of jelly you measured. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Test to see if it’s setting, if not continue to boil for 1 more minute. If it is, then remove it from the heat and skim off the foam. Fill your jars leaving 1/4 inch of headspace and remove air bubbles. Wipe the rims, add lids finger tight, and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (or according to your altitude).