Barossa Village proudly received a 2024 grant from the Peter Lehmann Arts & Education Trust to bring the ‘That’s My Jam!’ project to life. This heartwarming initiative aims to preserve the treasured art of jam and preserve-making, passed down through generations. These cherished recipes, often scribbled in old, worn cookbooks and treated as family heirlooms, are now being lovingly collected, recreated, and adapted with the help of Barossa Village residents. The ultimate goal? To not only incorporate these timeless recipes into residency meals but to compile them into a beautiful book for the wider community to enjoy.

This project is more than a culinary journey; it represents a chance for Barossa Village’s aged care residents to engage in meaningful, hands-on activities that connect them with their past while also fostering a deeper bond with the community. The simple act of reintroducing cooking into their daily lives gives residents a renewed sense of purpose and achievement as they savour the familiar taste of homemade dishes they’ve known and loved.

Making and enjoying their own jams, chutneys, and sauces gives residents pride and fulfilment. It sparks conversation, promotes companionship, and stimulates memories of family traditions, bringing a sense of joy and nostalgia to the table.

One such resident, Edith White—fondly known as the “jam fancier”—was full of praise after tasting the freshly made peach jam. “Delicious, delightful, delectable, de-lovely! Homemade jam has real flavour,” she beamed, encapsulating the excitement felt by many residents involved in the project.

The resulting book is more than just a collection of recipes. It’s a testament to the lived experiences of Barossa Village’s residents, filled with memories of childhood days spent making jams, chutneys, and sauces with family. Some of these recipes have been passed down for generations, and now, they are being shared with the Barossa community. These well-guarded family secrets are being celebrated, and the community’s response has been overwhelmingly heartwarming.

Peter Heuzenroeder, a contributor, fondly recalls his mother’s approach: “Sometimes my mother cracked the apricot seeds, blanched the kernels, and added them to the jam, or used blanched almonds for the same effect.” Such anecdotes make this book a true reflection of the community’s rich history.

Priced at $15, ‘That’s My Jam!’ is available for purchase at The Raven’s Parlour in Tanunda, Barossa Village’s Community Office, and the Residency in Nuriootpa. Proceeds from the book will help fund future projects, ensuring that these beloved traditions are passed on to the next generation.

This project goes beyond cooking—it’s about connection, legacy, and sharing the joy that comes with every jar of homemade goodness. We hope the community will continue to embrace these treasured recipes and enjoy them for many years to come.