Kevin’s Jam [Caramel Apple & Strawberry] — part of the Friendship Series

**FRIENDSHIP SERIES!**

Introducing Kevin; the inspiration for the November Edition, the eleventh in the Friendship Series Jam lineup: [Catch the YouTube video introducing this jam HERE]

Years ago, while participating in an outreach event in Fresno with the San Francisco Gay’s Mens Chorus, I met this adorable kid – Kevin Finley.  He was impossibly cute… he swore he was 18, I didn’t believe him but that’s a whole other story… ?  The Chorus was in Fresno to perform, spread goodwill, and raise awareness about Gay Rights during the Fresno Gay Pride Festival, and Kevin was one of the volunteers/Ambassadors assigned to the Chorus that weekend.  Kevin drove a shuttle for us that took us from the hotel that we were staying at to the festival events.  Kevin was sweet, and the various Chorus members ate him up – LITERALLY.  The poor kid was overwhelmed!  So I hung out with him while he ran Chorines back and forth, and ran interference whenever someone got a little too… forward with the poor kid.  Seriously – I had to beat them off with a stick!  As the night wore on, and he relaxed, we talked more and more – he was full of questions about being Gay, and it felt good to be able to help him with that as well.  A strong bond formed that night, and this wonderful friendship grew from that night.

Over the years, we’ve been there for each other.  I’ve had the pleasure of watching him grow from a curious teen to a vibrant adult… he is still as sweet as can be, with an incredible warmth, a generous heart, and a very loving and giving nature.  There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for each other.  He helped me through the breakup of my first major relationship; I was there for him as he explored and entered into a couple of relationships though the years – he was always there; always as true a friend as a friend could be.  I love you Kevin!!

When I Kevin about his  fruits and flavors, he mentioned strawberries, and his favorite treat – caramel apples… It’s like he did my thinking for me… what a fun combo; caramel apples and strawberries!!  So I worked up a jam that used strawberries and apples, and I caramelized the apples in brown sugar before making the jam to get that caramel taste – and it worked beautifully!!  The jam is sweet, and it brings a smile to your face – just like Kevin does.  Score!  And for me, that sums up Kevin perfectly!