Today’s post is in collaboration with American Girl.
This spring American Girl launched a darling City Market and a fantastic outfit collaboration with the Clements Twins. The outfits are absolutely darling – so fresh and and fun and perfect for slingin’ market wares like jam, soap, flowers, and scones.
AG didn’t stop at new accessories though, they debuted two new Truly Me dolls too! With pastel blue and pink hair, Truly Me #88, is a sight to behold, and Truly Me #86 is equally fabulous with her dark purple hair.
Jemma quickly gave Truly Me #86 a real name – Leila McDeen. There was no hemming and hawing, she just announced, “Her name is Leila … McDeen! I love the name Leila and I always knew a ‘Mc’ name would match it perfectly.” Um, ok! Well, welcome Leila!
Jemma wrote up a little description sharing who Leila is for your enjoyment …
Leila is 9 1/2 years old and has purple hair! She has two younger sisters named Lacy and Lily. They don’t have purple hair … yet! Leila and her sisters have a cat named Raspberry and Leila’s best friends are Blaire, Isabelle, and Joss. She loves to go to the market in the spring and summer to sell her scones, jam, berries, soap, and tulips. Joss has a stand right next to hers and she sells surfing accessories with her business partner, Sophia. Leila loves being at the market more than anywhere else! She is a loyal and kind friend who always knows how to cheer her friends up with thoughtful words.
The City Market has been such a great activity scene for Jem’s dolls. Leila especially loves workin’ the market! It’s such a quality piece, made of real wood and metal, and every little accessory has such detail.
Jem and Max have actually worked at their own market stand selling handmade cards, but Leila and American Girl’s City Market got Jem jazzed for creating other market items … like jam!
I don’t think we’ll start selling jam (sounds like a big project to me!), but we definitely love mixing up our own jam at home. In honor of Leila, we put together a fresh batch of our family’s favorite marionberry lemon freezer jam.
Marionberry Lemon Freezer Jam
Ingredients
- 4 cup marionberries
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 pouch freezer jam pectin
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions
Over low heat, mash marionberries until the mixture reaches a soft boil.
In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and pectin. Add marionberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir for 2-3 minutes until well incorporated.
Divide jam into ten 4-ounce jars leaving 1/2 inch space on top. Seal with a lid. Since we aren’t canning these and rather freezing, I use these twist on lids. Allow jam to acclimate to room temperature, then transfer to the freezer for up to one year.
Leila and Jemma hope you enjoy making their market-inspired jam! It’s delicious on toast, swirled into oatmeal, or on top of ice cream!
You can find “Leila“, the City Market, and, through May 11th shop a ton of American Girl items at 60% off! Happy shopping!