Durning past couple of weeks, my house has been overtaken by produce. Doug's work has paid off and I have mounds of produce to either cook or preserve for the year ahead. I feel like Lucy working the cake conveyor belt. We have it in buckets, bowls, and windows. I use it all, turn around, and the kitchen is full again.
Just look:
I remember a conversation with my Granda years ago. I asked her to teach me to “can”. She replied “Oh, sweetie, there is nothing to it”. I have to disagree! So far canning isn't free, cheap, or easy, BUT, it is cool. It is such a wondering thing that we will have the food from our garden all year. We know exactly what is in this food. I have thought about my grandmother and her generation and how much work they did getting the food from their gardens prepped and preserved. This was just how they lived. I can remember going to the cellar in my Aunt Bert's house to get canned jams.
I am getting more comfortable with canning. Truth-be-told, i found it completely overwhelming in the beginning. But like anything, like with anything, it just takes practice. So far I have canned spaghetti sauce, salsa, zucchini relish, applesauce, pickled beets, pickled okra, bread & butter pickles, and green beans.
Here are some pics:
So, I would love to hear if you all do any canning and what you like to can. I am happy to share any of these recipes or tips I have discovered along the way.
If you are lucky enough to be gifted with some home-canned treat…..kiss the cook! He or she earned it.
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I used to do a lot of canning but haven’t in years. For the past 21 years we haven’t lived in a home where we could have a garden. Your stuff looks amazing & I am envious of all your hard work.
Thanks Donna. You need to come by when you get back! Have fun….
I want to just sit in your kitchen and take notes!