Why do we call it canning when it's all in jars? Just wondering.
Yesterday's work: Strawberry Jam from strawberries we picked on Thursday at the farm. I think we'll go back on Tuesday for raspberries. The beans are from the farm as well and made into Dilly Beans. The Zucchini Pickles are from our garden as are the Beet Pickles.
I've gone through gallons of vinegar and bags of sugar this year.
The beets are interesting. We didn't eat beets growing up and I didn't even now what to do with them. But the seed packet was only 20 cents so I figured I had nothing to lose. They've grown so well. I threw some in potatoes packs on the grill, but didn't really notice a flavor. My mom like pickles beets so I did that. I found one small one in the bottom of the pan I missed during peeling the beets for pickling yesterday, so I just ate it plain. Again, not much flavor.
I've got more still growing and I only planted half the packet of seeds. The rest will either be made into chips, or beet wine. Not a bad haul for 10 cents, I'd say.
And the zucchini? Let's just say that twelve plants provide plenty for everyone. I hauled in a basketful and shared them with my friends the other night. Everyone who comes over leaves with some and I've baked, stuffed, fried, and dried them. I made up four loaves of zucchini bread the other day for the freezer as well. I've got a recipe for Zucchini Soup to try out as well.
Pumpkin and I went out before breakfast this morning so he could pick more beans. They are Italian Rose beans, a type to eat fresh (for breakfast if you desire) or you can just let them dry on the vine for winter. I'm planning to do both. I thought I'd planted regular green beans, but I haven't seen them.
I'm doing all I can to stay out of the kitchen today. Leftovers and baking from earlier in the week are keeping us fed. Two jars of the Dilly Beans didn't seal, so we'll have some of them for dinner tonight . Those are the only jars this year that didn't seal. Not bad for all the canning I've done.
What are you putting up for winter?
9 comments:
Hi Kimberly,
After our Mission of Motherhood night, I made my first bucket of home made laundry soap. Love it and love the phels naptha. Love the money I am saving. Liked the balm too and am interested in making some. I only make earrings. That might be about as crafty as I am. How long does berry picking last. I would consider going this Tues, but invited friend for lunch (I forgot about berries, since I have never been). We have company for a week beginning Wed. Amy McLean
I haven't got into canning yet, although I admire you for it -- but my freezer is full of strawberries (you-pick farm), rhubarb (family), corn (farmer's market sales), and I need to freeze some blueberries this weekend.
I hear ya about staying out of the kitchen after a long week of canning- I start getting burned out, and don't want to see a stove, pots, jars....
I had planned to do some pressure canning this summer but with the pain moving to my left arm (my right arm is already limited), I couldn't do it. I'm thinking of taking the pressure canner to Stephanie if we go there in October.
However, I have shredded and frozen lots of zucchini. We love zucchini bread and the zucchini brownies (on my recipe blog) have been a huge hit with the people at the bookstore.
I'm going to make the recipe again this week, only in two round cake pans and freeze them.
Next year I want to plant many more green beans, enough to freeze or can.
Love the new look of your blog! :)
Good question about why we call it canning!! Besides that, my husband will say he's going down to the cellar to bring up a can of salsa, and in my head (but not aloud) I'll shriek, "It's a JAR, not a can!" :)
I love the picture of your summer bounty. As for my kitchen these days, peaches are what is getting canned...but to be honest, it's been my mother and my mother-in-law (visiting from California) who have been doing the labor of canning. My excuse is that a certain little 6 week-old is keeping me a bit too busy for that. :)
I admire your adventurous spirit to try so many new things--like beets! :)
I usually can like a crazy women this time of year, but with two of my college age sons home to go to college they seem to be eating everything before I can get to it! I've got great hope for the pumpkins though...I love to see what others are canning. Your question about the can vs jar is right on...why call it canning??? KIm
Your post left me so inspired Kimberly! This year, I've only canned about a dozen jars of jams, conserves and marinara sauce (half of it already consumed by my family)! Thus, compared to you, I'm feeling lazy!! I love your photo and your stories about what's been working, and the new things you're trying (i.e., beets!). Thank you so much for taking the time to post this amidst your busy days! It's much appreciated.
Warmly,
Tracey
I'm just now starting to get some ripe tomatoes - enough to eat fresh but not enough to make a batch of gazpacho. So I made up a big jarful of borcht to slurp up cold. Mainly onions, beets, and cabbage simmered (I like using chicken broth) until soft then pureed in the blender. Chill, and add buttermilk to taste.
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