If I can, anyone can
I’ve finally joined the do-it-yourself elite.
I canned tomatoes last night.
I didn’t think I would get to can this summer. My tomatoes don’t look all that great, and I didn’t think I’d get the yield I needed.
But then my neighbor moved and left a few tomato plants behind. She said I could help myself, and I picked four pounds.
I already had accepted a donation of canning jars from my grandma. So I loaded up the works and went to Cathy Idzerda’s house.
Here’s what I learned:
-- Cathy was right in the story she wrote last week about canning. Don’t be intimidated. It’s not rocket science.
-- Four pounds of tomatoes isn’t that much. I ended up with three jars of tomatoes and two of juice. (I had gone to Cathy’s with visions of a half-dozen quarts of tomatoes at least.)
-- Canning is like an extension of the gardening process. You make a giant mess, you sweat and you curse a lot. But, when you’re done, you’ve made something delicious, nutritious and pretty.
Aug 28, 2009 at 12:04 p.m.
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Beens are really easy to grow. Plant a variety of them next year. Give away the crop you don't care for. Myself? I like them all.... Kidney beans, black beens, green beans (best served Julian style with plenty of butter) and lima beans. It's all good. I have never met a bean I didn't care for. God bless beans.
Aug 28, 2009 at 7:27 a.m.
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Kbunge .. I agree ~ Black beans over kidney any day ! If you can find it great if not , I am already further ahead . I never thought to use black beans instead . I alwasy get the kidney beans and us about 1/4 of the can and toss the rest cuz i just don't care for them . Thanks for the Idea !
Aug 27, 2009 at 1:41 p.m.
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LOVEISGOOD: I have to dig it out, but I'll look around. I haven't made it in a few years. It uses black beans instead of kidney beans, which is why I love it. ;)
Aug 27, 2009 at 1:27 p.m.
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You are a good woman....
Aug 27, 2009 at 12:39 p.m.
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LOVE-You can add other veggies to your tomatoes, but be sure to use a recipe when you do. I haven't had much practice, but Cathy said that the acidity of the tomatoes is part of what makes the canning process work. When you add other veggies, it changes the chemistry. Cathy showed my some recipes, but they're very specific about how much you add of each thing and how many tomatoes you use.
Does that make sense?
Aug 27, 2009 at 7:34 a.m.
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If anyone has any advise for canning chili tomatoes can you please let me know . I made salsa and canned it for the first time last night using a recipe out of the Gazette and I think it turne out awesome . I just need to know if you can put the pepers and celery in with the tomatoes when you can for stewed tomatoes ? Any suggestions would be great . I'm having a blast with my garden this year !
Aug 27, 2009 at 7:27 a.m.
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kbunge , Can you share your recipe for chili ?
Please ...
Aug 26, 2009 at 7:42 p.m.
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I gotta go with kbunge and BBB here. Come about November, a big ole' pot of chili would sure hit the spot. Especially for the deer hunters. And a little kick with green peppers would be a great way to welcome back Spring, in spaghetti and meat sauce with home made garlic bread and a fresh garden salad on the side.
Aug 26, 2009 at 11:53 a.m.
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Hopefully you put a little kick in your tomato juice.
Aug 26, 2009 at 10:34 a.m.
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Way to go! What are going to use them for? I vote for a big pot 'o chili! I have a great recipe!!
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