Skip to main content

Fresh is Best!

I haven't had a chance to update lately because I've been busy with family visiting from out of town, spending time with my own family, and embarking on a new (for me) hobby- canning our fresh produce.

We have a garden and that means blessings from God in the form of fresh veggies. We've  canned stewed tomatoes in the past, but never really ventured past that. This year, however, I wanted to do something with my cucumbers. I tried my hand at pickling and I must say, they came out better than I expected. I've had homemade pickles in the past and honestly I didn't like them. I preferred store-bought mostly because that's what I was used to eating. Well, this recipe I found is great, and the pickles look like the ones you buy in the store but they taste way fresher! =)

I also attempted to make homemade salsa and it turned out great! It's spicy and chunky and reminds me of a salsa TJ & I used to get at a local Mexican restaurant we frequented in California. My only complaint is that it takes a lot of tomatoes in order to make one batch (7 pints), so I have to wait for some more tomatoes and peppers to ripen before I can make another batch. I want to be able to have enough to give away as well as keep enough to last us throughout the year. I love that all the ingredients except the onion came from my garden, making it the freshest salsa I've ever tasted. =)

I am thankful for the rain that helps my garden to grow, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share the fruit (or veggies :) of my labor with others.

Comments

analisa said…
It is enjoyable to read the blog of another SCian!! We are new to gardening, but are lending our hand at learning by doing.
Please follow me back: http://biguniversesmallworld.blogspot.com

Popular posts from this blog

Thursday Thirteen #4

Thirteen Things about South Carolina Mom 13 places I have been or would like to go. . . 1. Santiago, Chile, South America This was my first trip when I was in the military. It was awesome! 2. Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S. Traveled here with the military. I had a great time, although I only stayed for a few nights. It was too cold to swim in the ocean but it was nice to see the beach. 3. Palermo, Sicily, Europe This is my family's roots. My great-grandparents immigrated to the U.S. from Palermo, and it was so awesome to be able to share in my heritage. I traveled here while in the military, and I loved every bit of this country. Mt. Etna is also located in Sicily, and on several occasions (I've been to Sicily several times), Mt. Etna was erupting. It was majestic to see, especially at night. Too many highlights to say what my favorite part of this country was, but the memories I hold will definitely last a lifetime. 4. Rota, Spain, Europe Again, traveled here with the military....

Thursday Thirteen #3

Thirteen Things about South Carolina Mom 13 jobs I have held. . . 1. Special Olympics Swim Coach Best job ever and very rewarding! 2. Preschool/Youth swim instructor My first job (I volunteered until I got hired on at the Y, then I was paid.) 3. Lifeguard This was my first paid job. 4. Crew Chief/aircraft mechanic on the KC-10 I loved it- I saw the world on this plane and pushed myself the farthest mentally and physically I ever have or ever will again. Of course I missed my family and friends, but if I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. 5. Debrief personnel I talked with aircrews after they landed about their flight/mission. I learned the logistical side of flying. 6. Tool Crib personnel I gave the mechanics tools for various jobs needed to fix the airplane. I also inventoried and ordered new tools, and that was fun. Until this job, I had no idea that tool companies have a representative drive around in a truck full of tools for people to use and try. It was during t...

Thursday Thirteen #6

Thirteen Things about South Carolina Mom 13 Pictures from my life. . . Th, May 2007 Ta, May 2007 At the OBX, June 2007 Ta, OBX 2007 T.G. and Jenna, 1 of our dogs Th turning 5 in Sep. 2007 Eating cake, Sep. 2007 Me and TJ at the Wilds At the zoo, Oct. 2007 Nov. 2007 Thanksgiving 2007 Christmas 2007 All of us Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants