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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.
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