Crazy Canning

I am out of control.  Someone get me some help. Call the Canning Control Hot line for me, okay.

It is this garden of ours, and the harvest, and autumn, and free corn from my niece, Ashley, and her cute baby Tenley (who I tended on Saturday for 6 hours and I fell completely in love with!) and having empty canning jars in the basement that need to be filled, and Anaheim peppers, and ............

You see, I am out of control.

I can't help myself.

It must be in my genes..... let's blame my Great Grandma Johnson, and her daughter, my Grandma Walters.  And then there is my mom, and now me....  Yep, it is in our genes and then it is in my jeans.

I know I am rambling.  It is a disease of canning that makes me do this.

*Deep breathe*  let it out slowly * repeat* as many times as necessary.

Saturday DH and I went and picked corn with my niece, Ashley.

It is a huge field, and we had about 4 clothes baskets filled with corn on the cob in about 16 minutes.'

Then we hugged our Ashley and thanked her for sharing the corn.

We hurried home, and realized we were out of control.  We had way too much corn.

But we have wonderful neighbors, who are willing to pitch in and help.  And we are wonderful neighbors to live by, because we say things like, "If you help us husk the corn and cut the kernels off the cobs.....then the corn becomes your problem.  You have to can it.  Thanks for hanging out with us while we husk our corn and cut the kernels off the cobs".

Our neighbors were thrilled!  They didn't have to go and get the corn, and the mess was at our place, so they knew they made out like bandits!

Now, I was busy working that day, and the camera didn't want to get slimmed by corn juice, so just imagine me, DH, Connie and Norman working so hard and cutting the corn off the cobs.  While you are imagining this, imagine Norman sharpening his knives on DH's knife sharpener.  Then you can imagine what Norman did to his finger when he was cutting the corn kernels off the cob. He left the party to play doctor to his finger.  But it didn't take us long to have all the kernels cut off the cobs.

With 4 of us working it went very quickly.

I was in the kitchen preparing before I knew it.

I was chopping onions and stuff.

My life won't be complete unless I share the recipe with you.

So, here goes.

Corn Relish

 16 to 20 fresh ears corn (8 cups)
2 cups water

1 1/2 cups dice celery (6 stalks)

1 1/2 cups dice red bell peppers (2 medium)

1 1/2 cups dice greed bell peppers (2 medium)

1 cup dice onion (1 large)

3 cups white vinegar
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 t. dry mustard
2 t. kosher salt
2 t. celery seed
1 t. ground turmeric

You will want to "dice" the veggies to be about the size of a large kernel of corn so that each bit will have all of the ingredients.

Measure 8 cups. In the 8-10 quart stainless steel pot combine corn, celery, sweet peppers, and onion. Stir in vinegar, sugar, mustard, kosher salt, celery seed, and turmeric. Bring to boiling, stirring until sugar dissolves, reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.


Note: The original recipe calls for cornstarch and water (3 Tablespoons each) to add as a thickener.

Remove from heat. Ladle hot relish into hot, sterilized pint canning jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Wipe jar rims; adjust lids. Process for 15 minutes in the water bath, starting timing once the water has come to a rolling boil. Makes 5 pints.

So, I cut up all the onions, celery, peppers and put them in a bowl.

I added all the spices to the bowl.

In a sauce pan I measured out the corn, and added the veggies and seasonings.

I the corner of my kitchen I was sterilizing the bottles.  I do this in an electric fry pan.  It makes my life easier.  It frees up all the burners on the stove top.  I place a dish cloth in the bottom of the fry pan to help protect the tops of the bottles so they won't get chipped.  I add the flat lids in there, too, so they are sterile and ready when I need them.  Did I ever tell you I add a little bit of vinegar to this as well.  It keeps the jars and lids clean and sparkling.

The big pot on the left is the "water bath", only it is a steam bath.  That is processing the bottled corn.  I have one batch going and I am filling bottles for another batch.

The steam coming out of the little hole on the front lets you know it is working.  It is faster and not as messy as the water bath method where all the bottles are submerged in boiling water.

The bottles need to be sterilized about 5 minutes.

Then I put them on a small cookie sheet next to the cooked corn mixture and fill the bottles, leaving 1/2 inch head space.

Wipe off the rim of the bottles before you add the flat lid.  If food or something is on the rim, it may interfere with the sealing of the jar.

When all the jars are filled, then put them in a water bath for the amount of time needed for your altitude.

I set the hot jars on a folded dish towel on my counter.  Then I wait.  Before long I hear the popping of the lids as the jars seal.  That is my favorite sound when I am canning.

I always write what is in the jars on a label or on the lid.
I always date the jars or the lid.
Corn Relish  9/11
It makes my life much easier than trying to remember.

I hope you will try to make some Corn Relish.  It is easy and tastes so good.
We eat it on fried eggs, tortilla chips, hot dogs, and pork roasts.
It works just like a salsa for a dip.

Mix it  with cream cheese and serve with crackers and you will eat the whole thing.

I hope you get to do some Corn Relish soon.

At the end of the day I had filled 41 bottles of Corn Relish.  So, we are set for the winter.

Love,
Me

Recent ATV Mishap

A group of us went on an ATV trip a few days ago.
We have formed a gang.
No, we don't wear gang related clothing or flash the signs.
What we do is "gang" up on unsuspecting mountain terrain.

And to try out our new Polaris ATVs.
Yep, we all got new ones.
We have to keep up with someone, just who, I am not sure.

Really, we needed ATVs that were softer on our mature frames.
Bigger for our added weight.
More powerful to pull us up steep hills.

Kenny and JoyLynn, and Connie are living proof.

We went to a place called Eight Mile.

Only it wasn't Eight Miles.  It was 35 miles!
Some was easy, and some was sheer terror!

Sharma, Bob's wife can attest to the terror.
She thought Kenny was going to drive off a cliff.

We all look out for each other.
We have too.
Between the 4 couples we have 2 complete brains.
(Don't tell them I said that)
We cover each others backs.

Yep, Bob and Sharma are covering each others backs.
It isn't a Mexican Standoff, I promise.

We have to cover each others backs, in case something drastic should happen to one of us.

Like this.

The last thing in the world you want to happen to one of us, when you are 35 miles from someplace that is civilized.  And very far from your vehicles!

This flat tire belongs to Kenny and JoyLynn.
They had taken a joy ride earlier in the day.

I think this is payback for making that little jaunt without the rest of us!

However, Kenny came prepared.
He had a can of  "Flat Fixit".

Yeah, somebody actually makes this stuff, and all of us bought it!

He shook up the can..... shook it up hard..... just to show off his forearms for us girls.
Bob think he is just showing off!

Then, Kenny actually put that stuff in the tire.

All of us could write the company with our testimonies of this product.
It actually works.
It really does!

He wondered where our Faith was ......  didn't we believe everything he says?

Well....

I am not going to answer that.... I have to live by this guy.

But Connie had an answer....

Sometimes she really surprises me.
She just says it like it is.
I love that gal!!

When the tire was repaired we crossed our fingers, bowed to the East, said a prayer and gave up our doughnuts for the tire gods, and hoped it was fixed enough to get us off this mountain.

With this bunch of testosterone leading us women off this mountain I am sure we are in good hands.
Why would I be worried?
I think guys like this would be trust worthy.

Why are you laughing?

They are grown up, mature, strong, capable men.
And I love each one of them!
In a different way..........
Like a neighborly way............

You know what I mean.

I better quit while I am ahead.

Thanks for the help Bob....

THE END!

Love, Me

I Love Some Bugs and DH

We went on a 35 mile 4 wheel trip last weekend.  Yes, it was long, and I loved it.
I am working on a blog about it, and the people we were with.

In the meantime, I must share a few photos with you.

The photos were taken when I stopped to "smell the roses".

I wish I had see through wings, don't you?
I could be an angel with those wings.

Busy little bees aren't they?

Maybe I would rather be a ladybug.  They seem to be more likable than a bee.

Can you find the ladybug?

It is like "Where is Waldo?"

I think I would rather be "The apple of his eye."

I love my Darling Husband!

Happy Birthday, yesterday my love.

Hugs and kisses,
Me

My Baby Had A Birthday

We celebrated another birthday in our family last month.  It was the 31st birthday we have celebrated for this baby child of ours.  We love her enough to celebrate once a year with her.  It is on our calendars.  We don't forget.  She won't let us.

Her father and I decided we would take her for a ride. 
We went North East of our home, about 40 minutes.
To Palisades Reservoir.
To go 4 wheeling.

She was thrilled.
She got to drive, by herself, like a big girl.

She was very cautious. She is always a good driver, and cautious.

As I watched from behind I was filled with memories.  My mind was whirling with memories.

1.  The day she got her drivers license.  It seems like yesterday.  I have a photo (someplace) of her standing by the car, holding her license, and she is grinning ear to ear.

2.  I remembered when she skipped on the side walk, with her best friend Cheryl, as they chatted all the way home from school.  Her long braids were flowing around her shoulders and her grin was from one ear to the other ear.  She loved Cheryl.  She loved school.

3.  When I picked her up after pre-school she wanted to eat at Carlos Juneion  (Carl's Junior).  We would get a burger and go to a park.  We had a picnic.  She would investigate all the little bugs in the grass, the rocks on the play ground, and dream.  She is still a dreamer.  She still investigates all the things in nature.  She loves the outdoors and nature.

4.  I remember the day she was born.  The day my world was shattered, because she was supposed to be a boy.  The Dr. said she was a boy.  I had planned on a boy.  Her brother wanted her to be a boy.  She was a girl.  She has always been a girl.  Her sisters are so glad she was a girl.  I am, too.

5.  If I closed my eyes I could see her in a pink and white frilly, ruffly, lacy dress.  It is the one really girly dress she loved.  We got her that special dress when she was baptised.  She would twirl around and the skirt of the dress would flair out.  She was a princess in that special dress.

6.  I remembered her when she was 9 months old, and she flew on an airplane with her dad and me.  We flew to  Arizona to find a place to live.  Her dad had just accepted a new job.  She slept all the way on the airplane.  She was so fun to hold and and cuddle with.  She was such a lovable baby.

7.  I can imagine her squeals and giggles as she ran around our backyard with our little Lacey dog chasing her.   They were best friends.  We had Lacey for 14 years.  This child was away at college when Lacey left our family.  We couldn't tell her about it.  She had to come home to find out.  We were sitting around the table eating dinner when she said, "Where is Lacey?"  Her dad and I couldn't look at her, or answer her.  Then we all started to cry.

8.  This child gives the best gifts.  Truly, she puts the most thought into her gifts.  It is never about the money, it is about the thought.  She puts lots of thoughts into the gifts she gives to others.  She will spend hours crocheting a hat, or hours making a perfect meal (or apple pie), or she will find a box of Cascade Bubble Bath and she will attach a note and bring tears to the receivers eyes.

9.  My baby loves nature.  I know, I already told you that.  I might tell you that again.  She loves nature.  She loves clouds, birds, sunsets, rain, thunder, mountains, steams, bugs, butterflies, BIRDS, caterpillars, rainbows, wild flowers, moss, leaves, birds, whales, and Alaska.  She also loves period movies by Jane Eyre, her Alaska friends, b i r d s, sea shells, fishing, 4 wheeling, trips, jewelry, home made food, baked bread, and cheesecake.  She doesn't like nuts in her food.

10.  She loves her family.  Her sisters are her best friends.  Her dad is her idol.  Her brother is a mystery to her.  She loves a good mystery.  She loves to read. She loves movies.  She can watch the same movie over and over, if it is a good one. 

11.  My baby is not afraid to be alone.  She loves her "own" time, her "quiet" time.  She is refreshed when she has been alone.  She needs it.

12.  Her dream is to be a wife and mother.  She wants to be adored.  She wants to be needed.  She wants to love deeply.  She wants a man like her father is.  She wants her husband to love her, like her dad loves her mom.

13.  She loves nature.  She really loves birds.  And wild flowers.  And birds.

14.  She loves birds and nature.  She doesn't care whether the bird is big or little.  If the bird is on the ground or in the sky.  She loves their feathers, and their eyes, and their feet.  She used to have a cockatiel.  Her name was Didgey.  They loved each other.  Didgey would sit on her shoulder and nibble in her hair and on her neck.  Didgey would softly grind her beak into my babies ear.  The grinding is a sign of contentment.  She would let Didgey sit on her shoulder and poop on her.  She loved that little bird with all of her heart.

15.  She enjoys John Wayne movies.  She collects them.  She loves cowboys.  She could be a cowgirl. She loves Idaho and Alaska, and birds, and nature.

As her mother, I love everything about her.  I love the same things she loves.  We are so alike.

I wonder what her future holds.

What trail she will follow.
What trials she has ahead of her.
What joys she will experience.

But, one thing I do know, is how much I love her.
I love sharing my life with her.
I love going to garage sales with her.
I love combing through Thrift Stores with her.
I love gardening and canning with her.
I love being in the kitchen with her.

Except when she forgets to close the cupboard doors....

She is the apple of my eye nearly everyday.

She is my buddy, my pal, my friend.

She brings me joy and happiness.

Her many talents amaze me.

I think I am starting to ramble.
I was going to tell you about the ride we took on her birthday.
I was going to tell you about the scenery, the flowers, and the rain, and the sheep.

Yes, the rain.  It rained on us all the way down the mountain.  It poured.  It stung our skin.  It was very wet.  We got wet in the rain.  And we all loved it.

Yes, the sheep.  When we finished our ride, and returned to our truck, it was surrounded by sheep.

It made us very happy to see the sheep.  There were hundreds of them.  Even black ones.  They talked to us.  They said "Happy Birthday, Fru."  And they sang to her.  They did.  Just ask her.  She loved it.  She laughed at all those sheep, and she told them thank you for singing to her, and for leaving her gifts on the gravel road.  There were lots of gifts on the gravel road, and she noticed most of them.

And then we loaded the 4 wheelers into the trailer and we headed for home.

So, happy birthday to my favorite 31 year old baby.

I love you with all my heart.

Love, forever,
Me

Fishing Doesn't Mean You Catch A Fish

I love it when the men in my life go fishing.

If they bring home a fish, I am thrilled.

If they don't bring home a fish, they bring home good memories, well, that thrills me, too.

Sometimes if the fish aren't biting, the men will hunt for geese, or something else.
The something else is usually a "tall tale" about the one that got away.

The story is usually as good as the fish would have been.

Yep, I love it when the men in my life go fishing.
I love whatever they bring home.  :)

I love the smile that comes home.

Love, Me

I Wish I Was A String Bean

Sometimes do you want to change places with some people?

I rarely feel like that.  I am happy with my life.  I love who I am, and where I am.
But, if I could be something else for just a little while, I do have a wish.....

I wish I could be a string bean.



A string bean has a perfect life.  And the reason is simple.  It is a string bean.

Everyone knows what it looks like, what it tastes like.
It can be fresh, frozen, canned or dried, and it is still a string bean.

It can be cut, sliced, pureed, steamed, grilled or boiled, and it is still a string bean.

No one has expectations for it to be different.  It is what it is. It always will be.

It grows with other sting beans. 
That means everyone looks almost alike.
There are a few differences, but everyone accepts how much alike they are.


Some might be longer, but it is still a string bean.
Some might be older, but it is still a string bean.
Some might short, but it is still a string bean.

No one says, "Oh, look at that awful string bean.  It would be so much better if it was a green pepper".

The string bean doesn't have to apologize for not being a green pepper, because it knows it is a string bean.  It will never be a green pepper, and it doesn't even want to be a green pepper.  It knows it's place in life.  It likes being just who it is.  It likes being a string bean.

Tomatoes don't care that the string bean isn't a tomato.  Tomatoes know that the world needs diversity and variety.  It is glad to know the string bean.  It doesn't want it to change into something it isn't.  It accepts the string bean for what and who it is.

The string bean doesn't have to say, "I am sorry for not being what you want me to be."  Because, it is a string bean and that is okay.

Yep, I wish I was a string bean.

I am the oldest of 5 children.  I am who I am.  I like who I am.
I am not you, and I don't want to be like you.
I like being me.
If I couldn't be me, I would be a string bean.

I am not sorry that I am not a green pepper.
I am not sorry that I am not a tomato.

I am sorry you don't like me the way I am.
But, I like me.

Yep, I like me just fine.  Even if I am not a string bean.

Love,
Me.



The Circle Of Life Of A Tomato

This morning it was 46 degrees when I put on my flip flops and tiptoed out to the garden.  Yes, I was still in my nightgown, because I had just crawled out of bed.  I couldn't wait to see if the tomatoes were getting ripe.  The tomatoes don't care what I wear, or if my teeth are brushed, or if my hair is combed, or if I have mascara under my eyes.  My tomatoes are waiting for me to come and say good morning to them.  They know I will caress them, and whisper sweet things to them.  They love me just the way I am.

I found several new red tomatoes.  They had been busy in the night time hours making themselves ripen.  The tomatoes know their days are numbered before the fall season sets in and the nights will get chilly, if not freezing.  They are such good little/big tomatoes.

I didn't have my camera with me this morning, when I was in my nightgown, but you remember what the green tomatoes look like in the garden.  Well, just imagine them deep red.

I started picking.  I had a a few already on my kitchen counter from yesterday and the day before, but this morning I got quite a lot of them.  I plucked them from the vines and carried them into the kitchen.

Then I started to ask DH if he would help me gather supplies I needed.  Of course, he was thrilled to be a part of this canning process.  He gets as much joy out of it as I do!

His assignment was to go downstairs and get quart mason jars, pint mason jars, the pressure canner, and flat lids for the jars.  I got the the trusty old electric fry pan to sterilize the bottles in.  By using the electric skillet it frees up all the stove top for whatever else I might need.

I got the bottles sterilizing first thing.

I like knowing they are ready when I am ready.

Then I washed up the tomatoes and placed them in simmering water on the stove top.  With in about 30 seconds the skin on the tomatoes will split.  That is the sign you are looking for.  That means they are done.

Take them out of the water using a slotted spoon.  The slotted spoon lets the hot water drain away from the tomato.  Then place the tomatoes in a big bowl of ice water.  The ice water drops the temperature of the tomato and stops the cooking process.  And the tomatoes need to be cooled enough so you can handle them to peel.

The skins and the cores need to be removed.  Just think of peeling the skin off you buddy who has had a recent sunburn.  It is just like that.  Big chunks of skin come off.  It is a therapeutic process to do this.  I don't know what is getting the therapy but it is fun.  If there are cores in the tomato they need to be removed as well.  Just use a sharp paring knife and cut them out, leaving as much tomato as you can.  But you can use your fingers to peel the skin from the tomato.  It is fun, really.

After you have several tomatoes peeled, now is the time to start placing the tomatoes in the sterilized jars.  If the tomato is large, cut it in half or fourths.  Just cut them so you can drop them into the jars.

If you fill like you want to spice up the tomatoes a bit, DO IT.

I love to add fresh dill to the jars.  It is a seasoning that I would add later, when I am opening the bottles to cook with, so why not add what you want now?  Think out side of the box.  I like to think.  So I thought.  And I came up with a few more items to add.

I asked DH to go to the garden for me and get some onions, and some green and red bell peppers.  Again, he was so willing to do something to be involved with the process of canning the tomatoes.  He jumped right up and trotted out to the garden.

When he returned he was even willing to wash the dirt from the onions and peppers.  Isn't he just the greatest?!

I diced up the onions, peppers and put them into the jars with the quartered tomatoes.  It makes the jars look so pretty with all the color.   Opposite colors on the color wheel always look good together.  IE: red and green.  Just like Christmas, only in the fall.

By now it is 51 degrees outside.  So it feels a bit like fall.

And yes, I am still in my nightgown.

Does that bother you?

I am comfortable, and I don't have to hold in my tummy.  Not that I can anyway.

OK, back to the task at hand.

The jars now contain peeled and quartered tomatoes, a head of dill, diced onions and peppers and now I add about a teaspoon of salt per quart.  But, I DO NOT add any more liquid.  The tomatoes and juicy and ripe and they make their own juice.

Slide a butter knife down the side of the bottle to raise all the air pockets to the surface.  No bottle of tomatoes, or anything else, wants air pockets.  They must be destroyed.

Then, with a clean cloth wipe the rim of the jar off.  It must not have debris or juice or anything on the rim, or the jar won't seal properly.

Then place the flat lid on the jar and screw on the band.  Screw it tightly.

After I had filled the jars with the tomatoes I had picked in the last two day, I had filled 6 quarts and 4 pints.  They are just beautiful!  They make my heart sing.  And my tummy have butterflies.

Now it is time to process the jars.

I started with the quarts. Be sure the liner is in place in the bottom, inside the pressure canner.  It keeps the bottles from sitting directly on the bottom of the canner.  If you forget this part, your bottles could break. I filled the pressure canner with 3 quarts of water.  Then I added the 6 quart jars. (Read the instructions of your pressure canner for the right amount of water to be added.)  I also add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to the water.  It keeps your bottles clean and not water spotted after processing is complete.  It is important to know that your bottles should not be touching each other.  We need the bottles to be surrounded by love and air and steam and whatever they need to properly process. Don't let them touch.

Again, following the directions of the pressure canner put the lid on.  It is important that this is done correctly and on tight.

At this point, I turn on the heat.  A moderately high heat to get the canner to steam out of the vent on the top of the lid.

The directions say to let the steam escape for 10 minutes.  Then place the "weights" on the vent.

Once the "weights" start to rock, start the timer.  I process 25 minutes at 13 lbs of pressure at my altitude.  Every altitude will have different directions for processing time and pressure.  Check your manual for your directions.

The little "weight" will rock and rock to maintain the correct pressure.

It will jiggle back and forth and you will hear a little hissing sound.  That is the way it should be.

When the time is up, and the 25 minutes are passed, then turn off the heat.  Very carefully slide the pressure canner off the heat. 

You will know when all the pressure has been released by this little gauge on the top of the lid. 

When there is no pressure in the canner the little "plug" will be flat with the lid.

When there is pressure in the canner, and during the processing time, the "plug" will be up.

It is very important you pay close attention to this part of the lid, as it can protect you.

If you try to open the canner lid and the pressure is not down you will be severely harmed, burned, exploded, kitchen on fire, 911 called, burn unit  in route, and lots of doctor bills and a remodeled kitchen. 

It isn't worth it, so just look at the little plug and you will be safe.

Pressure canners can be dangerous if not used properly.  They can be a money saving appliance and feed your family for years if you know the proper care and storage and operation of them.

I am not afraid of them at all.  I was brought up around them.  I have used them for my entire married life.  They have saved us lots of grocery bills, and we have eaten healthy and nutritious food, without additives.  I am a big supporter of pressure canning.

Once you purchase the canning jars they can be used over and over.  You only need to buy the lid flats to reuse the bottles.  You can grow your own food, and not have preservatives and pesticides and all that junk on your food when it grows.

Remember, I started all my plants from seed last spring, and now I am reaping the benefits of those efforts.

You can see the dill, onions, and peppers in the bottles.

You also see the liquid on the bottom.  That is normal.  The tomatoes are juicy and that is part of the tomato.  Some tomatoes will have less juice and some will have more.

Remember, when I filled the jars I packed them until I had 1/2 inch of space to the top of the rim of the jar.  I did not add any water.  This is the result.

When I use these tomatoes in chili or soup or stew or spaghetti sauce or whatever, I will not drain off this liquid.  It is flavorful and full of nutrients and I will add the entire bottle into whatever I am cooking.

As I am typing this, my pints are done processing.  The canner is cooling and the pressure is dropping.  It will take about 20 minutes.  Then I will check to be sure the little plug has dropped down, showing me there is no more pressure inside.  Then I will remove the Weight Gauge.  Then I will carefully open the lid, with the open side away from me, letting the remainder of the steam out.  Always open the lid away from you, so you won't get burned.

Then I will take out the bottles and sit them on a kitchen towel on my counter, next to the quarts.  The bottles will continue to cool down, and I will listen for the "POP" that the lids make when the bottles are sealed.

When they are all completely cooled and sealed, I will wipe down the bottles and label the date on the lid with a magic marker. Today is 9/6/2011. Then gently I will carry them downstairs and put them on my storage shelves, next to the corn, chili sauce, canned chicken, canned beef, and whatever else I have canned at home. 

I will stand back, smile, maybe giggle, and be so proud of myself.  And I will know that when the snow is blowing and the temperatures are low, I won't have to go to the grocery store to prepare our meals.  I will just go downstairs and get a few bottles and make a wonderful dinner.

Kinda makes me look forward to winter.....just kinda.  Right now, I am enjoying fall.

And it is now 68 degrees.  My house is cool, and smells so good!

I might just make bread.

Or take a nap.

Or .... shower and get dressed..... yes, that is exactly what I am going to do.

Farewell,

Love,

Me