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Preserving Fresh Salsa
Want to enjoy that summertime fresh salsa in the winter? Follow these steps to keep your cupboard full of delicious salsa made from your own kitchen. This is a water bath canning recipe using a mild salsa recipe made with fresh tomatoes, onion, peppers, garlic and a handful of spices. Start with my fresh salsa recipe. Try not to alter the tomato to pepper to onion ratio, as this is the right combination of acid for water bath canning. Only adjust the heat by switching the peppers to a spicier type, if needed, keeping the cupful's the same. I use 2 jalapenos in this recipe. For a spicier salsa, habanero…
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Concord Grape Jelly
I have a grape vine that is very old and produces the tastiest concord grapes. Every year, in September, they are ready to harvest. With a bucket full of grapes to use, I make grape juice and, of course, delicious concord grape jelly. This concord grape jelly is sweet and full of grape flavor. I really like that this one is not too sweet like the store jelly that has way too much sugar. I like tasting the grape flavor and spreading it one toast and sandwiches. Start with picking and washing at least 4 quarts of grapes. Having too many is better than shorting yourself and not getting enough…
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Apricot Pepper Jelly
Sweet and spicy jelly perfect for covering cream cheese. During pepper season, I try to use up a lot of peppers in jellies. Some jellies will be spicier than others, substituting banana peppers for jalapenos or habaneros. While also mixing up some colors with onions and bell peppers. Use what you like or have on hand but stay consistent to the amount of pepper, onion and fruit quantities to have the right balance or acid in the jellies. This recipe is for apricot pepper jelly using banana peppers, red onion and green bell peppers. Cut dried apricots into small 1/4th inch size pieces. Place apricot pieces into a large heavy…
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Canned Sweet Corn
Fresh sweet corn in summer reminds me why I love the Midwest. I grow my own sweet corn and do eat it fresh. Although, it seems like sweet corn season is too short. With this method, enjoying canned sweet corn is an all year around treat. I add corn to salsa, mexican dinner bowls, or simply next to a baked potato. I have even enjoyed it as a snack with salt and butter. Now anyone can enjoy canned sweet corn. Peel and wash sweet corn. Prepare pressure canner by adding water into the pot and start heating up the water. Lid stays off at this time. Boil water in a…
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Canning Tomato Sauce
With a summer full of tomatoes, I like to can as many for the winter as possible. Today I am canning tomato sauce but it will work for diced tomatoes to sauces and pastes. The process is fairly simple and great for beginning canners, homesteaders or self reliance efforts. Canning tomato sauce is great for pasta, pizza and casserole dishes. I just add the seasoning with each meal at the time of making it. Make tomato sauce by simmering pureed tomatoes until the sauce is the desired thickness. I have a recipe for basic tomato sauce if needed. Sauce must be hot when canning into jars. Measure out how much…
