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Homemade Craisins
Craisins are dehydrated cranberries that are soft and chewy like a raisin. I have bought them from the store to use in chicken salad and granola bars. But if I want to save money during the winter and want to know what exactly is in the craisin, I will make them myself with my dehydrator. It is actually simple and doesn't take much prep work. I love the sweet and tart combination of these homemade crainsins. I bought a bag of cranberries that was 12oz which is about 3 cups of cranberries. They shrink down to a little over a cup of craisins. Start by washing the fresh cranberries. Next…
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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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Fresh Salsa
Fresh salsa in the summer time with a handful of tortilla chips is a nice afternoon snack. I like to grow many types of tomatoes, peppers and onions. Mixing them together with garlic and other spices as a fresh salsa is just about perfect. All that is missing is a refreshing drink. This salsa is mild and a family favorite. Start by collecting many tomatoes, any kind will work. I mix them up and use all types, from slicing to Roma to cherry tomatoes. This recipe needs 10 cups of tomatoes diced. Wash tomatoes and cut off ends. Cut tomatoes into half or quarter pieces to check the inside for…
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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…
