Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Canning is a messy job

I hadn't been up long this morning before I started getting the green tomato chow-chow ready to can; I did all the grinding last night, put salt on top of it, and let it set till this morning. It was a good thing I decided to do this, because it uses ten onions, and my onions this year are not going to keep long. Most of them split as they grew, and have already started to rot. At least the ones that went into my relish have been put to good use.

Several years ago I made a batch of this relish, and we loved it. I'm afraid I've made a five-year supply today, though. People have suggested gifting it at Christmas, but I honestly don't think I know anyone who would appreciate a jar of relish for Christmas. Had I realized this recipe made so much, I would have only made half a batch.

I had to stop canning tomatoes a while back because I was out of quart jars; however I have managed to scrounge up five quart jars, one half-gallon jar, and another odd sized jar that wasn't specifically made for home canning. My mom probably bought something in it fifty years ago and saved it to can in. Anyhow, the mouth is standard sized. I'd guess it holds a quart and a pint.

So I have a few more tomatoes put up.

It was a good canning day, because every single jar I did today sealed. I had forgotten what a satisfying feeling it is to hear those jars go "ping" as they seal.

Because the house was already a mess from doing all that, I ended up freezing four quarts of corn, too. And two quarts of okra.

A productive day, even if I did have to put Flylady on the sidelines once again.

5 comments:

  1. That chow chow will be so good on dried beans this winter, Those tomatoes will be good also. Yummy fresh corn and okra, add a tomato and that is my favorite meal. Helen

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  2. I don't think the fly lady takes canning into her schedule...I am waiting for those cold winter days when there is nothing to do be stay in and keep warm before I revisit the dear old girl.

    You did alot of canning there...now can we say all the jars are used up? I hope so for your sake.

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  3. That looks good. I am sure lots of people will happily help you getting rid of it

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  4. Later on this Fall and Winter and even into the Spring, you'll appreciate the time and effort you put forth now to put up all this produce. You can clean up your kitchen tomorrow and feel good about the fruit of your labors in those canning jars on the pantry shelf.

    Boy, am I ever TARD tonight, and my knees are still killing me. I know yours are making you miserable too, bless your heart.

    xoxoxo

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  5. Lindie9:49 AM

    I think a lot of people would like to be gifted with a jar of relish! I gave away all kinds of canned goods when I was canning, with the request for the jar back when they were finished with it. ;)

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