Salsa Time!

 Yowza!  Could it really be August already?  I'm not gonna lie, this heat has been a real killer.  But my tomatoes are liking it.  I have really gotten some big ones this year.  

And the green beans have been crazy!  I froze some of my beans, and some of my tomatoes, because the Mr. chokes on veggies and I cannot eat them fast enough.  I gave some beans to my neighbor and she rewarded me with a bag of Roma tomatoes.  

Romas make the best salsa because they are firm and not too large, and they just aren't the best for slicing.  I knew salsa was in my future, so I was chomping at the bit to get started.  To prep the tomatoes, simply start a pot of water boiling, and when it is a rolling boil, blanch the tomatoes.  I use a handled colander, the kind that look like screen wire.  All the water gets in, none of the tomato-y goodness gets out.  Submerge the tomatoes for a few seconds, and immediately plunge them into ice water.  I use an ice cream bucket, but you can use a pan or bowl.  When the tomatoes have cooled to the touch, the peels will just slide off.  It is actually kinda fun in a creepy sort of way.

Chop the tomatoes to your desired chunkiness.  We like our salsa not as chunky, more creamy, so I put mine in one of those little ninja type blenders.  If you like yours chunkier, simply use a cutting board and dice away.  Then put it in a pot.

I am also growing jalapenos and onions, so Voila!  Instant salsa, right?  Well you do have to do a bit of prep work on these as well.  Cut up the onions to desired size, again, I used the little blender.  The jalapenos are another story.  I learned the hard way, not to cut the peppers up without gloving up. Remove the seeds! Jalapenos are made up of capsaicin and related compounds  that give it heat.  Not only do you feel it in your mouth, it can actually burn your skin.  

The recipe I used can be tweaked for more or less heat.  Make it your own!  Make it saucy or chunky.  Hot or mild.  I added the bell peppers because I had them.  Maybe you don't like cilantro, then leave it out.  

                  Hot Salsa Recipe 

About a gallon of prepared Roma tomatoes

3 cups onions

2 cups jalapeno peppers

1 cup bell pepper

1/4 cup vinegar

1/3 cup cilantro

About a teaspoon of salt

Stir it all together and heat until boiling.  Don't let it boil very long or you will break down your veggies and it will get all foamy.  While you are heating your salsa, sterilize your jars and lids.  You can do this ahead of time and put them in the oven on about 200 degrees until you are ready for them.  I wait until I am getting ready to use them so I don't heat up the house by running the oven.  

Fill your hot, sterilized jars, being careful to leave about an inch of headspace in each jars.  For me, this recipe made about 9 1/2 pints.  Place in a hot water canner for approximately 15 minutes.  

Make sure your jars seal.  There is nothing more exciting when you are finished with all your hard work than hearing that little "POP" let you know it is properly sealed.  This year, for the first time, I have tried the one piece lids.  So far, they have been a success!  And they are easier too!

Tip:  I use a turkey fryer to heat my canner.  You can do it on your stove, but the turkey fryer, out on the porch or deck, does not heat up the house and gets hot quicker.  The disadvantage, of course, is that you have to take things back and forth, but believe me: it is well worth it.  

Another tip:  If you don't have enough tomatoes to make salsa (or a great neighbor who brings them to you) core and peel your tomatoes just as if you were canning them.  Freeze them in gallon bags until you have enough.  You can also freeze onions and jalapenos.  Just chop and freeze.  Put them in small bags so you don't end up with a clump to thaw out.

I am loving these warm summer days, in spite of the heat.  My flowers are loving it as well.  

I hope you are loving summer too!  Let me know what is going on in your neck of the woods!

 

Summertime....and the livin' ain't easy....

 It's not like I'm complaining.  But this has been a super hot couple of weeks.  Working in the garden, which I normally love, has been really difficult because of the heat.  So I have been spending some of my time indoors ghost writing blogs and neglecting my own.  

We have had more company than usual this year.  My sister and her husband have been here twice.  I wish they could come more often, but they have been cooped up long enough and want to go other places than Missouri.  My grandson made a surprise visit.  I miss him so much!  This isn't from this visit but it is recent and I had to show you just how handsome he is.

We went to Illinois for a wedding a couple of weeks ago.  We had a great time visiting family...and acting silly in the photo booth.

This time of year in Missouri is a busy season for gardening.  This morning I spent a couple of hours working on pulling weeds.  I did manage to harvest some beans, pepper, and potatoes.....yum..potatoes and green beans for dinner tonight.  

My Etsy shop has been going crazy the last couple of weeks.  I got four orders for lighted swags

and another order for Annie and her bestie Westie.

If you want to order either of these items, check out the links.  I usually quote a two week lead time and you can customize either with colors or personalize the puppies tag with name or date.

Our goats are scheduled to be picked up on July 13.  I am so excited!  If you want to check out our preparations, check out my blog:  https://livingonthecheep.blogspot.com.  

Time to get back at it, my peeps!  Stay cool and happy!

 Though we are still in Spring, I am feeling the heat of summer coming on.  The Spring flowers here are gorgeous.  

I would like to take credit for all the blooms but I cannot.  Whoever lived here before us, knew exactly when to plant what.  When the daffodils are done, the tulips start to bloom.  When they are done, beautiful irises show up.  I have roses and peonies with buds, so I always have a bit of color here at home.  

We are nearly done with the goat barn.  At least the exterior.  We still have to figure out how to finish the interior, provides some kind of floor, and do the fencing.  We cut fence posts from the property.  I always go along but I'm afraid I'm not much help.  I do, however meet some friends out in the woods.

I have some new items posted on Etsy, so if you are getting ready for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, check out my Americana lighted garlands.  Or if you are into modern Farmhouse, I have just the thing for you!  A Buffalo Check lighted garland.  These are great over the fireplace, above the cabinets, or draped above a window.  They are electric so you don't need to bother with batteries.  And there are tons of craft supplies on my site as well.  Check out my shop.  

I am working on a new pattern and you are gonna love it.  Can you believe it?  It is following my bee theme.  Hope to have it perfected soon!

Have a great weekend, my peeps.  Talk to you soon!

A Year in the Life

 A lot has happened in the year since I posted.  In addition to another birthday, we have spent our time on home projects such as painting the exterior and working on our bathroom.  I had a total knee replacement right before Thanksgiving and am doing wonderfully.  I started my first bee hive

but sadly, I lost it.  I have two more ordered and expect to take delivery next month.

I did two small craft shows last fall.

I finished classes and became a member of my church.

And Randy and I celebrated (quietly) our 50th wedding anniversary.  

I also started a temporary job with the Census Bureau and continue to ghost write for a company located in Colorado and run my two Etsy shops.  

I believe if you go too slow, you stop.  That being said, I can feel myself slowing down a bit.  Our current project is building a goat barn for our three babies we should get if a few weeks.  Life is so exciting!  I am still learning new things every day.  And I have started another blog.  Check it out when you get a minute:  https://livingonthecheep.blogspot.com/

Hope to get back to posting on a regular basis.  Love to all!