JUSTUSNAK...Summer coming to an end!?

[justusnak]

18 Aug 10

Well, since this past summer has been a total bust in the garden, I decided to go buy some tomatoes.

I bought 2 boxes of local grown, for $20. Yesterday I started on one box. I was able to get 8 pints of chili base,

and 6 quarts of spaghetti sauce. I worked on them there tomatoes from 1 pm till 8 pm. I was toasted by the time I was finished. So, the other box I will work on today.
While I was waiting on the last of the jars to process, I ran out to do a welfare check on the animals. Goats...fat and sassy...sheep...fat and sassy...chickens..too hot to lay, darn! As I strolled past the garden, I saw there was corn that needed picked, so I started picking. I ended up with 20 ears of corn. Guess I can add that to my workload...not too hard...then I was looking at the Brussel sprouts...they were loaded. So I grabbed a big coffee can, and started picking. Filled it! At least I can do those in a matter of maybe an hour. I saw a few cabbages out there I REALLY need to get up...but I still dont know how to make sour kraut...and I REALLY want to try this year! (hint, hint)
Here it is, already 9:30 am....and I have nothing done..or even started! LOL Im getting ready to throw in a load of towels..and get them hanging..do the animal checking....then...start in the kitchen. I just LOVE harvest time...canning, picking...and storeing. Makes me feel like all this work is really worth it!

 

[TanksHill]

That chili sauce looks wonderful. Such a great color. I have been to my local farmers market every morning for the past 3 Saturdays. As a result the first two weeks I did 16 quarts sauce the 3rd week I managed 14 quarts sauce and 20 pints diced tomatoes. In addition I managed to do some pickles from the garden. I love seeing all of the jars on the counter. Such a feeling of accomplishment.

Now on to the sauerkraut. It is so darn easy you won't believe it. Check the fermenting thread. Just shred squish rub and mush the heck out of it. That's the hardest part. But then it's ready to go. Will you use whey? Talk to Free if you have questions. My last batch had caraway seeds in it. Such an amazing flavor.

We just started warming up here. It has been such an unseasonably cool summer. Yesterdays 96 almost did me in. Now I can relate to all of you.

Have a great day!!

 

[Javamama]

Nice job! Chili sauce is a must-do here. I use it in so many things.
I did kraut for the first time this year. Could not believe how easy it way - and it tastes so good too! I just used quart size mason jars for mine. Easy to store that way.

 

[Dace]

I agree....kraut is super easy! My first attempt was awesome.

Nice work on the maters, I haven't gotten one yet this year...although I only planted a week ago hehehe!

Check out the ferment thread for tips on the kraut!

 

[Farmfresh]

Good price on the tomatoes as well. I need to get some more processed and canned. I think I am full up on whole tomatoes so I need to make a big batch of red sauce for spaghetti and stuff. We went through a bunch of that last year.

 

[justusnak]

Well, the maters are done! Whew! I ended up with 20 pints of diced tomatos...and 2 pints of juice. YUM! Got the corn done first....then blanched and froze the B Sprouts. I am hopeing MY tomatos start ripening soon...I am sooo wanting BLT's.
OK, so I am off to look at the thread on S kraut. I have a large glass jug...I think its 3 or 4 gallons....could I use that for kraut? Or is the clear glass a no-no? Oh waite..I forgot to get my sea salts. DANG! Looks like another trip into town.

 

[FarmerDenise]

justusnak, you sound like me. trying to get it all done... and mostly loving it. We've had only a few tomatoes from the garden so far. The peaches and plums have been keeping me busy in between the animal care. Now it looks like I'll be inundated with cukes and beans. At least if I don't get around to canning the beans or pikling them, I can let them dry and we'll have a nice assortment of dry beans to eat and for seed.

 

[TanksHill]

I used mason jars for my kraut. Then just stuck it in a cupboard. Not sure if it matters or not.

Great job on the canning!!

 

[justusnak]

I am going to try a few quart jars. I finally got my sea salts....so, just put in a layer...salt it, smash it, then another layer...etc...etc?? Then just lay the lid over it...not really tightening it down...place the jar(s) in a pan to catch any overflow....check in a few days to remove the scum...and to add brine if needed...after 3 or 4 weeks, it should be done? Yes?? For some reason im not feeling too confident about my abilities to make kraut.

 

[Javamama]

I mashed mine up in a huge stainless steel bowl and transferred to the jars. For me it would be too hard to do inside the jars, I need alot of room to work
You will do fine! It's so easy, I almost can't believe it worked. It sounds way more intimidating than it actually is.