rodeogirl's journey to being self-sufficient

[Mini Horses]

LOVE Yellowstone!! It is so full of amazing things...just hard to believe some of it is real. We also took an guided afternoon long horseback ride thru the back country there. Check it out!

Same area.. grand Tetons. They used to offer horseback rides over them, beautiful sights.

Then, don't miss the Grand Canyon. Ride the mules down into the canyon. Call weeks ahead as they are generally booked up in advance. An awesome experience.

Hope you enjoyed your trip there. Your little man probably enjoyed parts, others he may have been to young to truly appreciate. Bet he liked the buffalo.

 

[rodeogirl]

You just reminded me, i NEED to make more videos. Life has just been hectic.

This is great though. Do u mind if i post it to my facebook group?

Go for it

 

[rodeogirl]

So douse any one have any good ways to preserve tomatoes that doesn't include a dehydrator (don't have one) or a canner (still need to replace some things).

We where thinking that we would have enough use for the tomatoes off of one plant but there are more then we can use before they go bad.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Freeze 'em!


How to Freeze Tomatoes

1. Blanch. Drop tomatoes into boiling water for 60-90 seconds and, using a slotted spoon, transfer immediately into a bowl of ice water to cool. Skin will slip easily from the flesh.
2. Prepare tomatoes. Remove stems and core tomatoes. Tomatoes may be left whole, but preparing them in a way that maximizes storage space is recommended. Work over a shallow dish to retain juices.
3. Transfer into storage bags. Using a ladle or measuring cup, fill pint or quart sized ziploc bags.
4. Seal bags. Make sure to push as much air as possible when sealing to avoid freezer burn.
5. Into the freezer. Try to store flat. The shape in which they freeze is the shape you’re stuck with until it’s time to thaw.

Frozen tomatoes will retain flavor for 12 to 18 months.

 

[CrealCritter]

Freeze 'em!


How to Freeze Tomatoes

1. Blanch. Drop tomatoes into boiling water for 60-90 seconds and, using a slotted spoon, transfer immediately into a bowl of ice water to cool. Skin will slip easily from the flesh.
2. Prepare tomatoes. Remove stems and core tomatoes. Tomatoes may be left whole, but preparing them in a way that maximizes storage space is recommended. Work over a shallow dish to retain juices.
3. Transfer into storage bags. Using a ladle or measuring cup, fill pint or quart sized ziploc bags.
4. Seal bags. Make sure to push as much air as possible when sealing to avoid freezer burn.
5. Into the freezer. Try to store flat. The shape in which they freeze is the shape you’re stuck with until it’s time to thaw.

Frozen tomatoes will retain flavor for 12 to 18 months.

We've done this in the past and your right it's easier to core before the deep freeze than mess with it later upon thaw.

 

[rodeogirl]

So I made som basic tomato sauce and froze it.
Well with winter coming up we have started thinking what we are going to do with the back patio.

We are thinkig of wrapping it in plastic so we can still use it this winter

 

[Mini Horses]

Just get some heavy gauge and it should work well. I buy rolls at TSC.

 

[CrealCritter]

We do the same with our screened in front porch. Make sure to use heavy guage and secure it well with Staples or the wind will make a mess of it right quick.

 

[Britesea]

Plastic wrap it! If you have the money for it, adding a layer of cheap chicken wire might help it against the wind...?

 

[rodeogirl]

Thanks for the tips I'll have to look and see what I can find. If this summer is any indication of how the winter will be its going to be early long and hard. We cant have a good summer and a good winter here it just wont work. Its eather a bad summer and a short winter, a good summer and a early hard winter or a hot and dry summer with a early cold dry winter. The joys of living on a desert plateau. Yes Wyoming is considered a desert it may not look like it but it is.