| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 20 2014 : 10:50:34 AM
Hi girls!
Well, sometime back in May, I decided that while my son and hubby were off working, I would make a concentrated daily effort to do something to put by food. Nary a day went by (maybe A day!) when you wouldn’t find me in my kitchen donning one of CJ’s must-have FABULOUS aprons, canning, dehydrating, freezing or dry canning goods in preparation for what is promised to be a nasty winter. I spent hours and long days at the stove all by myself making and canning jams and jellies; canning all sorts fruits, veggies, meats, meals, pickles and side dishes; dehydrating spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, garden herbs, “pumpkin dust,” etc., as well as soon-to-expire and large commercially canned fruits like pineapple, fruit cocktail and peaches. I also filled the freezer with tomatoes (couldn’t get to them before vacation) and other garden produce. I even braided a whole bunch of onions which somehow make my kitchen seem that much more homey! And I dry canned all sorts of good things like craisins, nuts, flours, and sugars for baking, as well as homemade spice mixes. I can’t possibly list everything I made, but rest assured, my kitchen was happily a-hummin’ all summer long – and so was I! :) What FUN! Below is just a sampling of what I accomplished. (My shelves just aren’t big enough to hold everything!) ‘See anything you like?
Now, keep in mind, there are only three of us; so what you see may not look like a whole heck of a lot, but to us, it is ABUNDANCE, and we feel truly blessed and extremely grateful! The really cool thing is that I probably have enough on my shelves, stored elsewhere and in my freezer to carry us through the entire winter. The only thing I’ll have to buy is milk, eggs and cheeses. I can’t believe it!
It was so hard to be away on vacation recently. I mean, it was fun and relaxing and all, but I kept making mental notes and writing all the things I still wanted to do in my purse notepad. On the way home, we stopped and bought 1 ˝ bushels of apples at a roadside stand near Chambersburg. I wasn’t even home 24 hours when I started canning apple pie filling, applesauce, and dehydrating apples.
We were home Saturday, and Sunday I already had many quart jars cooling on towels. One of my girlfriends stopped by and gave me heck. She said, “You’re not even home 24 hours and you’re already canning!” I replied, “I know… but I missed it!” She just shook her head and said, “You’re so weird!” Let’s see how weird she thinks I am when in the dead of winter I’ve got a yummy apple pie in the oven! HA! She’ll be the first one over with a fork in hand! LOL! Oh! I even started a gallon crock full of apple cider vinegar (we’ll see how that turns out!), and gave making apple pectin a whirl. The pectin didn’t come out so well, but I think I didn’t use enough apple cores and peels. I’ll be giving it another try in a couple of weeks – I still want to head out to the orchard for the annual family apple picking outing! Yep, that’s just weird, crazy me! ;)
My pantry is truly a dream come true. I’m tickled pink, and I know I could not have done ANY of this without all the help and advice from all of you. THANK YOU, SISTERS!!! YOU ROCK!!! And you’ll probably laugh, but, goofy me: I have to go upstairs to savor it with my eyes at least three times a day. Do any of you do that, too?
So, what’s left? Well, we still have potatoes out in the garden that need to be canned and dehydrated. I’ve also go to pick and process the last of the tomatoes, and make sauce, tomato powder and salsa from all the ones in the freezer. Preparing sauerkraut and pre-making cabbage rolls are on the agenda for next week, and I’ll be processing more chicken and various cuts of beef very soon. I’ve got celery to dehydrate, carrots, broccoli and peppers to process yet, and this morning I found another large zucchini and pumpkin out there nestled among the herbs, which will also need to be dehydrated. I’m sure there are also a few more spices and mixes I’d like to prepare, too. Oh! And I just learned yesterday morning how to make potato starch and homemade baking powder, so I am definitely going to have to try making that! What a cool thing! I’ve also learned how to use the potato water to make bread, which is a nice way to extend the use of my pantry goods. You know, I’m just SO loving this!!! Next year, I hope to increase my efforts. Maybe I’ll even expand into juice making and oat rolling! We’ll see!
Please take a moment to share your accomplishments this summer with all of us, too - and be sure to add pictures, if you can; we'd love to see! These things must be shared and celebrated, sisters!
Happy Fall Y’All!
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 24 2014 : 12:41:31 PM
They do it here in Monroeville, too, Sara! The movies "Dawn of the Dead" and "Night of the Living Dead" - the ORIGINALS - were both filmed here in Pittsburgh. A lot of people were or wanted to be extras, and now they just keep the tradition alive. SUPER big deal. I wish I could bring myself to join in the fun, but to be honest, the whole zombie thing kind of freaks me out and makes me super sick to my stomach. The shows the kids watch are so gruesome! I try to be a cool Mom and keep up on what's happening, but I just can't sit through an entire episode. 'Makes me want to lose my lunch every time!
If I can help you with anything, please let me know! I love my FoodSaver, and have learned a few extra tricks this past year that makes it even MORE valuable! Here is a link to my post about it: www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=62339 I've learned a little more since then, too. If you have any questions, ask away! I'm no expert, but always willing to share what I know! :)
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| YellowRose |
Posted - Sep 24 2014 : 12:11:06 PM
Zombies must be the going thing these days. The town I live in, Paris, has a Zombie walk every year. People in costume come from all over Texas, Oklahoma and other states too. I don't understand it but the town turns out for it.
Enough about Zombies. Nini, I'm really interested in dry canning. More info to print out. Thanks.
Sara
Walk in Peace - Live with Joy
FarmGirl Sister #6034 Aug 25, 2014 |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 24 2014 : 11:58:59 AM
LOL! Oh SHARON!!!! LOL! My godson (who, along with my son and their friends, are TOTALLY into zombie shows and movies!) was here, saw my pantry and asked if I was a prepper... I told him no, not in the sense he is thinking, at least. I asked if his mother shopped and bought more when the sales were happening, and he replied, "yes." I explained how that is very similar to what I do. When I get a good deal on meat, I prepare it all at once (for example, I'll buy ground beef in bulk and turn it into meatballs, meatloaves, hamburger patties, meatsauce, chili and canned, pre-cooked ground beef for other recipes) and then it sits on my shelves and in my freezer until we need it. Whenever I need to make dinner during school, I pull something good off the shelf and dinner is ready in minutes. I don't use a microwave, so it's a little different than what his mom does, but it's just as quick - if not quicker - and a lot more wholesome and tastier. And the cool thing is that I always have a great selection of meals to choose from. Plus, this not only saves me time but also money by saving on the meat when its on sale and by not running out for pizza or hoagies when I'm tired. Similarly, when my garden produces a lot of good things, I process all those veggies at one time to make yummy things to store up for the winter. Then when everything is processed and in the freezer and on the shelves I don't have to go to the grocery store in the winter very often - only for milk, eggs, butter and cheese. It also allows me to really stock up when the good sales start coming around again. I reinforced how this is all just my way of saving time and money. He said, "Well, that actually makes sense. I thought you were preparing for the Zombie apocalypse or something!" I laughed. I said, "Do you honestly think this food would last me and the guys through a Zombie apocalypse?" He laughed and said, "No... But I guess that means you'll be getting me an Xbox One for Christmas, then?" :\ <sigh> Thankfully he realizes I'm not a doomsday prepper, but now he is somehow convinced I am Santa Claus! Eghads! And I thought stocking up like this would get me out of having to venture out in the snow this winter! LOL!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Calicogirl |
Posted - Sep 24 2014 : 09:25:19 AM
Nini,
This is for you! 
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
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| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 23 2014 : 2:52:33 PM
Betty! I'm sorry! I missed your post!!!
Dry canning...
Are you referring to when you take dry staples and seal them up in your canning jars with a vaccuum-sealer? It's a wonderful thing. Really extends the shelf life of your dehydrated goods and other staples by removing air from your jar and keeping out moisture - two big contributors to food spoilage. I've done this with everything I've dehydrated, as well as with flour, sugar, powdered milk, chocolate chips, nuts, craisins, raisins, candy, cookies, crackers, etc.
The other type of "dry canning" is when you process things like cooked ground beef. I brown the ground beef, drain the fat and pressure can it without adding any other type of liquid. I love, love it! As a matter of fact, that's what I used last night to make sloppy joes. The beef was precooked, I added my sauce fixin's and it was heated through in less than two minutes! Easy peasy! It's great in any recipe that requires ground beef. When you do a big batch of it all at once, it really saves you time later. I also dry can pork, corned beef and chicken. (Haven't tried beef yet, but it's on the list!) I put the raw meat in the jars, add a little salt, then pressure can according to recommendations. It cooks while processing and makes its own juices (which I drain and use in other recipes after opening the jar!) Done this way, the meat comes out all tender and it shreds up super easy. We enjoy the pork in pulled pork and other dishes. The corned beef is AWESOME in sandwiches and Reuben casserole (so easy - soooo good!). And the chicken has limitless possibilities... it's great in a chicken ring, chicken salad, chicken tacos, chicken soup... and so many other dishes. Thing we love most is that because they're precooked, we just pull them off the shelf and after adding a few ingredients, we've got a meal in minutes! Also, because they're precooked, they can be eaten right out of the jar if you'd like! Such great convenience and ease, so many possibilities - and SUCH a time saver!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 23 2014 : 2:40:33 PM
Thanks, Sharon! It sounds as though you have quite a bit of deliciously good things in your pantry, too! Really, really, really - I don't want you to be afraid of your pressure canner. I just love it. I was afraid, too - I know I've shared that with you. I completely understand your hesitation. Believe me, though, once you get started with it, you'll be hooked! Super easy! I wish we lived closer - I'd be over helping you learn this weekend! ;)
I am going to have to call the County Extension and see when they're planning their next classes. I haven't seen anything listed on their website in a while. Sure would be great to do that!
Did you know that not only can you make your own bouillon cubes, but you can also dehydrate your own bouillon to make powder? Can you even imagine?! I was floored to learn that! Here's a link as to how: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2km4vIZZmg . I haven't tried this one yet, either, but I'd like to. Right now I have too many other projects waiting in line. Maybe next summer!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Calicogirl |
Posted - Sep 23 2014 : 11:52:12 AM
Oh Nini,
You ARE so inspiring!!! I love seeing your photos, what a beautiful pantry you have! I like to leave my jars on the counter for a couple of days (unless I need room) just to look at them, it gives such a feeling of satisfaction knowing that you did that and are preparing for your family for the winter :)
I would seriously consider taking a Master Preserver course through your Extension Office. That is something I would like to do someday although I am nowhere near you with experience, I still have not tried my pressure canner :o
I have a few things canned and frozen: Peach Jam, Canned Peaches, Seedless Raspberry Jam, Zucchini Salsa, Green Tomato Salsa, Green Tomato Mincemeat, Apple Pie Filling, Plum Butter, Bread & Butter Pickles: some
with crushed red pepper and garlic added, Relish and I am working on Apple Butter. I have frozen some berries, quick breads and green/wax beans. I still need to work on Kale, Cabbage and Squash when ready.
I have hardly been getting any ripe tomatoes that is why I have been utilizing the green. Someday I would love to have a bumper crop so I can can tomatoes, paste, sauce, ketchup, chili sauce, pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce.
Oh, I recently found a blog that has a recipe for making your own bouillon cubes to store in the freezer. I really want to try this to free up room in the freezer.
Thanks so much for sharing Nini! You go girl!!!
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
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| Dapple Grey Lady |
Posted - Sep 23 2014 : 11:30:34 AM
Nini, what is dry canning?
~ Betty ~
Farmgirl Sister # 5589 |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 23 2014 : 10:10:44 AM
Thanks, Heather! I want to encourage you, because while I was first learning, I really started with those same few things! I just really had time to do this this summer. One or two things, every single day. Most days it was a combination of dehydrating and canning, which was really great. Lucky you to soon have a huge garden! That will be awesome! A lot of work, too, believe me! CJ's right! I sure learned that I can't wear flat tennis shoes anymore - eghads! My legs were KILLING me! Actually, I think all summer my feet, legs and back took the worst hits. (It was a tough swallow to realize just how much older I really am! LOL!) But it was SO worth it in the end. I know it's a rarity for a lot of us to have time like that, so take it one step at a time! You'll get there, I know you will! :)
It's such a good feeling to walk into the pantry and open the cupboards now. I am really trying super hard to avoid the market and Costco right now. I am eager to see just how long this will all actually last us. I still have some seasonal items I'm looking forward to processing, but the majority of my time now will be spent in homeschool, baking and making homemade mixes. "Whatever makes my life easier," I say! It was so funny because last night I made sloppy Joes completely from pantry ingredients and baked, frozen rolls. I was done with the sloppy Joes in less than two minutes (it only required tossing a few ingredients into the pan and heating through!), but because I had forgotten to take out the rolls from the freezer, we had to wait 15 minutes for them to defrost in the oven (I don't do a microwave.)! Lesson learned... Lesson learned...
I'm here to help any way I can, sister. ;) Get it? "I can"? LOL! I'd better go eat some lunch...I'm getting punchy!
Have a great day, girls!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| nndairy |
Posted - Sep 23 2014 : 08:13:46 AM
Wow Nini!!! I SOOOOOO want to do what you did - just not there yet. I've canned little bits here and there, but I can't wait to have a pantry full like you. I've only done peaches, green beans, tomatoes, some jam, and here in a little bit some apples :) We're hoping to move real soon and our new farm is going to have a HUGE garden - I've already warned my husband. I might be asking you for advice next year. I have a dehydrator at the top of my wish list too. Way to go girl!!!!!!
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
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| ceejay48 |
Posted - Sep 22 2014 : 10:40:16 AM
I've been sorting through my canning jars and am going to sell some of them because I have more than I will use, especially pint and 1/2 pint size. Noticed the price tag on one box that was for Kerr quart jars . . . in 1995 I paid $5.96 per dozen! Can't buy them for that these days!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 22 2014 : 08:37:42 AM
Thank you so much, Cindy! Actually, I've been trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my spare time once my son graduates next May... I was thinking how neat it would be to teach others how to preserve foods. I had always wanted to learn, but despite everyone's promise to call and show me when they got around to doing their own canning, they never remembered. I wasn't sure how I might go about teaching this, but now I just might contact the community college. We have an excellent culinary arts program at our school, so maybe they already have someone on staff who does this. I'll definitely find out! Thank you! Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| prariehawk |
Posted - Sep 21 2014 : 7:29:25 PM
Impressive! Have you considered teaching a course at the local community college? I bet there are lots of women who would love to learn to do all that.
Cindy
"Come by the hills to the land where fancy is free; And stand where the peaks meet the sky and the rocks reach the sea.Where the rivers run clear and the bracken is gold in the sun. and cares of tomorrow must wait till this day is done"--Loreena McKennit
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 21 2014 : 6:55:39 PM
LOL! Oh, CJ! I didn't do it all in one day, believe me! Every day I chose one or two things and rolled with it. Most of the time I had my dear old pal Pawlee sleeping comfortably at my side, and I prayed and sang a LOT. It was work, but it was also a lot of fun and really satisfying! Now that we're back in school, I miss it and really look forward to the weekend when I can pick up another fun preserving project. Believe me, though, that vacation we took was MUCH appreciated! :)
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| ceejay48 |
Posted - Sep 21 2014 : 6:33:41 PM
Just looking at it all and thinking about all that work makes me want to go take a long nap!
Very industrious, you are!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 20 2014 : 4:00:29 PM
Thanks so much, girls! Yes! It really IS a great feeling, Jenny! I'm SURE you all probably do way more than I did, but this is my first attempt at filling my pantry and freezer in this way. I'm just so excited, I just had to share - especially because so many of you have been my inspiration and guides! :)
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| auntjenny |
Posted - Sep 20 2014 : 12:57:13 PM
I love it! Great feeling, isnt it?
Inside me there is a skinny girl crying to get out, but I can usually shut her up with cookies. |
| lovinRchickens |
Posted - Sep 20 2014 : 12:28:18 PM
Nini.....wow that all was definitely some work. But boy you are so blessed to get to enjoy it in cold months.
Farmgirl #5111
Blessings
~Kelly~ |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Sep 20 2014 : 12:11:47 PM
Nini, that is one beautiful and abundant pantry you have created! Wow!!! Such a variety of wonderful foods. You are going to be set for groceries for quite a long time! Congratulations on all of your hard work this summer. I know it will be worth it come the cold wet weather ahead!!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014 |
| YellowRose |
Posted - Sep 20 2014 : 11:29:07 AM
Nini, jars full of canned goodness are one of the prettiest sights I know. Beautiful pantry. I enjoyed reading about your summer.
Sara
Walk in Peace - Live with Joy
FarmGirl Sister #6034 Aug 25, 2014 |
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