Canning, Freezing, Harvest Celebrations & Recipes

Hello there!  It's been a while!  Let's begin with what is going on here....

I have been so curious about canning and talking to women young and old who have done it before.  I finally made a date with a neighbor to can some of my Roma tomatoes.  She came over to see what I have to work with, and.....I don't have enough tomatoes to start the canning process!  Ack!  I was so bummed!  I was looking forward to canning!  She recommended I puree and freeze the tomatoes I have.  So, I get over the disappointment of not canning this year and think to myself..."I know how to freeze...That's easy!"  Then, I get excited at how I can allow myself off the hook for canning (this year) and proceed with something I already know how to do!  Win -Win.  Come on over here to learn more about freezing.  This website is a great resource, you may want to consider keeping it in your favorites! 

The family and I have been checking out local farms - there are so many Harvest celebrations going on as we enter fall!  We found out there are farms close to us we never would have known about if it weren't for these celebrations.  Needless to say, we are having a blast and learning about our community.  We also are signing up for classes at these farms too!  How about a Worm composting class?  Anyone?  Well, I'll take it and get back to you!  And a Rain Barrel class?  Come on!  I know you want to take this class!  No?  Okay.  Mr. Eco and I will take it and save our rain water to water the garden next summer while others **clearing throat** are paying to water their garden.  Seriously, how cool is Mother Nature to provide us such savings and bounty to keep us fed, healthy and happy.  I love that ol' girl :) 

There are two marinara recipes, one crock pot (just scroll down until you see it) and one roasted (at the top), and a salsa recipe I have been using.  I love all three of them!  I encourage you to pick one and try it :)  Don't worry, it's FUN and healthy!  Get the kids involved too!  They love to eat things they help make :)

The library contacted me and I was able to pick up a copy of Wildly Affordable Organic by Linda Watson.  So far, I really like it.  It is practical and the best part (for me) is that I have many of the tools needed to start.  I will let you know my thoughts on the book as I continue to read it. 

That's about all folks, for now.  My life can be summed up in three, little paragraphs. 

Sad. 
Oh well!  I'm smiling :) 

Before you cozy up on the couch and enjoy the crisp fall evenings in front of the television, don't lose momentum on your garden!  Pick the tomatoes, zucchini and all the other yummy things growing in your garden.  It's hard, I know!  But SO worth it!