Picked a couple bushels of tomatoes the other day...Luke went out and we worked together.
What pleasant conversations can be had in the garden!
Made some beautiful tomato juice once we got them all in and washed. Already took the chance to turn some of into some spaghetti sauce. It's like having the taste of summer in a jar, truly.
The whole process from start to finish is a whole lot of work, but rewarding? Certainly!
Then I get to cleaning up the gigantic mess and I wonder...is it all worth it?
Yes, I think so.
In summers to come, my kids will have memories of late summer and early fall days with the house smelling like tomatoes and recall the ways they helped, and how delicious it all tasted later during winter evenings.
It's a tangible way to love and provide for our families.
There's something about it .... That makes me keep doing it.
The sound of the lids popping as they seal, writing the date on the lid, lining up all the jars on a pantry shelf...the pride that I feel when the job is done and the food is safely stored away for winter.
(Did you know that if you cut the tiny tip off a Roma tomato, that after you scald it, the whole tomato just pops right out when you hold it up by the bottom! No need for the skin to split! Just hold upside down, squeeze, and PLOP! This is one of the reasons I love the Roma!)
5 comments:
We made spaghetti sauce and tomato juice this week also. One of the kinds of tomato we grow is called Amish Paste--very similar to Roma--and it's one of my favorites along with Brandywine and German Red Strawberry.
And I too love the look of all the jars of canned goods lined up on the shelves. Such a pretty sight and it gives me a nice sense of satisfaction knowing we'll have all those wonderful veggies to use throughout the winter.
Oh, for the days gone by, Joni. I used to do all this kind of canning, too. Loved it & the lovely flavors in the winter.
Looks deelish ... memories.
Have a lovely weekend ~
GIVEAWAY ends 9/9
TTFN ~
Marydon
Joni,
I agree. Canning is hard work (but work is good!) but is so satisfying.
And the romas are great to work with, and love the way the skin comes off as you described.
And seeing all those jars lined up is beautiful. As is using them!
You are awesome. Look at all that summer goodness you have saved.
That looks so yummy! I have been wanting to do some canning from the book I won in your giveaway, but since buying this new house, I've not had time. I am closing in on getting things done around here and I want to do this!
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