maters...

Julia, I canned about 8 gallons of tomatoes, yesterday. My sis-in-law pitched in and helped...ooops, I think that was supposed to be our little secret. She doesn't want the word out that she can do manual labor- some one else might put her to work, too. Ah well, that was the risk she took- working with me! Anywho, I gave a couple gallons away because I was just too tired to deal with them. So, in a nutshell, this is how I can them.

1. I blanch them in boiling water and then plunge them in cold water. The peels just fall off- the coolest thing.
2. Roma tomatoes just need the stem end cut off- larger tomatoes I cut in half.
3. I stuff the tomatoes in the jars- until there is about a 1/2" headspace. No water added- just let the juices fill the jar.
4. My fruit is very ripe, so I add 1 t. of lemon juice for more acid.
5. Hot water bath.

I have always wanted to make salsa and such, but it just seems like I can't find the time. Imagine that. Blue Book is better at explaining it all than me, I'm sure. And I figure you might have elevation issues, huh?

No sewing. my boy is coming home, tonight. Can hardly wait!!