You need lots of tomatoes

Back in early June, after harvesting the San Marzano tomatoes from my garden (thank you, Whitfill Nursery), I made fresh tomato sauce. However, I did not process it with the hot bath canning method, but froze the fresh sauce in individual zip-loc bags. Recently, when my friend, Rick said his tomato source has 50 lbs. of tomatoes available, I willingly said yes, not knowing what I was getting myself into.

The thought never crossed my mind what 50 lbs. of tomatoes looks like, but it is a lot. But there in nothing better than having a fresh batch of sauce from summer tomatoes in the middle of winter. Because of the volume of tomatoes, I will need to process them using the hot bath method.

Safety First

The last time I used the hot bath method in making tomato sauce a few years ago, I badly burned my hand (all my own fault). So I am a little wary making it this time.

But, like with most things, your memory dulls and my desire to have fresh tomato sauce overrode my fear of burning myself again. If you have never processed food for long term storage, it is a good thing to know. Especially after the events of this year. When the food supply is challenged, having a pantry filled with your homemade goodies is a comforting thought. And now is the time to do it with the summer’s bounty available.

There are several recipes available for making tomato sauce, but I love using the simple one from my friend, Rick. With only 4 ingredients~tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and salt, you have a great tasting sauce.

Enlist Helpers

Before you start a project like this, you may want to consider inviting your friends over to help. This is not a one-person project, nor do I suggest you do this with your spouse. There is a reason the women from the farm would gather and do this as a collective group. It is repetitive, time-consuming work but made faster with great conversation and friendship.

Get the Right equipment

It is important to have the right tools on hand too. Since you are working with sterilized jars and tops, boiling water and hot sauce, you need equipment to help. You can purchase jars from Walmart or through Amazon. Determine what size jar you will need (all depends on how many servings you want per jar). For 16 oz. jars, click here; 8 oz. jars, click here; and for complete canning kits, click here.

Processing tomatoes the wrong way can have serious side effects. There is much debate about safely canning tomatoes and you want to make sure you take all precautions in doing so. Sterilization of jars, hot bathing them for the proper amount of time, adding acidity for an extra level of protection are few things to know before getting started. Make sure you have a large stockpot. If not, here is a link to one.

Making the Sauce

For a quick summary on making the sauce, you stem, core and cut the tomato into 16 pieces. I add an extra step here, where I wipe away most of the seeds out of the tomato before I cut it into pieces. In the meantime, slightly cook the garlic in olive oil and then add the tomatoes and salt.

Cook the tomatoes for 15-20 minutes, until the skins separate from the tomatoes.

Here is where I deviate from the recipe. Instead of using a food mill, I put the tomatoes into a Cuisinart and reduce them to sauce. I skip the step about refrigerating it overnight (I don’t have the space for this much sauce), but pour the sauce into sterilized jars.

I like this device which sits on the jar, because the mouth is wide and the sauce funnels right in; and it has a measuring device on the side so you don’t overfill. I leave a 1/2 inch space at the top.

Safety guidelines recommend adding an additional acid to the top of the tomato sauce before you process it. Your choices are citric acid or bottled lemon juice. For citric acid powder, click here.

Getting Ready to Hot Bath

Next, wiping down the rim of the jar will ensure your lid seals properly.

Now the jar is ready to go into the hot bath. Again, proceed with caution as you are putting something heavy into boiling water.

I submerge the jars and simmer for 40 minutes.

You know when you have sealed the jars correctly, as the center button in the lid will pop down as the jar cools. It is rather satisfying to hear pop, pop, pop as all the lids complete the seal.

Whether you decide to can tomatoes or not, below is Rick’s recipe using 3 lbs. of tomatoes and it is worth making.

It is also possible to process certain foods with the oven method (jams, especially). To see that process, click here to see how I made fig preserves.

Since we really don’t know what the supply chain will be over the holidays, tomato sauce or other homemade preserved foods will be a wonderful gift. So if you have access to an abundance of fruits or vegetables, think about canning them for yourself or your friends.

I hope you have some fun plans this weekend. Happily I am up at the cabin again appreciating the cooler mountain temps. The plan is to do some painting (on canvas), and get some biking or walking in. Enjoy!

This post shared with Tuesday Turn About #61

Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday #603

Inspire Me Mondays with My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Tips & Tutorials #440 by Home Stories A to Z

Tuesday Turn About #62

I wanted to entitle this “Clean out Your Fridge” dinner, but my husband didn’t think that was very appealing. However, it’s not too far off. This simple summer dish can be a side serving, or a full meal, depending on what ingredients you decide to include.

A version of this recipe was recently posted from Veronica on Instagram @baconliciousmademedoit, so I cannot take complete credit for its development.

It is as easy as this. Start with something from the following list.

A Grain (or Seed)

You can use rice (brown, wild, white), quinoa (which is really a seed), farro, barley or buckwheat. I chose farro because I like the texture and nutty flavor and it’s a great source of fiber. In following the directions on the back of the package, 1 cup of rinsed farro and 2 quarts of boiling water=4 servings.

Vegetables

Summer squash and zucchini are abundant in my refrigerator, so I sautéed them in olive oil and then seasoned them with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Diced into bitesize pieces, they are a nice addition to the meal.

You can add cooked or uncooked vegetables~cucumbers, tomatoes, really any vegetable that you have or love. They add texture and flavor. For this recipe, I used 1 1/2 summer squash and 1 1/2 zucchini.

Beans

We have SO many cans of black beans that were purchased from Costco at the beginning of COVID when we were all in our hunkering down mode. But you can use chickpeas instead.

Nuts

Unless you have a nut allergy, feel free to add walnuts or a nut of your choice. We always have a bag of pistachios in the freezer.

Fruit~ Fresh or Dried or both

Honeycrisp apples are a staple in our home and we add them to everything~from tunafish salad to thin slices on toast and almond butter. So it is a natural choice to chop up some fresh apples into this dish. For a different texture, I also added dried cranberries (cherries would be great too).

A Protein~Optional

I added shredded grilled chicken (2 boneless breasts) to this recipe. You don’t have to as it is great without it, but for a main course, the protein seemed like a good idea.

Fresh Herbs

Basil is growing quite well in the garden despite this intense heat so that is the only herb I added. But maybe even a little fresh mint might be interesting?

The Dressing

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Juice from 2-3 lemon or lime wedges

Or you can use a favorite dressing that you have. We love Marston’s San Pasqual Salad Dressing which would also work very well too.

This chilled dish/salad is so hearty and delicious. It was even better the next day! So nice to make a big bowl of it and then everyone helped themselves as the day went on.

And it is nice not to have to stick to a recipe and jazz it up according to your own tastes and whatever is in your refrigerator.

When it’s over 100 degrees here it is so hard to turn on the oven. It’s even more difficult to want to go outside and grill. But having a healthy, filling dish ready to go in the refrigerator is perfect for the summer. For another favorite summer salad recipe, click here.

This with a huge slice of watermelon makes for a delicious weekday meal.

Enjoy!

This post shared with Finding Silver Pennies link party #371

Since it is still summer, it is almost hard to think ahead to fall or winter. But during a very chilly day at our mountain cabin, I was inspired to put together this woodland table. Actually, with some different elements it could also be a summer camping/s’more theme. It was fun for me to put this together as entertaining accoutrements are limited up north.

The Tablecloth

Starting with a leftover bolt of fabric, the colors are appropriate for a warm, cozy dinner. You don’t necessarily need a bonafide tablecloth. Think of the vast possibilities with any fabric available.

The Place Setting

In my blog post about fun Home Depot finds, here are the dishes that coordinate well with this table’s theme. If you missed yesterday’s post, see it here.

The 14″ wood disc chargers are also from Home Depot. They are large and thin. In retrospect they would probably look better with a round plate, but I think this works. Click here for the link. Online the price is $55.98/for 4.

At the cabin, I don’t have many centerpiece items, mostly because when we entertain it is often casual. My antique wooden dough bowl is a good size and my go-to for creating the centerpiece of the table.

The Centerpiece

Channeling my inner Bonnie Chase, I scoured the cabin for items to use. If you don’t follow Bonnie Chase, can that woman design a table! I love how she uses unusual things and incorporates them into her gorgeous table settings. You can also find her on Instagram @bonniechasedesigns.

Meet Mr. Squirrel and his pinecones.

I didn’t want it to feel too juvenile so I looked to nature for a solution. There are many evergreens in our natural setting so I clipped a few branches to add fullness and color.

Using some wonderful dried flowers to tuck among the branches, color and texture is slowly added.

The centerpiece is now starting to look less cute and more purposeful.

The Place Cards

Let’s talk about these place cards. We attended a charitable event and our hostess, Kathy found these on Etsy and had them made for the table. Aren’t they wonderful? They come from Latvia so Kathy recommends you may want to check the shipping costs beforehand. Kathy glued a wooden pick and then stood the reindeer upright in a bed of green moss.

First of all, I wouldn’t have thought to look for something like this on Etsy. However, the selection is quite good. Here is the link to Ludoviko Boxes, the resource for this particular reindeer place card.

Without getting too carried away, I found a few more floral and fauna elements to add to the theme. At an auction house, I picked up this Ainu Hokkaido Black Bear and cub and love the details of the hand carving.

Well, today I am back in the triple digit heat and the serenity of the mountains is becoming a distant memory. I hope this woodland table setting has you dreaming of cooler days and the autumn ahead.

Please share your fun table setting ideas. I typically set a holiday table but don’t often do something themed in between. And have a wonderful Wednesday! Wherever you are, I hope you are in great spirits and not letting the weight of the world get you down.

This post may contain affiliate links and I will be compensated a small amount if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. There is no cost to you.

This post shared with:

Tablescape Thursday #619 Between Naps on the Porch

Thursday Favorite Things #450 with An Artful Mom

Inspire Me Mondays by My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

stories

Happy July 4th to all of you! We are happily ensconced here in the mountains of Arizona enjoying the cooler temperatures. I love all the patriotism here as nearly every cabin is displaying flags and lots of red, white and blue.

Our mountain community is a combination of older, original cabins and of course, the newly built McMansions. I love walking in this area because I get to snoop at each and every house. Who doesn’t love looking at other people’s homes? My favorites are the original ones that are bursting with charm and character.

The Drive Up

The trip from our home in Phoenix is approximately 3.5 hours. I love the drive, because the minute you leave the metropolitan area you are winding up through the mountains and forest.

As you may or may not have heard, but we had a very large fire (Bush Fire) that started on June 13th and today is 99% contained. It was so big that NASA could see it from space. However, even though I heard about it, it wasn’t until I drove through it did I realize the extent of the damage.

Experiencing it first hand was shocking and heartbreaking. Here is my posting on Instagram.

Highway 87 runs right through the middle of the 194,000 acres that have burned. On both sides of the road, as far as the eye can see, was blackened earth covered in fire retardant spray. I drove for an hour and the view was the same.

For a 13 mile stretch, the road was reduced to one lane because the guard rail posts had burned and the actual guard rail looked like a melted ribbon. Apparently the fire was caused by a burning vehicle and high winds. Our firefighters are such heroes in battling what is now the 5th largest fire in our state’s history.

That was bad enough, but when I was driving on State Route 260, there was a driver traveling at very high speeds going the WRONG WAY. Thankfully I was in the right hand land and since we were moving up an incline, I didn’t see him/her until they blew by me. It was so fast I couldn’t tell you the make, model or color of the car. I pray no one was killed by this maniac.

Finally Here!

The rest of the way I drove like a little old lady. Naturally, after such an eventful trip, I am thrilled to be here.

Every time I arrive at the cabin, I start daydreaming about re-decorating it. Right now, it is a hodgepodge of furniture we’ve collected over time. I suppose if we spent more time here, it would make sense to redecorate. Here are some inspirational photos on what I’d love to do to the bedrooms.

Next 4 photos from Google.com

I love how they have displayed the quilt on the wall below.

To see more pictures of our cabin, click here.

Lack of Rain and a Surprise

As you may recall, we haul our several big pots of geraniums up to the cooler climate every year. There has been such little rain, and the plants are looking a bit stressed. While watering them, we found this sweet bird’s nest tucked inside the greenery.

Momma bird was startled by the garden hose and flew out, long enough for me to take this photo. Sorry it’s a bit blurred, but I didn’t want to disturb this protected setting. Momma is back on the nest happily protecting her eggs. To see all our geraniums journey, click here.

Sox, our Beagle Update

About 10 days ago, our beagle, Sox lost the control of his back legs. I found him laying in the driveway, overheated and exhausted. We rushed him to the vet and was told he has arthritis (he’s soon to be 13) and a disc issue with his spine.

Our instructions are to keep him crated as much as possible for at least the next few weeks and only take him out for bathroom runs. Well, if you’ve ever had a beagle, this is a very challenging task. This dog follows his nose and from the waist up, he’s very puppy-like. He’s on oral steroids, muscle relaxants and pain meds.

However, his legs are still working and he does get around fairly well on carpets or rugs. Hardwood floors are difficult for his balance. But it’s looking hopeful. Here is how we walk him around. The exercise band is perfect for supporting his hips and still allows him to do his business without obstruction.

Happy July 4th Weekend!

I am getting ready to have an Independence Day breakfast. Fresh berries, plain yogurt and my breakfast cookie accompanied by morning coffee. If you missed my breakfast cookie(s) recipe, click here.

In my last post, I stated that our July 4th parade is cancelled. However, some clever residents are creating a golf cart parade that will start at 10:00 a.m. So after I send this post out to you, I’ll be decorating Shrek, our green golf cart in July 4th attire!

Whatever you have planned for this holiday weekend, I hope you are with those you love, either in person or virtually. Being here in the cabin and around nature has already lowered my stress levels. Be happy, be kind and most of all, be safe.

holidays

We always look forward to going to our cabin for the July 4th holiday. It is much cooler in the mountains of Arizona and this area has a nice small town feel. The highlight is the July 4th parade, which started many years ago by a wonderful neighbor who believed this holiday needed proper celebrating.

Parade Cancelled

Yesterday, we received word that the parade is cancelled this year. My heart sank as it is just one more thing to adjust to during this pandemic. Intellectually I understand, but emotionally, I was really looking forward to it. And our governor has imposed a 30-day lockdown….again. But we will prevail and keep our spirits up. What choice do we have.

Not only is this parade quite fun but every year thousands of dollars is raised through t-shirt sales and donations supporting the local fire department. Being in the mountains, our firefighters are true heroes as the threat of devastating fires is common during our hot summer months. I am hoping there is still a way to donate?

Nonetheless, we will celebrate our independence and freedom in the true spirit of red, white and blue. Today’s post is a compilation of patriotic celebrations over the past few years. Since I barely know what day it is, I haven’t thought ahead on how I will set the table nor what foods I will prepare. But for some reason, like Christmas, it all comes together, right?

Patriotic Brunch

Our July 4th morning starts with a patriotic brunch and I do serve the same dishes every year. Perhaps I should try something new but these recipes continue to be crowd pleasers.

The egg casserole can be served hot or cold~it’s delicious either way. Hard to believe I shared this with you in 2016! Click here for the recipe.

A tried and true coffee cake recipe can be adjusted each year depending on what fruit you have. My 2017 recipe includes raspberries, but it can be made with peaches, pears, apples, or blueberries. Click here for the recipe.

Since we need our fruits and vegetables there is always a green salad and a fruit salad. Our guests tend to linger after the parade so I make a charcuterie board for nibbling. Ha! I just realized I made a 6 pointed star vs. a 5 pointed star with the cheese! I get an A for effort….Here’s the link to the charcuterie board.

Can’t have brunch without a dessert! I was rather ambitious in 2018 when I baked this impressive red, white and blue 8 layer American Flag cake. First of all, I am never going to do this again, as baking in high altitudes is not one of my strengths. But surprisingly, it did taste very good! Here is the link to that post.

What is July 4th without cherry pie? I have yet to master the perfect cherry pie, but I hope to try my friend Gwen’s recipe this year. It is my husband’s favorite.

Typically I set up brunch around the kitchen island so guests can go in and out of the house, eat, watch the parade, eat some more, watch the parade. But with no parade, we will more than likely sit down at the table on the outdoor covered porch. Here are a few pictures from previous events.

The Table

July 4th is a very important holiday. We often take for granted our independence and freedom. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States as an independent nation began.

We live in an amazing country and I will proudly display many flags. Let’s all remember what the flag symbolizes: white signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Long may she wave.

What are you doing to celebrate the 4th of July? My next post will be from the mountains! Happy Wednesday, my friends!

Today’s post shared with Charming Cottages and Gardens

and Centerpiece Wednesday Linky Party at Karins Kottage

Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. This year it is today, June 20, 2020. Lots of 20s in there! I’m beginning to think 20 may be an unlucky number as this year has been very unsettling.

The Summer Solstice occurs when the Earth’s North Pole is tilted furthest towards the sun. On the June solstice, the sun will be farthest north in the northern hemisphere sky, appearing directly over the Tropic of Cancer, and will take the longest route between rising and setting. This means that today will have the most hours of sunlight and the shortest night of 2020. If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the opposite-the shortest day and longest night.

Typically, the June solstice marks the beginning of summer and will last until the September 22 equinox. So Happy Summer Solstice to you and I hope you are doing something summery to celebrate.

Today, I am sharing two summer cocktails that I love. One is really an aperitif, a cocktail that is served before a meal and is meant to stimulate the appetite. Aperitifs are usually dry rather than sweet, as sugar tends to diminish your appetite.

I am naming this an Americano Spritzer. Fill a tall glass with ice and add a generous pour of Cocchi Rosa Americano Aperitivo, add sparkling water or club soda, add a squeeze of lemon juice (half a lemon) and top with a lemon twist. That’s it! Easy and simple.

This light, low alcohol drink is refreshing and delightful. Cocchi Rosa is produced with a base of red wines from Piedmont which herbs, spices and extracts like gentian, cinchona, citrus zests and rose petals. The futuristic rooster on the label, designed in the ‘30s, represents its aperitif function (“it awakes the appetite”) and is also the symbol of the town of Asti, Italy. I purchased this at Total Wine for $21.49.

The next cocktail I have shared before but it is the perfect summer drink when watermelon is in season. This has more alcohol (tequila) than the aperitif but the combination of the sweet watermelon and spicy jalapeño is a winner. It is a “skinny” recipe due to the agave syrup vs. sugar. Click here for the Skinny Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita recipe from Ambitious Kitchen. For more non-beverage watermelon recipes, click here.

If you prefer something non-alcoholic (though you could add vodka or gin), please try my Cucumber Lemonade recipe. The different twist on basic lemonade is a crowd pleaser.

I like using an English cucumber as the skin is very thin compared to a regular cucumber. However, I would imaging either would work. If you use a blender to make cucumber juice, you will need to strain it to remove the seeds and pulp.

My lemonade recipe is fairly easy~1 part lemon juice, 1 part simple syrup, 1 part cucumber juice and 1 part water. You can easily adjust this recipe to have honey or agave instead of simple syrup, or sparkling water vs. still water. Recipe is below. For more lemonade recipes, click here.

While you are sipping your summer drinks, what better way to celebrate the Solstice than listening to music themed around the sun. Here is my playlist for you:

Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles

Good Day Sunshine by the Beatles

Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers

Island in the Sun by Weezer

California Sun by the Ramones

To See the Sun by The Turtles

Sunny Afternoon by the Kinks

Warmth of the Sun by the Beach Boys

The Sun by The Pretty Things

Wishing you and yours a sunny, happy Saturday. Hopefully you will find unique ways to celebrate the beginning of summer.

A Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. My father died 5 years ago and every time I try to write a blog post about him I am sobbing. He was my hero and had the biggest heart imaginable. I truly miss him. So love your dads every minute of every day!