A Short Video of some Motifs/Techniques Learned in the Free Courses!
To Preserve (or Can) Tomatoes...
You need...sterile hot canning jarstight fitting lidsboiling hot super ripe tomatoessaltpatience If you have always wanted to say that you "can" and have never tried....tomatoes are about the easiest produce to learn on. So, I thought I'd cover how to approach this...my way. First off...remember that you are dealing with food...so keep everything extra clean as you work. I like to start off by cleaning my sinks...really well. (Now, after I have dumped tomatoes in them and made a mess...I do wonder why I bother...but, at least I know that they were clean BEFORE I began!) By the way...I have a tiny galley style kitchen in this little garage apartment...
My total counter space includes the right side of my sink, before you get to the stove...
and a sliver of space on the left side before you get to the refrigerator. So, I have to be organized. But, that just shows that you don't need tons of space to can tomatoes...
I do have a double sink...which comes in handy.
...and a dish washer under the counter. I begin by putting my jars into the dishwasher, and make sure that is set for Heated Drying Cycle. This will get them clean and hot...but not sterile.
For that, I submerge them into boiling water for about 3 minutes. Because I don't have a lot of space, this is done in my largest soup stock pot...and I handle 2-3 quart size jars at a time.
Boiling water keeps the jars super hot until I need them...and I boil my jar lids in a small pan at the same time (see behind the big pot).
Next, I wash the tomatoes...and place them into a large dish pan. Using a bread knife (cause that works best for me) I score each tomato. The "slit" does not have to be very deep..it is just to encourage the peelings to come off. To make that happen easily...the tomatoes will be submerged into boiling hot water for about 3 minutes.
Here is the largest pot I have...a huge pressure caner bottom. It is a great pot! Really thick...and holds about 3 gallons at least. Right now, it holding water...that just is taking forever to get hot! But, it will...in a few minutes. Then, I'll dip about a dozen tomatoes into it and let them get really hot...that takes around 3-5 minutes...so the skin will start to wrinkle and want to slide off.
See...here is the first one out of that hot water. The little "slit" that was made by scoring the tomato has caused the skin to start to curl up. Now, it goes into the sink...which I have filled about half full with cold water. Handling HOT tomatoes with your bare hands...is no fun! So, dunkning them into the cold water in the sink makes them manageable...and helps to get the skins to start loosing up even more.
Next, cut the cor out of each tomato. If you want to can whole tomatoes...and cut out any blemishes or bad spots the tomato might have. If you are canning whole tomatoes...that's all the cutting you do. But, for stewed tomatoes or chunky tomatoes...at least cut the tomatoes into four parts. You can see from the photo above that I've already done 3-4 tomatoes at this point. Next, just keep scoring, hot bath, cold bath, coring, peeling until all of the tomatoes are now finished and ready to be cooked.At this point...your sink is a real mess! All of the discarded tomato cores and peels are still in there.
So, take the time to dip these out into a plastic bag to be discarded. Actually, I had to do this about three times...emptying and re-filling my sink each time. Then, I squeezed out as much liquid from the plastic bag, down the drain, and put this bag...into a triple bag so it didn't run all over my garbage pail. Tomato parts are juicy!
Now that the messy part is over...I'm left with a huge dishpan full of tomatoes. They are all clean, and skinned, and cored! These are ready to go into the cooker. I have poured out the water from my big canning pot... washed it, dryed it...and it is ready to have the tomatoes put into it for cooking. Well, almost...At my house, we have an extra step...the blender.
Aidan does not like "chunky" tomatoes in her soups, stews, etc...so, I run the tomatoes through the blender...and can juice instead of stewed or large chunks of tomatoes. But, that step is optional in this process...you don't have to "pulverize" the tomatoes.
Now, there is a huge pot of tomatoes on the stove. They have to be super hot to go into the jars...so, put them on medium high heat and stir occasionally.
In a few minutes, they will begin to boil...cook them for about 3-4 minutes at least to ensure that they are super hot! After they start to boil...it's time to get a couple of jars ready to fill. Take them out of your hot water bath...being careful to pour the excess hot water completely out of them. I use a pair of metal tongs to lift the jars and pour the water from them as I'm lifting them from the pan. Then, I set them into my metal dish pan...about 2-3 at a time, open and ready to pour the hot tomatoes into them. I use a soup ladle...but a cup would also work to get the tomatoes from the canning pot into the jars. I like the ladle because the handle is long. You can use a large mouth funnel to help you get them the tomatoes into the jar...without making a mess. I didn't get a photo of this "filling"...sorry, was busy...but, you want to fill the jar almost all the way up.
Then, and this is IMPORTANT...wipe the top of the jar with a paper towel or clean dish towel. This is so that you remove any drops of water or tomato juice from the very top of mouth of the jar...so that when the jar lid is placed on the jar...there is NOTHING that prevents that lid from sealing to the jar. BUT, before you put the jar lid down...add 1 teaspoon of salt to the jar (for quart jar size). The salt will increase the acidity of the tomatoes...to help them preserve...AND will enhance the taste. (IF you are on a low-sodium diet...I suggest you freeze your tomatoes...cause they will not store correctly without a little salt...unless they are super acid types (perhaps)). I keep my salt in a bowl with my measuring spoon...and my paper towel handy...close by my dried off lids...so that I don't forget this step! The lids are removed from their hot water bath...only as I need them...and wiped dry. Put the hot dry jar lid on the jar of tomatoes...after you have salted them and wiped the jar top dry. Then place the jar ring on to hold the lid in place. There is no need to super tighten the ring at this point...just twist it on until it resists.
Use a thick towel or pot holder to grasp the filled jar and place it on the counter with the other filled jars. They should be about an inch of space between the jars while they cool...and cover all of them with a thick towel. This will keep them from cooling too quickly, and from getting "drafts" of cool air which could cause the jars to burst.
Later, after the jars have completely cooled off...tighten the jar rings and store them in your pantry. They will keep for about two years (IMHO). I use my canned tomatoes in vegetable soup and chili most often. Note: properly sealed jars will have a slide "depressed" center to the jar lid. If after the jars have cooled, you can push the center of the lid down...that jar has not sealed properly...and you need to use those tomatoes immediately.
I had just enough juice left to place a glass full into the fridge to get good and cold.Hugs!Try canning tomatoes...it's messy...but easy...and rewarding!.
Wow, can hardly believe that I have caught up on this Block of the Month challenge. Here's the block for July!
Got my funky chicken block done this evening. Was supposed to can tomatoes...but we got a huge wind and rain storm (thunder is still rolling in the sky)...so I was afraid that the electricity might go off and did not want to be in the middle all those tomatoes when that happened. With an electric stove...that would have been a real shame to lose all those tomatoes. Okay, that's my story...and I'm sticking to it! And, a nap in the middle of a storm was just a really good idea that I didn't want to miss out on! Tomatoes will be on the agenda for tomorrow...seriously, they will!
Wasn't sure what I'd get when I put up my plum jelly/jam/syrup...but, it's jelly! Woot! woot! Don't you just love it when things go as they should! Wishing you all were here for this breakfast...although I sure do look a mess!Hugs!
Here is how my first stumpwork beetle has turned out. I'm pretty darn happy with it. The process is really quite easy to follow (thanks to Arlene's great instructions)...and I'm already working on a smaller version.
This white one is resting on my June crazy quilt block for CQJP 2012...which will be completed shortly I hope!
Woot! Woot! Got June block done before the clock struck midnight! And, now tomorrow I'm on to July!
I never really know the answer to this question when I try to make fruit jelly. Sometimes, it turns out just great...and other times not. So, tomorrow, we'll see what I get.For now, the plums that were picked off the fruit trees and put into the freezer this past month...can now be used on toast...or pancakes....depending on how they turn out.
Finally, got the block done for May for the HGTV Block of the Month. Actually, (embarrassingly) this is the second time I pieced the block. The first was cut wrong and did not go together at all. This one is better, but not perfect...and will become a pillow. Nine of the twelve blocks will go into a bed quilt, and three will be pillows. So, this will become the first of those pillows. Now, if I can get the June block finished today, I'll be caught up!
I started with Arlene's Beetle Class this past week, and decided to try my hand with a white beetle for my CQJP blocks. The wings were supported by wire between two layers of organza. This was not the way my instructions has suggested...but one layer was too thin to stitch through, so I added a second layer which made me working with an organza sandwich! Leave it to me to make everything "different"...but, I liked the idea once I got to stitching. The wraps for the wire were tedious...again because of "my adjustments" as I decided to use regular sewing thread in white to do this with. Do you know how many "wraps" it takes to cover these beetle wings wire? A LOT!But, I still think the effort was worth it. I finished by covering all the organza with beads, on the back side I glued a thin layer of Angelina Fiber so I would not see all the threads from my bead work.Next week we create the beetle body...so there will be more to this after that lesson.I recommend Arlene's class...the instructions are detailed and not difficult to understand...and she allows you the flexibility to adjust and apply your own Artistic Style...which I love!So, watch for her classes over at www.joggles.com if you are interested in stumpwork of this type. It's hard to photograph white on white....but, these babies really sparkle in real life!
Crazy Quilters International, a great Yahoo Group for crazy quilt round robins has a Fab First Timers swap that is always going on. It's for anyone new to the group to just get their "feet wet" so to speak with their first round robin.Recently, the 22nd round robin was set to begin when a signee had to drop out. That left the others in the swap waiting until another "newbie" would come along to join. So, to keep them from having to wait longer...I signed up for my second FFT...although it is number 22 for the group.This is my starting block, and I can hardly wait to see all the wonderful stitching that returns home to me. I've already checked out a couple of the ladies blogs and am eager to see their work close up.Aren't cyber groups wonderful! Especially when you find a good one!
Just wanted to share that I have a new class available at Maureen's Vintage Acquisition website. It is the first in a series that I'm calling my Rose and Lilac Collection. The entire collection will be several organizational items...for sewing, crafting, and personal use. Each will have a different embroidery design of roses and lilacs...so all together you can create a lovely collection of beautiful and functional organizational items. This first class is for a mini-wallet and checkbook cover set.
These are both super easy to embroider and to assemble. Only general knowledge of basic sewing machine skills are needed (or you could stitch by hand if you prefer). The embroidery is very basic so that beginners can create the designs with a little practice. Of course instructions are complete...and detailed.This is the first class of the series that I've completed the instructions for...but hope to have the series finished and available by the end of the fall. This mini-wallet and checkbook cover set is identical in style to what I carry every day...and love them! Except, my current ones do not have this gorgous embroidery on the front...so, guess who is now changing them out for these!Both of these items are small enough to only need scraps of fabrics to create...and the class cost is set at $15...so that anyone can join in the fun without a major cost requirement. These make great Christmas and Birthday gifts...or just do several in different colors to use yourself! They are completely washable and very durable. The class can be taken anytime, no special registration period. Full color embroidery designs are included for the wallet and the checkbook cover with step-by-step easy assembly instructions too. Hope to see you in class!
Finished up a center medallion block today...for a friend. Just have to get it into the mail.Trying to get caught up on "normal" quilting blocks...even though that means that my CQJP Block for June...will probably not be completed until July. How many days until July?....
Got my little doll quilt sent in this week...to the HGTV Message Board as part of a coordinated effort to support the "Get Your Clause On Project" that Debbie has posted about on her blog, Stitching Therapy.If you have not ever heard of this project...and like working small quilts...check out the blog link.It is wonderful fun!Especially, if you work with your own group...as the HGTV ladies have...to coordinate many quilts to send in all at once (Thanks Nicki...(nlk).)My little quilt is only one of more than fifty...done by the wonderful quilters over at HGTV Message Board. Hugs ladies!!
Here's another monogram design for you. I have one of these designs traced, and hope to get it stitched this weekend. But, right now...I've got other things on my plate. Unfortunately, non-stitching things...like garden tasks, house-keeping, doctor's visits, and helping my family in some remodeling tasks.
But, we'll see what else can be accomplished...stitching just needs to be done!
Hugs!
I need this fabric! Have you seen it...who makes it? What is the name of the fabric line?Do you have any of it yourself...that you'd be willing to sale?I am just sick...because it is the main fabric in a quilt top and I can not find any more of it in my stash...even though, there is supposed to be about 3 yards here.This is one of the fabrics...the main one...that was provided to the HGTV Ladies in the Row-by-Row quilt swap. And, in September...I'll be getting my quilt top back that they have sewn...using this fabric as the main focus fabric, as I had requested. (I've been working on a quilt for each of these ladies each month to...based on their own fabric choices.)When we began this Round Robin the first of the year...I gathered my fabrics, created my first row of blocks and send everything off to the next lady in line. I kept 3 yards of this fabric to use as a border when the quilt top returned.I have searched and searched...it's no where to be found. Now, I don't say that lightly...believe me, I've been going through every box, bin, plastic container, dresser drawer, and cubby hole up here in this garage apartment...and below in the garage too. I offered to pay my SIL if she could find it and gave her free reign...she searched and searched...pulled out everything from every drawer, box, bin again...and we can not find it!Seriously, I have now idea where else to look!I really need this fabric...or my quilt will have to have a solid black border...but...I have no idea when I purchased it...or from where. Don't know who made it because all I have left is this little piece which was returned as scrap with my other un-used fabrics in the Round Robin. (Although we don't see our Row-by-Row quilt tops until the Retreat in September...I did get my left-over fabrics back from the last stitcher working on the round robin.)So, I"m at a complete loss...sure hope someone out there can help me out! Post Script: Nancy, a cyber pal over at HGTV Message Board, is sending me fabric that she believes is a perfect match! Oh, I sure hope it is...as my worries would be over! Aren't friends just wonderful...and especially those that we've never even met! These are extra special to my heart!
Yesterday, I managed to get caught back up on my funky chicken blocks.These are from the Block of the Month patterns over FatCat...she posts a new one each month, free...or you can purchase the entire set.
Sorry the photos are so strange...but I think there is dirt on my camera lens. Gonna go check that out right now....hugs!
Today, I'm starting a new monogram series. The title is Five Petal because...obviously, the main floral has that design. Try these in larger sizes for great fabric/felt letters and embroidery flowers (I'm working on one now, and will of course share when it is complete.)
The last two series of monograms got a little tricky for me to keep up...so this time, I'm just going to begin at "A" and end at "Z".
Hope you enjoy the entire alphabet!
