Express

(continued from previous page)
If new to canning, try this basic method to preserve
some of this summer’s tomato harvest: Place peeled
tomatoes into jars and tighten the lids. Place jars into
a cold oven on cookie sheets. Once they are in place,
complete, carefully remove the jars and place on a
cooling rack. Cover the jars with a towel to keep any
drafts off of them; this will help prevent the glass from
cracking. As the jars cool, the lids will pop indicating
that they are sealed. For those who own a pressure
cooker, follow instructions as noted for proper canning
of several other items!
If feeling ultra ambitious, create fresh soups to be
frozen or canned. Although a lengthier process initially,
the payoff is at the time of consumption. After a long
day at work and making a whole meal just doesn’t
seem appealing, pull out a can of homemade soup or
heat up tomato sauce seasoned with herbs from the
garden over some pasta for an instant meal.
Preserving can start early in the season and last
through out. Take advantage of double harvests with
certain plants to get the most out of the garden. A few
weekends here or there to can and store will generate
a savings on grocery bills in the long run and a pantry
full of nutritious, fresh food that came right from the
backyard.
RECIPES
Zesty Salsa
makes 6 pints
peeled tomatoes
bell peppers
peppers
Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering
warm soapy water and set bands aside.
Combine tomatoes, green peppers, onions,
chili peppers, vinegar, garlic,
cilantro, salt and hot pepper
sauce, if using, in a large
to a boil over medium-high heat,
stirring constantly. Reduce heat and
boil gently, stirring frequently, until
inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and
adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot
salsa. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band
Process both pint and half pint jars in a boiling water
Green Pepper Jelly
makes 6 half-pints
Green food coloring (if desired)
Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering
warm soapy water and set bands aside.
Wash peppers; remove stems and seeds, and cut into
vinegar in a blender or food processor. Pour into a
large bowl and add apple juice. Cover and refrigerate
overnight.
Strain pureed mixture through several thicknesses of
high heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and
headspace.
Process both pint and half pint jars in a boiling water
Leannah is the owner and
founder of Green Gaia
Essentials, LLC, a company
that provides cruelty free,
all-natural, organic health
and beauty products.
GreenGaiaEssentials.com
8
Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • August 2016