Another ChaChink!

In my quest to use up things on hand, another project is complete. Chachink!

I had new pint jars, rings, and lids. I had peppers that Marilyn had given me. Put these with my love for El Chico's carrots, peppers, and onion relish, this girl is smiling.

I am smiling because, even though I was pushed for time, it's done. I'm smiling because Rick ran the veggies through the food processor for me! I'm smiling because the jars are sealed, and that is a very good thing.

Marilyn has previously posted the knock-off recipe on our recipe blog. If you are interested in it, go here. .

Jelly with a Punch!

I've been trying to use up things in our large freezer--mainly because it needs a good cleaning. This morning I decided to set out two jars of frozen plum juice with plans to make jelly this afternoon. I even had the cute little jelly jars already on hand, too.

So when I got ready to get started late this afternoon I got a little surprise. I discovered that I had one container of plum juice and one container of strawberry punch!

So I'm here to tell you I just mixed the two together and WAALAA. I now have the cutest little jars of strawberry plum jelly you've ever seen.

Tonight we sampled it. Rick gave it two thumbs up, and I have to admit -- it's good!!

Joy in Jelly

Who doesn't love homemade jelly? You would probably be hard pressed to find someone who would say they don't care for it. And what girl doesn't find delight in making something with her own hands? This afternoon I decided to get in the kitchen and go for it!

First find the fruit! 

Next get some juice, LOTS of sugar, a package of Sure Jell, and 

some cute little jelly jars.

Follow the directions on the box.

And WAALAA!!

You have yourself some homemade, really good jelly.

Mine is yummy plum!

Now I just need some good old biscuits or rolls!

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Happy Birthday (July 29), Jerry!

I Think I Can (ned)!

Some of you may remember "The Tale of the Tomatoes" from this past April which described my efforts to save the little newly planted tomatoes despite weather conditions here. If you have not had the pleasure of reading this crazy story, please click and take the time to read it. This will perhaps allow you to understand the significance of today's post. 

This is a picture of some homemade canned salsa. After securing a good recipe and calling Marilyn for her assistance and support, we successfully produced a product from this summer's great tomato crop. What satisfaction! 

I love doing this kind of thing. It brings back so many memories of gardening and canning with Mother and Daddy. Marilyn and I always did this during the summer months as young girls and continued to do so after we married. We canned beans, pickles, tomatoes, beets, whatever.... I didn't even eat beets but that didn't matter. We were working, talking, laughing, and having fun together in the kitchen. Great days! Great memories!