The last few days I have been under the weather - summer colds - they are the worst - I've had no appetite so that means no cooking. The Fisherman has been very understanding and I hope to get back to some meal preparing soon!
In the meantime, a couple weeks ago, I canned some tomatoes. This really brought back memories. When I was a kid and the rest of the kids were out playing that last day before school started, I was with my mom in our basement putting up many quarts of tomatoes. Of course that was not how I wanted to spend my last care-free day of summer, but I do have many fond memories helping my mom and now that she is not here, I think of her whenever I do any canning.
The tomatoes were from our garden and I had just enough to make six quarts. Here are the steps I followed:
First washed the tomatoes and prepared for the scalding step
I placed the tomatoes in my second sink and poured boiling water (plug in!) over them and let them sit for about 3 minutes
Jars were washed and then I placed them in the boiling water for a bit before using that water to pour on the tomatoes
The tomatoes were peeled and sliced up in jars. The plum tomatoes (as shown in first picture) are good to go - if you are using regular round tomatoes, you need to squeeze some of juice out so your tomatoes aren't too liquidy after processing
When the jar is about ½ way full, add some salt. Also, run a knife down in the jar to release air bubbles.
I leave about a ½" of space before putting the lids on (I keep in lids in boiling water until ready to cap). Be sure to wipe off threads and top of jars to remove any pieces that might have stuck.
Lovely hands and the scraps!
The jars are set in the canner and filled with water about 1" over the tops of jars
I used my mom's canner this day
After it comes to a boil, boil for 35 minutes. Remove and when you hear a PING, you know the lids are sealed.
I was pleased that I got 6 quarts this day! I use these to make homemade spaghetti sauce and pizza. I'm hoping to get a few more before the garden is done.
For my mom and grandmother, thanks for the memories! I would give anything to be back in the basement!
Do any of you have canning memories? I would love to hear them!!
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Cheri says
I have similar memories of canning with my mom and grandma! We did all kinds of "putting up" .. pears, peaches, cherries, applesauce, tomatoes, etc. You just taught me a new way to slip the skins off tomatoes! I usually drop them into boiling water on the stove then remove to cold water. Your way seems much easier!
I wonder if our girls will ever do canning? Will they remember us doing it?
Carole says
Those tomatoes look fabulous. I wonder why we call it canning when we are actually putting it into glass jars?
Have a great week!
[email protected] says
Hmmm...have to admit I never thought of that!
FrugalFoodieMama says
I remember being in my grandmother's kitchen with her when she would can pears in syrup. She got the pears from the pear tree she used to have in her backyard. She always gave quite a few jars to my mom, and I remember them being one of my favorite snacks.
I have JUST started canning this summer. So far just salsa and peach jam. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
I am going to have to pin this one. My neighbor and my mom keep giving me tomatoes from their gardens!
menopausal mama says
This is an ambitious project but I'll bet they taste great! Saw your name on my GFC and your comment--thanks for the visit! You have a great bog here--I am now following you via GFC as well. Thanks for sharing!
Kait Lun says
I am absolutely terrified to try canning but you make it look so simple! It must be nice to have such a fond memory of time with you mom at this time each year. I love your photos!
Kaitlin @I Can Cook That
[email protected] says
Thanks for stopping by... It's not terrifying but it can be messy 🙂
Miz Helen says
Hi Deb,
What a beautiful tutorial for canning tomatoes, great job! Hope you are having a fabulous holiday week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Adelina Priddis says
I've never canned tomatoes. Do you not have to put any other liquid in with them? That makes it nice and easy! I have fond memories of making applesauce with my mom, and canning it. Now I can lots of fruits, and some days I can still get together with my mom for a day of canning. We're still making memories.
thanks for linking to Foodie Friday!