Canning Season Is Here

I've been busy in the orchard, and in the kitchen this last week.
Picking apples before the deer eat them all is an never ending "chore" around here.

Once we picked the organic apples, then "putting them up" is the next task on the list.

Thankfully, I've had the best kitchen help possible...my foodie fanatic daughter. Well, I must say, that is "fanatic" in the very best way! She keeps me sharp in my kitchen skills, and mostly, we just have a lot of fun together.

No wonder women of yesteryear, did things in groups. Sewing circles, quilting bees, and even preserving the harvest together. I've decided that together is the best way to accomplish what other wise may seem like a chore.

So, if you don't seem me around much on Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, or Etsy, just know that I'm in the kitchen, laughing and perspiring, and savoring the sweet smell of cooking apples.

Canning 2012

Planning for Fall

The apples on our trees are quickly telling me that in a week or so, I will be busy making applesauce, pies, and who knows what other goodies I'll come up with.

In preparation for this years canning season, I came up with some new canning sticker designs. By nature, I'm an embellisher...if there is such a word. I enjoy adding a "little something" extra to most things that I do. So, with that in mind, I embellished these vintage inspired canning stickers with felt buttons and some raffia bows.

I'm excited to get started "putting up" this year's bounty, and use these fun labels for gift giving.

Canning!

This last week has been spent in a hot kitchen, with boiling pots of water, wonderful spicy smells, all surrounded by people I love.

My daughter and I were able to spend the week canning applesauce, peach jam, and apple butter! 36 pints of applesauce, 12 half-pints of peach jam, and 36 half-pints of apple butter! Whew!

It has been such a fun and rewarding week, seeing all our efforts pay off. From picking the apples off our trees, to slicing, cooking, and processing; to the finished product.

Reminds me that my Father's love for me is the same. He never gives up in the process. From "picking" me, to washing, cutting away the bad parts, putting me to the test in "boiling water" , and sealing me with the Holy Spirit. He never tires of the process, and I am forever grateful!