Helper Girl

Just when I thought my canning season was done, my tomatoes started pouring it on. I am so very grateful that I have this cute, little helper girl by my side. 

No Jar Left Behind 2011

This years canning season is headin to a close. While I always enjoy it I am also always a little relieved to see it come to an end. Now I am ready to pull out the ol' steamer and attack the kitchen. Here is what I put up this year.

• 
  
  Blueberry Syrup


• Peaches


• Pears


• Spaghetti Sauce


• Sweet and Sour Sauce


• Tomatoes


• Peach Salsa


• Peach BBQ Sauce


• Tomato Jelly


• Autumn Cranberry Pear Jam

Peach Salsa

makes 4-5 pints

1/2 c. white vinegar

6 cups peeled, pitted and chopped peaches

1 1/4 c. chopped red onion (about 1 Large)

4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped

1 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped

1 bunch chopped cilantro

2 T liquid honey

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 1/2 t ground cumin

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to boil over med hi heat, stirring constantly.

Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat. Ladle into hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.

Wipe rim, adjust lid and ring. Process in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes. At my altitude (4500 ft) process for 25 minutes.

No Jar Left Behind - 2010

This year my Canning partner-in-crime Jenn and I decided to instigate a new philosophy of No Jar Left Behind. It was our goal to fill every jar we owned with something yummy! Last year I came extremely close, this year I was on track to accomplish my goal when I hit a major speed bump. A Hysterectomy in early October is definitely something that will take you out of the canning game. Fortunately, I already had the majority of it done so it wasn't a total loss. Below is a list of all of the yummy things I was still able to make and have the pleasure of serving my family in the many, many meals to come!

• Pears
• Raspberry Syrup
• Chocolate Raspberry Sundae Topper
• Peaches
• Tomato Peach Salsa
• Peach Salsa
• Peach BBQ Sauce
• Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Tomatoes
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Cherry Pie Filling
• Cherry Jelly
• Strawberry Syrup
• Carrot Cake Jam - (I actually didn't make this, my awesome friend Jenn made this for me since she knew it was on my list and I wouldn't get to it. Talk about an awesome friend!)

Just for kicks and giggles I decided to add a list of the nummy things I canned last year as well. Since I didn't really document it anywhere back then. It was the first year that I really got into canning as an adult. What was I waiting for! Next year I plan to also list how many quarts/pints/ jelly jars etc. I make as well. That info is more for my benefit than anything. Anyhow, on to the list!

2009 Canning List

• Spiced Peach Syrup
• Peach Syrup
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Peaches
• Pears
• Tomatoes
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Tomato Salsa
• Applesauce
• Apple Pie Filling
• Strawberry Jam
• Raspberry Jam
• Strawberry Peach Jam
• Pear Butter
• Apple Butter
• Apricot Pineapple Jam
• Pomegranate Syrup
• Pumpkin Pie Pear Syrup

Updates

I thought I would take a second and update you on a few things. I just put a bunch of pictures on the computer from our camera and wanted to show you a few highlights of the last 3 weeks. Also, I wanted to update you on Nate and his neck situation. So, here goes.....

We went back to Huntsman for his post-op appointment and also to see his Oncologist on Tuesday. Both appointments went very well. His surgeon is pleased with how Nate responded to all of the antibiotics. He feels that enough of the infection and inflamation will be gone that we can go ahead with the second surgery on July 9th. We are grateful Nate will atleast get to enjoy the 4th of July weekend before round two of this speedbump! He didn't get much of a summer last year, thus the excitement! His Oncologist also said that Nate is doing well and is still in Remission. Another piece of news is that after his next CAT scan in July he gets to go FOUR months in between his CAT scans instead of three. Nate is very excited about that since drinking two containers of Barium drink is not the most pleasant thing in the world!

On May 27th, Ally and her best friend Emma teamed up together to compete in their schools Triathlon! They did great! Ally began by running the race, then Emma rode her bike and then together they ran the obstacle course will holding hands! Not an easy thing to do!


Ladybug "Explaining" to me HOW she ran the race!



On May 30th, my sisters Heidi and Jen, their daughters Megan and Shaylen came over and we made my kitchen a sticky mess while making Strawberry Jam. It was great fun spending time with these women in my kitchen. We had to send out for more strawberries before the end due to Shay and Megan eating our supply while supposedly cutting them! The pictures below show evidence of the infraction!



Just a really cute one of Chub!

And proof that chocolate DOESN'T always make it better!
Finally, highlights of Ethan's TENTH birthday! We celebrated a little on Monday with his requested dinner of Mac and Cheese with hot dogs. Yummy, I know! Followed up by a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday to You!" and the opening up of one present.
Mom and Tiny Man Ten Years and Two minutes after he was born!


The starter digital camera was a BIG hit!

To continue the celebration he invited 5 friends to go with our family to Toads Fun Zone for 2 hours of cake eating, presents, laser tag, arcade fun and mini golf! It was great, even with the heavy downpouring of rain and hail!


My favorite quote of the night was said by Ally. While we were getting all of the kids their mini golf equipment some of the others started without them. Once I caught up to them it became apparent that the kids weren't trying very hard. If the ball didn't go in the first try they would pick it up and drop it in the hole and move on to the next! Before the other kids had started they were already at the TENTH hole! Once I explained to the kids how to really play and convinced them to backtrack to the rest of the group and actually try this time Ally came up with this gem! As she threw her hands in the air in her most drama queen fashion she wailed, "But, Moooom! We're just KIDS!"

So there you have it! All caught up on the Mills crew! With just one more bit of news....
Chocolate really DOES make it all better!