Writings On The Wall

Summer is always a busy time for everyone and we aren't any different.  And even as busy as we are we tend to add more to our plate.  For years I have wanted a pergola, but "G" didn't agree.  Well he has finally come around so we are preparing to build that in a couple of weeks.  While shopping for pergola parts we walked through the kitchen area at Menards.  That turned into us deciding that we needed new counter tops, which led us to decide that we should go ahead with new appliances before that gets here.  So walking though the hardware store for bolts has turned into a kitchen remodel, but that tends to be how we roll.  While all this is going on the garden is thriving so it is officially salsa time!  Speaking of salsa, "G" entered his first salsa competition and came in fourth. He was awarded a ribbon and $10.  Everyone has to start somewhere.  And you my lucky blog readers will get a copy of his famous recipe.  Read on!

The kitchen appliances have arrived, here is the before and after!  Don't mind the canning production going on in the after!  These are Frigidaire Professional Series.  The stove is great, it has a giant center burner perfect for canning!
Tonight was a great night to dine alfresco, so here is the new patio set that will go under the currently "invisible" pergola! 


We have become big fans of the sweet potatoes from Schwans.  I put them on the grill, sprinkle on brown sugar and drizzle with some Indiana maple syrup!  We also had tilapia on the grill tonight, just use foil and roll up the sides!  Use what ever seasonings you like.  This was a great buy at Aldi, a bag of about 8 filets for $3.50.



A trip to the farmers market today and I bought a bag of Indiana peaches, they were very ripe and perfect for jam.  I love these freezer containers from Ball, and the freezer jam mix makes it super easy. This spring I made strawberry.  Instructions are on the back of the package but all you need is four cups of fruit and a cup and a half of sugar plus the pectin packet.

And finally the first salsa of the season!  The house smells great.  I love the apron, "To Hot to Handle!"  Gotta love a man comfortable enough to wear an apron!



Salsa - Sweet & Mild
4 cloves of garlic
1/2 t. pepper
1T. salt
1 green pepper
1 cup onion chopped
1 small can tomato paste
4 cups of tomatoes chopped
1/2 c. sugar
1 cup vinegar
8 jalapeno or 3 habenero chopped

Combine garlic, green pepper,jalapeno, and onion in food processor.  Dice tomatoes separately.  Combine all ingredients in large pot.  Bring to boil.  Reduce heat to simmer.  Simmer for minimum 30 minutes. 
At this point you can follow household canning methods to keep it longer or store in fridge.  Makes great gifts.  Enjoy 

"G" is quite the man in the kitchen and has become very good at canning! We really have reverse rolls, I would be happy in the garage working on a car and he is happy in the kitchen. I have my moments in the kitchen as well but those moments are far, few, and in between. We have picked cucumbers on a nightly basis, I call it gerkin hunting. So tonight he made me refrigerator pickles, they are great and super sweet.

Sliced and ready to go

So he just happened to be wearing green!

This is his new toy a granite pot with a wire rack for the jars. A nice warm bath

He is famous for his salsa and that production will start soon when the tomatoes are ready. Until then we will make the best of the pickles!