They're Back. . . .

"They were all gone, and now they're back," said my 17 year-old daughter looking around the kitchen.

"Uh, yeah," I sighed. 

The "How to" on Home Canned Ketchup

This is how I make my ketchup.  

I do not peel my tomatoes because I use a sauce maker (you could also use a food mill).  Wash, trim and slice up 10 pounds of paste tomatoes.  I simply cut my paste tomatoes in 4th's and toss them in the pot.

Cream Cheese ~ Dirt, a Dyson, and a Tomato ~ Hubby Funny

Here is another coffee cup.  Again, from a trip.  I'll make this story short.  This cup is special.  Java Jo's is now longer Java Jo's (although there are still other locations in the US).  It's been changed into a new coffee house with a new name.  Way back in the day, Mom and I took a trip and we stopped in for coffee.  Year's prior to that trip, Java Jo's had a fire, but rebuilt.  When the rebuilt, it changed.  The original was so fun and original.  I miss the old Java Jo's.  I just remember the old look, and the real feel of a coffee house.

Kitchen Madness

We finally got some rain.  It's back to humid and hot.  

I've been busy in the kitchen - freezing green peppers, jalapenos, more green beans, some tomatoes, and cauliflower.  Our popcorn is on, and looks pretty promising (although small), but my watermelon is questionable.

What else have I been up to?

I'm still around. . .

I'm up very early today, to get started in the kitchen.  I was up an hour ago, but needed a few cups of coffee to jolt me into work mode.

I have much to do today, and hope to get it done before Hubby gets home.  We have more work to do after he gets home.  I know I am lacking on blog posts, but will make up for it later.  We've been under more stress here at the homestead....

Marriage Booster Weekend

Hubby and I, on a last minute whim, hooked up the camper and went to the cheapest and closest campground. 

We set up camp to enjoy each other's company for a marriage booster weekend.  We really wanted to ferry over to our favorite island, but work told us a different story.   

 Hubby and I try to get time with each other several times a year. 

Salsa Tasting

Okay, I lied about letting the zucchini salsa sit.  We popped open a jar already.  Now, I did pretty much follow the recipe, but I diced up 2 jalapenos and 2 hot banana peppers and added them (to the marinade early on). 

If you like medium to hot salsa, definitely add some hot peppers.  We loved this salsa.  It's very thick, so I think I can safely leave the corn starch out next batch (if I get enough zucchini to make it again).  I drained the veggies very well and I also drained my roma tomatoes after I chopped them up, before boiling everything.