A Bushel a Day

By: Bonita Anderson
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:18:04
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Growing a vegetable garden has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. It was an essential part of survival for my ancestors. How well we ate during the winter months depended on how much the garden produced. Root vegetables were generally stored in the root cellar. Years ago every family had one. The vegetables that did not keep well were processed in glass jars. Tomatoes fit that category.

The year was 1976, I had spent much of the winter planning what I would plant in my garden. Some things I started from seed in the house. Tomatoes were a priority as I used them frequently. I would start more plants from seed than I was going to need as quite a few would die before it was time to put them in the garden. I usually liked to plant 2-dozen plants, so I started 50 from seed. I expected at least half would not make it to the garden so I could be assured of 24 tomato plants.

Six weeks went by and I had only lost 5 plants, but I was certain a lot more would die off. No such luck. I had 45 healthy, strong tomato plants. I managed to give some away so I only planted 36. For reasons unknown the garden did exceptionally well that year, especially the tomatoes. I canned plain tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, salsa, ketchup, spaghetti sauce, and tomato juice. I even made tomato jam for myself. There was no end to those tomatoes. For many weeks I picked almost a bushel a day. I was running out of things to do with tomatoes so I decided to try tomato soup. This how I make it.

I cut up about 15-quarts of tomatoes, skin and all, a whole stalk of celery, 8 onions, a handful of parsley and a few bay leaves. I put all of those ingredients into a large enamel pot and cook it until the celery is tender. I stir it occasionally so it will not burn. When cooked I run it through a sieve or potato ricer. I then measure to see how many quarts I have. There should be 7-8-quarts. I add 3-tablespoons salt, 8-tablespoons sugar and 2-teaspoons pepper. Bring to a boil. For each quart of soup I measured, I use 2-tablespoons butter and 2-tablespoons flour for a paste. Thin it out with a little soup and add that to the pot. Bring the soup back to a boil, stirring so it does not burn. Then put it through a sieve again to remove any lumps. I pour it into my jars and process in a water bath for 15-minutes.

This soup has the store bought stuff beat by a mile. I ended up with 28-quarts that year and it did not last through the winter. It is now one of the first things I make with tomatoes.

Find more food tips at http://www.pothaven.com

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Cooking category

  • Looking for a Great Meal Idea? Try Ordering Fresh Seafood Online! - By: Shannon Linnen
    Ordering fresh seafood online can be a great way to get the fresh seafood that you want without having to go to the store. Instead of being caught two weeks ago, you can get the freshest fish possible, caught yesterday and shipped right to your door. It sounds silly to think that your 'fresh' fish has probably spent at least a week in a warehouse or refrigerated truck, but it's true.
  • Baking Information for Beginner Chefs - By: Japinder Singh
    Baking can be an intimidating process when one is first learning. Images of smoke pouring out of the oven and rock hard rolls can haunt thoughts of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner. But have no fear; there are a few simple ways to avoid the confusion and stress that comes with baking. The first key is to gain a basic understanding of what you are looking to make such as ingredients, and the baking process.
  • Fresh Live Lobsters Whenever you Want Them - By: Rex Magnum
    There are so many delicious recipes that you can make with fresh live lobsters that you'll be sure to impress your family, neighbors and friends. Why not try a nice light lobster bisque on a chilly fall night? A lobster bake is the perfect meal for a large amount of guests. And when you're having an intimate get together, pair your lobster with our set of bibs and claw crackers, and let everyone crack right into their own lobster!
  • Smoked Salmon Gift Sets Make Great Presents - By: Rex Magnum
    smoked salmon gift sets are a great way to set your gift apart this holiday season, while treating your family to an indulgent gift. It's not only a healthy option for family, but for your wallet as well. At Smoked Salmon Delivered, we've created gift sets that have something for everyone, and are sure to impress everyone you sent them out to this year.
  • Fresh Live Lobster Makes A Great Gift - By: Rex Magnum
    Fresh lobster is the best. There are so many different dishes that taste great with lobster. And cracking open a freshly steamed lobster is one of life's great pleasures. Unless you live close to a coast however, it's unlikely it's a pleasure you get to indulge in often. Sure, most grocery store offer 'live' lobster, but they're usually old and sickly by the time they reach your store, and they're over prices.
  • Smoked Salmon Gift Sets are a Unique Gift - By: Rex Magnum
    Smoked salmon is something that everyone loves to eat, but that we all feel a little guilty about indulging in because of the price. But what you didn't know was that by ordering online, you can save a bundle. This means that your family are going to get the snacks that they love, you'll get to save some serious cash, and they'll never know. It's a great way to be the hit of the family Christmas party without breaking the bank!
  • Undertake 9 Guidelines You are Always Looking for Cooking - By: IK SERVE
    If you are as busy as most people you are always looking for ways to feed your family in convenient, fast, yet not-too-expensive ways. Try the following suggestions: 1. Cooking several meals for the week at one time. It may take a few hours of your time up front but will pay off in the long run when you come home each evening and have a meal ready to
  • Fresh Smoked Salmon is Fantastic! - By: Rex Magnum
    Smoked salmon is indeed a pleasure. Of course you can pick it up at the grocery store, but that old packaged fish can't really compare to the delights of fresh smoked salmon. Sometimes, it's actually even another fish! A holiday party with family and friends can be well complimented by a buffet that centers around delicious smoked salmon. And it's easy for you to order everything you'll need online, without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home.
  • Ring in the New Year with a Smoked Salmon Gift Basket - By: Rex Magnum
    When you want to impress the inlaws without busting your budget, a smoked salmon gift basket is a surefire way to go with your gift giving. Smoked salmon is seen as a luxury, and imagine everyone's surprise when it's delivered right to their home, right in time for a perfect holiday brunch.
  • Dining in Benidorm - By: Larry Austin
    As Benidorm draws in millions of visitors from all corners of the globe, it is understandable that the restaurants in the locality reflect this by offering a comprehensive choice of cuisine. From fast-food and seafood, to fine dining and delicious local delicacies, travellers will find that they are often stuck for choice.