Yummy summer foods
By Staff
We have some wonderful days ahead of us.
Long summer days are giving us time to spend a little more time in and around our kitchens.
It also allows us more time for canning or freezing.
Soon, fresh fruits and vegetables will be coming in and we must get our recipes out for those good relishes, pickles and jellies.
Most families really enjoy the spicy taste of relish and the tart tastes of cabbage slaw and canned pickles.
These treats allow us an opportunity to add them to our vegetable dinners for a little something extra.
Also, these canned items come in handy for the holidays when you are pressed for time. They can also be used to include in holiday baskets.
One thing you need to do is to start purchasing your jars and lids early. I can remember when I would wait until canning time and the store would be out of them or low on them.
I'm sure you save your jars which really help on your expense.
Included this week on our recipe page are some handy recipes for canning. Also, the Pool Room Slaw recipe is wonderful asset to your summer meals. Just keep in refrigerator and use as needed. It is good for you, too.
If you haven't made homemade jelly before, you must try this.
Go to the grocery store and buy a couple of packages of Sure-Gel.
When you open the box it will tell you exactly how to make jams and jellies with your fruit.
The first time you try to make jelly or jam, have a family member or friend who has canned before show you how to prepare your jars.
I had an Aunt Sue help me can my first pickles.
I was so proud when we finished.
There's nothing better than twisting that ring off the Mason jar, wedging a butter knife under the seal and hearing the "pop" of the lid.
The smell of fresh homemade pickles is amazing. You can't buy that in the store.
We still make dill pickles in the summer and our children ask for them when they come home. That makes me a happy cook.
Suzanne Langcuster is a food writer for the Franklin County Times.
