Tuesday, July 1, 2025

In my summer kitchen

It's my summer vacation! I've been off since Thursday afternoon and I don't go back until next Monday. It's nice to have some time away from work, even when you like your job as much as I do.

I've been busy. I blogged about my new stainless-steel cookware the other day, and several of you asked me to let you know what I think of it. Well, I love it! I'm really glad I took the time to research how to properly use and care for stainless steel, because I've had zero problems! It cooks like a dream, and I've had zero issues with food sticking. The first thing I made was braised short ribs, and they turned out great but it's way too hot for such heavy food. Speaking of hot in the kitchen, and the new pans..

I've taken this from my garden:

 

And this:



And turned it all into this:


I'm ridiculously proud of these jars of salsa and pickled peppers!

28 comments:

  1. You have every reason to be proud of them, Jennifer! You turned the jewels from your garden into something very nice, that will keep well in your treasure vault (uness you'll eat it all up soon because it tastes to good).
    I totally agree about it being nice to have time off work even if you really like your job; I do, too, but being masters of our own time (as opposed to having a fixed schedule) for a change is great, too.

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    1. We're going to try to save these jars of goodies at least until the fall, when fresh stuff is no longer available and the garden is done! I'm hoping to do a little more canning before the end of summer.

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  2. What a wonderful harvest from your garden and all cooked and stored - well done. Time off is to be treasured.

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  3. You SHOULD BE proud. Masterpieces! And the photos of the fixins’ are glorious.

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    1. I love the sliced peppers in that one photo! I have a LOT more peppers to come. I'm leaving the canning equipment out!

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  4. Your harvest looked wonderful and your canning looks terrific! I live in the city now, but grew up on a farm where we grew, canned our vegetables. I still miss it every summer. Nice job, Jennifer :^)

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    1. Thank you! I enjoy canning, but I do it so rarely that it turns into a big production when I'm only making a few jars. :)

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  5. Replies
    1. Not on a Moon level, but maybe one day I'll get there! :)

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  6. Such great veggies and great food stuffs made from them. looks dee-lish!

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  7. Wow! I'm impressed, Jennifer! Great job!

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    1. I'm not used to canning, so it took me longer and was harder work than it probably needed to be! I hope to become more proficient at it one day.

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    2. I've never done it so you are way ahead of me!

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  8. Your jars are jewels in the sunshine! Gorgeous!!!!

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    1. I love how they look with light shining through them. :) Thank you!

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  9. Wonderful memories of your summer garden you can enjoy all year! Well done!
    Xoxo
    Barbara

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    1. Thank you! Cracking open a jar of tomato salsa in the winter will bring back a hint of summer sun and good times. :)

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  10. You SHOULD be proud of your salsa and pickled peppers! So wonderful to preserve the produce of your garden.

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    1. Thanks Debra! My goal is not to waste anything if I can help it.

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  11. Debra said it. You have every right to be ridiculously proud of your produce!

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    1. I've put a lot of work into it (so has Gregg).

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  12. You should be proud! Gardening is a labor of love! I bet that salsa is delicious.

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  13. Though you came late to food gardening Jennifer, you have really got stuck in and done very well. Your tomato harvest is impressive.

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  14. You're obviously a talented gardener (and cook)!

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