Harvest time!
While on the train I dreamed about returning to our farm and harvesting the cherry tomatoes, apples, pears, squash, hot peppers and pumpkins, And well, that's exactly what I'm doing these days--harvesting the food on our sunny, autumnal acres and then freezing it all down in our dark, dank basement within the chest freezer I finally plugged-in.
This year I'm doing serious freezing of our harvest-- last year I only played around, froze twelve or so pints of tomato puree and a couple bags of squash and called it Good. This year, that's not good enough. Big changes have arrived and I'm taking harvest time more seriously.
And enjoying it. I've always been one to revel in the need to resurrect my pioneer spirit, and well, she's surely returned to life in the last three weeks. And she's welcome. She's fun, too, especially when she reminds me that if I do my best, God will do His. He's faithful like that.
Alas.
I've been dehydrating things, too. I like to use dehydrated plum tomatoes, peppers, onions, celery and carrots in soups. I also enjoy just snacking on them in the winter.
ReplyDeleteVery tasty and very healthy. I just have to remember to drink enough water with this, and our well water is delicious.
There is an excitement to this time of year because of school beginning and preparing for the winter months ahead by laying in your harvest. It will make you feel very satisfied!
You can also plant new kale now, I think. Or perhaps it's a little late? Not positive. But it can be harvested under the snow, along with parsley and parsnips. Even brussel sprouts are said to improve with a good freeze. It makes them sweeter.
I applaude you for your determination to go better this year. I know you will enjoy the fruits of your labor during the long winter.
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