Preserving our Past

I have been feeling nostalgic lately; thinking alot about the idyllic scenes that flash through my mind as I recall my early childhood.  One of the things I remember most fondly is going down into the basement to pick out some delectable jar of preserved fruit or vegetables, maybe even jam from my grandmother's stash of homemade preserves.  So, I pulled out my large pasta pot, bought a bunch of canning jars, some fruit, pickling cucumbers, random canning supplies, and got started creating my own versions of grandma's treats. 

My husband thinks I am crazy, and isn't as enthusiastic about the canning bug that has gotten into me (he thinks I might be going over the edge into nutsville because I have been watching too much of National Geographic Channel's Disaster Preppers).  But that's okay, he can sit by and eat his icky, commercially made, preservative and chemical filled foods while my daughter and I eat homemade, healthy deliciousness in which the only things I can't pronounce might be the names of the actual fruits and vegetables.

So far I have made no sugar added strawberry rhubarb jam, Kiwi Daquiri jam, and some spicy pickle chips.  I can't wait for the growing season to really hit, as I intend to take full advantage of the multiple farmer's markets in our area.  I am also looking forward to canning some homemade chili's, salsas, ketchup, soups, and so much more.

Man, I better get more shelves for the pantry!