We have been blessed this year with a great harvest, especially tomatoes. I decided to make and can soup with some of them. If you have never done this let me encourage you. It is not only healthy for your body but also your budget! I did quarts for our family, pints for lunches and to share and even half pints for Rick to take to work. It even makes a nice gift for someone who is sick or maybe having a baby.
It is not scary I promise---Here is a glimpse into the process.
Start with some nice ripe tomatoes.
Put the tomatoes and some chopped up onion and garlic into your blender. You can also add green beans, squash and carrots- this is a great way to hide those veggies from the kids, and maybe the husband too!
When it is a nice puree pour it into a stock pot. Keep doing this until all your produce is used OR your pot is full!
Add seasonings and let this simmer for about 1-2 hours.
Now, if you do not have one of these handy dandy food strainers I personally think you should stop reading this and run down and get one. Pour your soup mixture into the funnel and start cranking...
Your soup will come out one part and all the peel and seeds the other part. After you have repeated this step until the soup is finished put your waste material back through one more time. This way you will get every last drop of that good tasting stuff in your soup!
Then have your kids come in and lick the pot clean!
You will need to pour your soup into your jars, put the lids and rings on snugly and pressure can them at 10 lbs for 30-35 min. ( or whatever your book says)
Here is your finished product! Put them in your pantry and know that you have accomplished a lot today.
