sometimes not so much.
The original plan was to combine all the ingredients for the soup and divide it between the two largest pots I own to simmer it for awhile before canning. It soon became obvious that there were way more vegetables than would fit in the pots. As I didn't want to spend the better part of the day cooking and not canning, I devised a Plan B.
I filled each jar 2/3 full of raw vegetables and topped them off with diced tomatoes. I made beef broth with bouillon cubes and used that for the liquid in each jar. Because beef bouillon contains protein, I canned the soup at the same times I use for canning meat.
One pint jar didn't seal, so I heated that soup for lunch. It turned out really good. There are still two canner loads waiting to be processed, but when all is said and done, I will have 48 pints and 25 quarts to go on my shelves. It was definitely worth the time and effort.
And now I think I could use a nap. :)
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No small batches for you, I see! - lol
ReplyDeleteIf I'm going to trash my kitchen, Gorges, I want it to be worth my while. :)
DeleteVicki, that is so terrific! Now you have a real stash on your shelves! Plan B's sometimes turn out better than Plan A's! You and your family will be thankful if the need should arise OR you are going to have some great meals on hand with little effort later. Now, an evening under the "fuzzy green" blanket does sound very inviting. Enjoy! CW
ReplyDeleteCW...Plan B worked out so well this time that I think it has been promoted to Plan A. :) I was down to 2 jars from the previous batch, so I was glad I could can up more. Other people have security blankets - I have security food in jars! And you are right...a nap under the green fuzzy blanket is on the schedule!
Delete"48 pints and 25 quarts"??? You need more than a nap, Vicki, you need a mini vacation...or at least a day off. Good for you! That's a lot of meals. I think I'm jealous. Fern
ReplyDeleteFern...We each do what we can. I am a little jealous of you when you garden or raise animals. Those are things I can't do, but I can order groceries and can soup. It all works out. I think tomorrow will be a quiet day. I have pretty much reached my limit. :)
DeleteJust wow. Good job and enjoy your well earned nap.
ReplyDeleteI got inspired recently to purchase wheat, perhaps a pressure canner should be my next purchase after reading here for so long.
Glad to report the snow is almost gone and no new snow storms are in the forecast. MrDog is snuggled next to me -seems that I type that often. We are certainly in a routine here.
Enjoy the soup and stay cozy,
SJ
SJ...I think I may have seriously underestimated just how much soup those veggies would make, but I am really glad to have that much stored now. I have no clue where I am going to put it all. Guess I'll be spending part of my day re-arranging shelf space. :)
DeleteCanning may not be for everyone, but it surely works for me. Th original cost of a pressure canner and jars can be a bit overwhelming, but they pay for themselves quickly. It has been several years since I had to buy jars. This batch of soup cost me about $50 for the veggies. The tomatoes were some I had canned 4 years ago. The bouillon came from my extended pantry. I used maybe $15 worth of jar lids, and those came from storage as well. I don't know the price of a can of vegetable soup these days, but I'd bet it would be more than I spent for the same amount. And mine tastes better. And I would like to see someone try to make s good beef stew out of a can of Campbells. :)
We are having another round of below zero weather, but no snow on the horizon for a while. Nothing wrong with routine, especially if it includes a snuggly dog!! And yes, a nap will be enjoyed later today. Green fuzzy blanket, here I come. :)
I'm part way there at least. I've got canning jars and lids. Although I've have never used Tattler lids.
DeleteI've been having a slow day - first walk with MrDog about 9am, another one to follow shortly, a nice phone call with a long time friend and watching dvds. Dinner is already made and just needs to be reheated. Cheers, SJ
SJ...Some love the Tattler lids. I'm afraid I'm not one of them. I don't like it that I can't tell for sure if the jar has sealed like you can with metal lids. Or I am a creature of habit. That's probably it. :)
DeleteSounds like you had a lovely day. I'm glad. Mine was spent finding shelf space for jars of soup. It took some creative shuffling about of stuff, but there they are. This evening is 'do nothing' time. :) Supper was, of course, soup!!
Its really smart when you can think fast and come up with plane b to z
ReplyDeleteRob...If I were all that smart, Plan A would have worked. :)
Delete