SALSA!

Every year since I can remember at the end of the summer and into fall my mom would start canning. We always had a big garden growing up and so there was always lots to do. Growing up I usually didn't like to help my mom much but now I think it is great! It is great to not have to buy store bought products, it helps with food storage and they usually taste better too. I also think that is a great skill to know. Unfortunately it is being lost in the hustle and bustle of our busy world. Since we haven't been able to have our own garden and my mom is gracious enough to share I get to enjoy this canning season with her. Last week while Todd was working late my mom called and said it was time to make some SALSA! Me and Belle headed over to her house for the evening to help. We used to use the old fashion hand grinder but we have resorted to using a electric blender (which makes things a lot faster). Of course Isabelle wanted to help so my mom pulled out my old apron that I used when I was little and put it on her and pulled up a chair to the counter. She was so excited to be our big helper and wanted to do everything. She had everything figured out and was helping me blend the peppers, onions, and tomatoes together. After a little while of doing this she all of sudden looked up at me with her big beautiful eyes and they were all red and watery. It was the onions! She had this confused look on her face. She didn't know why her eyes were crying and she didn't like the burning. So grandpa went and washed her hands and then took her outside to get some fresh air. It was so fun to have Belle there helping and it brought back lots of memories of me helping my mom when I was little. I am so glad that I can pass this tradition on to her. After a big mess and lots of tomatoes we had a big batch of homemade salsa! I love the smell of my mom's house after an evening of making salsa. Ever since Isabelle has been feeding her babies pretend salsa and has been making salsa in her own little kitchen. I am not sure if she really knows what salsa is or if she really likes it but she sure liked helping!




This is just one of the many many things that my mom has taught me and I am so grateful to her! We are off to a great canning season. Salsa done but we still have peaches and applesauce!