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Preserving Summer's Bounty

The garden has been producing very well.  We've been harvesting zucchini, cucumbers, carrots, beets, kale, herbs, rhubarb, and green beans.  It seems a good time to share a few photos.


This is the first year that we tried making pickles.  We also made zucchini relish using a recipe my sister, Cathy, shared.  So yummy!


We also managed to put up a few jars of green beans and beets. The garden is only part-way done on those two, so there will be more jars to can.


Barney the barn cat has visited us as we've gathered vegetables for dinner.  He likes to follow us up and down the garden paths and beg for attention.


The sunflowers have grown about 8 feet tall.  Their heads are so heavy that they are starting to droop a little.  I'm debating whether to let the birds have the seeds or to try to dry them for eating.  I'm not sure what's involved in doing that - a bit of research will be required soon.


This weekend, we realized the zucchini had gotten out of hand.  I pulled 14 giant zucchini off our two plants.  I've been told this is why only one zucchini plant is advised for the garden.  I should have known better.


My husband suggested throwing the extra zucchini in the compost bin, but I just can't seem to do that yet.  So, we're having zucchini boats for dinner.  Ground beef, fresh parmesan, homemade breadcrumbs, eggs and a variety of herbs stuffed into each zucchini - the house smells wonderful and my stomach is growling.  I can't wait to try it.


Of course, if you try this, be sure to boil the zucchini boats before stuffing them.  That way the zucchini is tender by the time the filling is done.


I also cut a zucchini in half and gave it to the chickens.  They ate their treat with gusto.


We picked a few blackberries for jam and I've also been drying herbs.  I found a vintage food dehydrator at a garage sale.  It does a pretty good job with herbs.


Meanwhile, the refrigerator is overflowing with more vegetables than I can contemplate what to do with. I need to figure out how to eat more carrots.


Someday soon the apples will be ready to pick from our old apple tree.  Fresh crisp apples, apple pie, applesauce, canned apple pie filling...what am we going to do with so many apples?


Of course, we're never too busy for our late afternoon and evening walks.  One of our favorite things to do is to visit the horses in the community barn and stop at our neighbor's farm to say hello to his cows.


Sending happy summertime wishes your way.


Comments

  1. Looks like a lot of work, but you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Bet your husband was happy you saved the zucchini that was made into boats. They look delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Jerry! We have been enjoying eating fresh produce right from the garden.

    ReplyDelete

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