I can't believe it has been July since my last post. The garden has come and gone. We held our annual Lavender Festival and spent 3 weeks in Hawaii! So where do I begin. It has been a hot dry summer with lots of forest fires and smokey skies. Today we had some rain which really helped clear things up and dampen the fire season. I am snuggled into my herb processing room cleaning and distilling Geranium Hydrosol. Filling the whole house with the lovely scents of nature. While in Hawaii I had a chance to go to an aromatherpy workshop and distill Lemon-rose Geranium hydrosol. I also took a garden tour and learned about the native healing plants and foods.
Before we left for Hawaii the garden was in full blown harvest mode. The tomatoes, pepers, & tomatillas were thick in the greenhouse, ripening and ready to burst so I had my hands full making salsa and canning. The following is my basic salsa recipe complements of my friend Suzy Fenn-Shawhan, that I have adapted over the years. I use it as a basic recipe but add and subtract according to what is in my garden.
Basic Salsa
20c tomatoes chopped
2c chopped onions
4T salt
1/2c green onions
3 T pepper
10 cloves garlic chopped fine
1/2c cider vinegar
2T chili powder
2c diced green chilies
1T cummin
Mix all ingredients together and put in sterile canning jars in a hot bath for 20 min.
Roasted peppers from the garden. I roast them on the barbecue then put them in a paper bag to cool and then it is easy to peel them.
Tomatilloes and Roma tomatoes fresh from the garden.
I like to use a food processor to chop my garlic, onion, tomatoes, tomatillos, and chilie peppers.
I put all of the ingredients in a big ceramic bowl to let everything blend and to test the flavor. I also like to ad lots of cilantro. If I use pablano peppers I get a smokier taste. I also change up the chili powder I use for different flavors. I like to add a bit of fresh squeezed lime or lemon. I like to use 1 cup canning jars to give away during the Holiday Season. My husband also likes to trade jars of Karrie's Salsa at work for jerky and other interesting items.
I will be sharing pictures from out Lavender Festival, how to dry fruit quick and easy, and highlights from Hawaii. I almost forgot we also built a cob pizza oven this fall and we will share photos and how to.
