We have these periods of time here where we live. Called “Energy Savings Days” by our local gas and electric provider. They happen to fall during my food processing times, at least twice this summer they have.
I then have a dilemma. Don’t use the stove, oven, crock pot or dishwasher to process these mountains.
Yes, both those pictures were taken the same day. Yes, I have to draw down some of these tomatoes. I just change the A/C setting in the house, and then do what I need to do to process foods. I can’t give up six hours of productive time when I get anywhere from 10-20 pounds of tomatoes a week.
I am crossing my fingers and hoping I get good tomatoes next week, as the Howard County Fair opens on August 8th. On the night of the 7th I will be delivering herbs, onions, tomatoes, peppers, an ornamental basket, and this year, some of my canned foods.
Like my pickles.
And some fruit preserves. And, hopefully a pepper jelly if I get it done this week.
If we get another energy savings day, I probably will be working through it. As the harvest doesn’t stop just because it’s hot out there.
Oh well, at least we aren’t using our cars much when I’m processing foods. Heck, I even improvised on this tabouleh.
I used Israeli couscous instead of bulgur because I ran out of it. This was a quick simple lunch dish. A cup of couscous simmered in chicken stock. Parsley. Mint. Tomatoes from the garden. Lemon juice. Olive oil. Salt and pepper.
Gotta use those tomatoes everywhere I can.
AnnieRie Unplugged 