Hatch pepper season is here! These peppers come from New Mexico, and their short season gives them a bit of magic. Hatch peppers offer a unique smoky flavor, with heat levels ranging from mild to wild. When the markets fill with fresh Hatch peppers, I always make extra time to preserve them. One of the easiest ways to keep the taste of Hatch season alive is by pickling. Pickled Hatch peppers add zing to tacos, sandwiches, eggs, and everything in between. If you love that special green chile...
14 days ago • 1 min read
Tomatillo salsa is one of those must-have recipes that comes out again and again in my kitchen. I love how it brightens up tacos, eggs, enchiladas, or just a bowl of chips. Homemade salsa brings out the best in garden-fresh tomatillos, especially when preserved for the winter months. This tomatillo salsa recipe is a true favorite. The flavor is bright, just spicy enough, and always a crowd-pleaser. Every batch starts with plump tomatillos, a handful of jalapenos, a hit of lime and garlic, and...
21 days ago • 1 min read
Dehydrating food at home is a favorite way to make snacks that last and taste great. Two common methods are using a dehydrator or your standard oven. Many home food preservers wonder which route gives the best results for time, taste, and texture. Here is a quick breakdown to help you decide. Dehydrator: Reliable, Consistent Results A food dehydrator gives steady, low heat and good airflow. This helps dry food evenly and keeps flavors bright. The trays let you dry a lot at once. Most models...
28 days ago • 1 min read
Peppers add personality to preserved foods. Some people love a fiery bite, while others prefer a gentle flavor. The good news is you can safely swap different types of peppers in many tested recipes. This works because peppers, whether hot or sweet, have the same acid and moisture balance that matters most for safe preserving when used in the same measured amount. If your favorite salsa or jelly recipe calls for jalapenos but you like more heat, swap in a hotter pepper such as serrano or...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Tomato season is here, and every home preserver has a favorite. Some tomatoes fit perfectly in jars, while others turn mushy or watery after canning. The secret is in the variety you pick and how you use it. Top Tomato Varieties for Canning Roma and plum tomatoes are long-time canning favorites. These varieties hold their texture, pack plenty of flavor, and have fewer seeds with less juice. This means you spend less time cooking down your sauce and get a richer result. San Marzano and Amish...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Canning at home brings satisfaction you can taste. Every jar you put on your pantry shelf is a little win, but simple mistakes can spoil that feeling fast. Staying aware and using safe practices will give you tasty, safe results every time. Avoid These Common Canning Mistakes Don't take shortcuts with time or method. Processing jars for too short a time lets bacteria survive. Double check the recommended time for your recipe and keep a steady boil or pressure, whatever your method calls for....
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Summer peaches bring a bit of sunshine to every pantry. Preserving them means you keep that sweet flavor on hand all year. Here are seven must-make peach recipes the whole family can enjoy. Peach Jam Bring the taste of ripe peaches to your breakfast table. This jam is a classic that will win over your family. It’s simple, sweet, and always handy. Get the Recipe! Homemade Peach Salsa Get a taste of summer with this fresh salsa. It brings together sweet peaches and bright veggies with just the...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Let’s keep summer simple and flavorful. Barbecue season calls for tangy sauces, crunchy pickles, and classic sides that you can stash on the pantry shelf. These must-make recipes are family favorites, and they save time when your grill is hot and everyone’s hungry. Brighten Your Grill with Homemade Barbecue Sauce Nothing says summer like smoky, sweet barbecue. I love this Zesty Peach Barbecue Sauce Recipe. Each jar packs bold flavor from fresh peaches with a gentle kick, perfect for...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Looking for new ways to use those homemade fruit syrups? You’re not alone. A good syrup can turn a simple drink into something special. Here are five ideas that bring lots of flavor to your kitchen, using syrup recipes you love. Add a Splash to LemonadeTry adding a few spoonfuls of homemade syrup to your next batch of lemonade. Raspberry syrup is a favorite for its sweet-tart kick. It blends well with both classic and sparkling lemonade. Sip it over ice for a treat the whole family loves. See...
3 months ago • 1 min read