Green Tomato Relish Recipe

Green Tomato Relish 

48 small tomatoes (2 - 2 1/2" diameter) (I used about 10 large) to = 2 qt.ground

8 green bell peppers (medium size)  I used 2 very large 

2 red bell peppers (optional) (I used 1 very large)

10 medium onions (I used 5 large)

2 tsp salt

5 cup sugar

5 cups cider vinegar

3 Tbs celery seed*

2 Tbs dry mustard* (I used mustard seed*)

2 Tbs turmeric

1 Tbs minced garlic

Grind all the veggies. (I used the medium blade)

(I put them into a strainer to drain the juice because there is enough juice from the vinegar and cooking.  But if you like alot of juice then leave it in).

Combine sugar, vinegar and spices, bring to a boil.

Add ground veggies and garlic. Simmer 20 minutes.

Seal in sterilized pint jars and process in hot water bath for 5 minutes.  

Recipe says it makes 10 pints - 

With what I used and draining the liquid it made 8+ pints.  (my canner will only hold 8 pints so I reduced the amount of veggies so I would not have to do 2 batches!) 

Uses - I like it in place of 'store bought' pickle relish, or poured over a block of cream cheese and to serve with crackers for a buffet table or appetizer. 

* Available from Herbs Crafts Gifts - email us for more info

FLOATING CHARM LOCKET JEWELRY

FLOATING CHARM LOCKET JEWELRY

These necklaces and bracelets are so precious, because they can be customized for each wearer.

 

The concept is that they open and are held closed with a strong magnet.  They are clear on both sides and the little charms are placed inside.

Some of the charms have colored cubic zirconia like all the hearts with simulated birthstones. There are  butterflies for each birth month also.

I especially like the initials, also with the clear cubic zirconia, so the 1st letter of each special person's name can be put inside the locket.

 

And then there are all sorts of other special charms to like this pink ribbon,

  

or all sorts of sports balls and this Baseball Mom charm,
 

all branches of the military, plus so many, many more. 

Strawberries Plant City FL & Making Preserves

 

Strawberry Palace on US 60 Plant City, FL. Pick your Own!!  4/10/10

 

Gene picking them - it was easy the plants were loaded 

That is 1 flat = 12 baskets

.

 

This was an unusual growing season because it got to below freezing several times. In order to preserve the plants and fruit the growers watered 24 /7.  The result is huge, flavorful berries.  

Gotta wash them.

 

Cut 'em up

 

Mash 'em

 

Add the sugar and cook them

  

Ladle the preserves into the jars using the canning funnel.   

Finished product.  That full flat made over 12 pints of preserves / sauce. 

Some ANIMALS at the FLORIDA STATE FAIR 2010

Besides all the animals the FFA and 4 H'ers were showing, there were several other animals, shows and displays featuring large and trained animals.

HOLLYWOOD RACING PIGS
They were across from our booth and had 3 different races several times each day.  It is a local company who have been in the circus and stunt business for many generations.

GIRAFFES
I took a stroll one night and came across a building with unusual animals in it, including this pair. 

SPLASH - performing SEA LIONS
They were near us too and I tried to go over to see most of the performances.  There were 3 sea lions.  Bruce is the big one in the middle and then 2 girls on either side.  They did the typical ball on nose tricks and catching rings, but the trainers added little twists to make it more involved.

One trick, done to the Olympic theme music, was Bruce doing a hand stand on one flipper and then he carried the girl across the stage, on his nose.

The end of the show was a conga line. Too, too cute.
Those 2 shows were free and always had a crowd.