Garden Assistant

Since we moved onto to our 3 acre property, I’ve wanted to start a garden. But unfortunately, our very shaded and sloping yard just isn’t conducive to growing produce, and then there’s my black thumb to consider! To indulge me, "Prince Daddy" secured a half-whiskey barrel from the “tractor store” for some container gardening and found a sunny spot for it in the driveway. He planted several tomato and pepper plants, and has been caring for them diligently. Throughout the growing process, Avery has assisted Greg with watering and picking. Her picking can get a bit overzealous, resulting in a few tomatoes leaving the vine before their time! Not the one below, though!

Last weekend, Greg went away to WI on a fishing trip and left me with about a dozen ripe jalapeno peppers. Not wanting to waste them after all his and Avery’s hard work, I contemplated what to do with them. Freezing wasn’t an option because they get mushy, and I didn’t think eating a dozen cheesy jalapeno poppers solo would be wise for my waistline, so I considered canning them.

I’ve never canned anything but wasn’t opposed to the idea; my paternal grandmother was a whiz back in her day. So, I did a little research on the internet and decided to go for it after finding a pickled jalapeno recipe online from a canner in Canada. Get it? Canner in Canada? Hee hee. So, Avery and I hit Wal-Mart for the supplies (mason jars, canning salt, and a canning rack), and I boned up on all the safety procedures. Having just survived a case of e coli in the household, I’m not taking any chances with food-borne bacteria.

I washed and sliced the jalapenos and determined I had enough for one pint jar, the perfect test run!

Next, I sterilized my jar, made my salt and white vinegar brine, and filled my hot jar, leaving the recommended ¼” head space necessary for sealing.

Then, off into the boiling canner my jar went. After 10 minutes – voila! My jar was perfectly sealed and the jalapenos will be ready to enjoy on nachos or BBQ chicken pizzas in 4-6 weeks.
The process was really easy and I feel so accomplished. I am as excited as Avery for next crop!