In the lull between blog posts the canning continues with . . .
Last week, I put up the last of the pickles. I'm sure some of you are only too glad to hear this, as I ramble on way too much about pickles! What can I say? I love them! Here they are ready to go into their steam bath. I hope and pray the pantry shelves hold up under the weight of so many jars. Having eaten all the pickles from last year's garden it shouldn't be a problem for too long though. We are already counting the days when these will be ready. Think: Thanksgiving! I'm fairly sure our Thanksgiving prayers will include...pickles. :o)
And here's the result of what began as a tiny seed under a gro-lite back in February. We were standing around in the kitchen marveling over that very fact yesterday. With my hair up and my apron on, and with both daughters helping, we managed to pack and process six pint jars in under two hours. If you've ever done this, you know there are many steps in the process, each one important and necessary, and as we worked through each one our appreciation grew for our great-grandmothers who had none of the conveniences and many more challenges. The one thing we have in common though, is the satisfaction of seeing the end result.
It is certainly easier with three pairs of hands and I'm always grateful to have such cheerful participation. If the weather holds another week, we may have one more batch of tomato goodness before it's time to put the garden to bed and pick up where I left off on a few other projects.
Cute labels from Cath Kidston found here.
Updated 10/4 to add: I just got word that Cath Kidston has a new US online store! That means everything is calculated in dollars and shipping rates are localized. Check it out over here.
Vicki~ I always love seeing what you are up to. Lots of pickles sounds good to me! Happy Fall! ~Mandy (Thanks for sharing the wonderful quote! And, congratulations on your second book!)
Posted by: Amanda | October 04, 2010 at 12:29 PM
I look forward each year to seeing the bounty of your harvest. Your pickle recipe is sooo goood! I wish you many pickles to come. :-)
I received your book, and I absolutely love it. My only problem is to decide what I want to make first.
A belated Happy Birthday to you, and happy Fall to you and yours.
Posted by: Velma | October 04, 2010 at 01:08 PM
I love seeing those jars in my pantry. Both look very yummy! Enjoy them in the winter months.
Posted by: Judy | October 04, 2010 at 02:03 PM
Dee-lish! Your pickles look so fresh and crisp.
I have never tried canning...perhaps I will next year. I guess when it's just the hubby and I it seems alot of work for only two. Still, it would fun to say "I did it!".
Loving the new book, Vicki. Think I will try one of the samplers first. Your designs are so fun!
Posted by: DonnaJ | October 04, 2010 at 03:53 PM
They look beautiful and after my pickle session weekend before last, I have a new appreciation for anyone who goes through the process. Now cute labels and actual canning jars make such a nice presentation.
Posted by: Vee | October 04, 2010 at 04:27 PM
The pickles look so yummy--so pretty to gaze at too!!!
Posted by: Sara | October 04, 2010 at 06:53 PM
Oh goodness! Just yesterday I got the latest Cath Kidston magazine in the mail and I was heartbroken thinking about those high shipping rates! This is wonderful news indeed! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Posted by: Cynthia | October 05, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Be still my heart! An online US Cath Kidston store! Thanks for sharing, and your pickles look scrumptious.
Posted by: debbie | October 06, 2010 at 12:52 PM