First Solo Canning

I have wanted to can for a few years now, but the thought of it has terrified me.  Last summer I got to can grape jelly with Phil's grandma in her kitchen.  This summer I made pickled beets with his Mom in my own kitchen.  It made more sense after having gone through the process twice.  I was especially appreciative of Rose's willingness to work on the project in my kitchen.  There is something to be said about learning how a detailed process goes in ones own workspace.  

Today I got the nerve up to try canning on all on my own.

 A lovely friend had given me a large amount of zucchini from her garden.  I didn't want to use up freezer space, plus I really wanted to try canning as it's a needed skill.  In my world at least!  The internet proved to be quite the ally in finding some unique ways to use zucchini.  This one for relish really caught my eye and I couldn't get it out of my head.  I told Rose about it and she graciously gave a few peppers from her garden (as mine are just finally starting to produce!)  and well wished me on my way.

Zealous, I started out shredding all the zucchini, onions, and peppers (thank heavens for my food processor).  I knew that the vegetables needed to soak overnight, but when morning came I lost my nerve and chickened out.  Finally four days later I told myself if you don't do it today all that food and hard work is going to go to waste.  I took a deep breath, set up the kitchen and went about canning my relish.

I am so proud of myself!  Everything went smoothly, no burns, no broken glass, no wasted food.  The jars all sealed properly and I even had enough extra to have with my lunch.  It is super yummy.  My friend the self proclaimed pickle hater said it 'wasn't bad, and definitely better than pickle relish'.

 If you have an excess of zucchini laying around I highly recommend trying out this recipe, it's great.   I loved how you could tasted all the individual flavors and yet they all blended so well in my mouth.  I think it's going to be a winner on our sandwiches tonight!

The Zuchinni Relish Recipe  http://www.food.com/recipe/zucchini-relish-236998

Four jars of Zuccini Relish

See that awesome vintage pepsi bottle in the back left corner?   That's a little gift from my sweetie who knows my love of old glass.

The next vegetable up to bat are the cucumbers that were given.  Pickles here I come!