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Ladybek9756
True Blue Farmgirl
882 Posts
Rebecca
Linneus
Maine
USA
882 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 04 2018 : 07:32:55 AM
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Background Information
August 2016 we purchased a farm of 17 acres. We have always wanted one and finally we found the perfect piece of property in Maine. I looked forward to putting in my garden and preserving food for the winter. Since I was limited in health because of cancer, the lateness of putting the garden in, and also being new to this type of life, our garden did really well for us.
Beginner Level
This badge consisted of freezing three different types of fresh produce The items that I chose were pumpkin cut up for later use either as soups, pie, roasted veggies, etc. Zucchini for soup, roasted veggies, and making bread. Soups made from the harvest for winter time when I was lazy and really didn't want to cook. Finally, we harvest a yellow squash where the skins were to hard to eat. I cut them in half and stuffed them with a meatloaf and froze them for baking during the winter. The stuffed squashes were very tasty and we enjoyed them with some of the other canned goods from our pantry.
Intermediate Level
This badge consisted of dehydrating three different types of produce. For this badge, I chose tomatoes, apples, and herbs. The tomatoes I use in dishes when I want just a little tomato instead of a whole jar. The apples we use for snacks and the herbs I use for flavoring my cooking dishes.
Expert Level
There are two different canning methods. Water-bath and pressure canner. Depending on the acid level will determine the method used. This was my first year canning and was successful in putting up our entire crops. I can green beans, corn, pumpkin, tomatoes, pickles, relishes, vegetable soup, brandied apples, green leafy veggies (Collards, endive, beet tops, carrot tops, kale, etc.) We also dehydrator beef jerky for snacking.
The dish I made consisted of butternut squash from my freezer, collards from my pantry, tomato sauce also from my pantry, and herbs that I had dried with the dehydrator. I made a layer dish, baked it in the oven and with the various flavors and textures it can out pretty good and filling. I took the left overs and used our freeze dryer to preserve them for another meal.
Friends, like heirlooms, are a special treasure!
FGOTM June 2017
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Garden Gate - Putting Away For Winter
