I’m on the home stretch of quilting the Urban Renewal quilt. All that’s left is about one half of the last flying geese border and adding the binding. Then it will need a good hand washing. I’m anxious to see it finished and to start hand stitching the next quilt (batik Winding Ways).
After taking a quick inventory of our chest freezer, I decided to use one of the several beef roasts to make and can veggie/beef soup. In all of my 63 years, when making a beef-type soup, I’ve opted to make tomato gravy base stew (with carrots and potatoes). After seeing a few online videos on making veggie/beef soup, I decided to try my hand.
Once the beef was cubed and seared, I was surprised how fast the soup came together. I added chopped whole canned tomatoes, onions, frozen soup vegetables, celery, carrots, garlic, cabbage, potatoes, broth, beef base and water.
As soon as the soup came to a boil, I ladled it into 6 quart jars and pressure canned them at 10 lbs. for 90 minutes. I continued cooking the soup that was left until the potatoes were done. We ate it for last night’s dinner.
Oh my, that is some really good soup. Bob liked it so much, he headed to the store this morning to buy more of the same ingredients so I can make and can more. We like having enough on hand to eat and share.
With leftovers from baking a big ham this week, I plan to can more charro beans this weekend. We enjoy eating them often and everyone I’ve shared with has requested more.
We also discovered several whole pork butts in the freezer. I am seriously considering making tamales during the Christmas holiday. It’s a BIG job but I figure I can spread it over 2 days and accomplish it. We will freeze them and bring out a few at a time to eat with canned charro beans. It’s an easy, delicious dinner! I wonder if I can convince Bob to make a thick chili I could can for a terrific tamale sauce. He makes excellent chili and I have plenty of 1/2 pint jars available. Sounds like an outstanding idea. I hope he thinks so too.
We expect to see Jacob this weekend and by studying the calendar, this might be our Christmas gathering. We do not decorate or make a big deal of exchanging gifts. We celebrate by being together. I’m looking forward to seeing him.
Shirl