One jar – that’s all I got – and it wasn’t even a full jar but it made me proud. This was my first attempt at stewed tomatoes from the fresh ones I harvested from my garden. And I’ve got about 20 more tomatoes ripening in the window by the washer and dryer. It’s been so hot outside that I pick them once they show the least bit of pink and bring them inside to finish ripening.

Instead of pressure-cooking the jar to seal the lid, I’m freezing it. My husband makes fun of me because I freeze everything, but I’ve never heard him complain about my cooking! I already have plans for these tomatoes, and if the winter is as cold and snowy as they’re predicting, homemade chili will hit the spot.

It’s amazing what memories certain smells will evoke. As I was peeling the tomatoes it reminded me of being at my grandma’s house growing up. She was always cooking and freezing corn, stewing tomatoes, making applesauce or doing something else to preserve food. I appreciate her efforts more now because the freshness of summer lasts a little bit longer, and I see that by doing this, my recipe box has a little more variety during the cold winter months.

Until we walk again …