A common post topic among bloggers is to do a Flashback Friday. I always love these because you get to see how people have changed over the months, years. Today, I’m going to try one out and see how it goes.
My first “Flashback” actually took place not that long ago. Two weeks to be exact, and I’ve been meaning to blog about it. The title would have been “cannin’ beans” or “under pressure” or something hokie like that. A) To prove I’m from the South or b) to make a canning/David Bowie joke.
So without further ado….canning beans under pressure.
Growing up, my dad always planted a garden. Actually, most years, he planted two!! It’s just something you do in the South. Until we lived in Colorado, I was under the impression that people grew their own crops, on their own land. Maybe it’s because we lived in the city or because of the dry Colorado soil, but I don’t remember seeing that many gardens.
North Carolina’s climate is just perfect for tomatoes, corn, squash, and BEANS! So that’s what we planted and that’s what we ate. Even now, I’ll go over to my parents’ house and Mom will serve this for dinner:
- green beans,
- corn,
- fried squash,
- and corn bread
(Greasy cornbread, two pieces, one with the meal and one with butter and homemade blackberry jam). No protein source, just a plate of fresh vegetables. I typically make it a point to center my meals around protein, but when I go over to my parents’, all bets are off. Beggars can’t be choosers. (But I always try, right Dad?)
With two gardens comes alot of produce. If you can’t keep up with what’s coming in, you put it up for the winter, i.e. canning. There are two methods to canning: pressurized canning and “water bath” canning. My family has always used a pressure cooker, but I know plenty of people who use water baths (usually for acidic foods, like tomatoes). WAY more than you wanted to know about canning, right?
Just wait…
A step by step tutorial…kinda:
First, set up an area that’s cozy. Assume a position that you can feel comfortable staying in FOR HOURS, because this process takes FOREVER! Mom, on the ironing board. Katy prefers the traditional “knee sit”. I like indian style. Always the show off, Henry squats. Choose what works best for YOU.
Then, you string the beans. Travis hates that terminology. He says you’re actually “de-stringing” the beans. Tomato, to-mato.
I told Henry I’d pay him a dollar for every bean that he could string and break successfully. My wallet’s still full….
Then, you break the “de-strung” bean. (now we’re just making up words)
I know it’s tempting, but try your best not to eat the raw beans. Makes for an upset stomach and bright green poop.
trust me.
Call me crazy, but I think the stringing and breaking process is so soothing. I didn’t even take any beans home with me this day. I just wanted to be a part of the process. To help. And to gossip a little.
Pretty.
Ready to begin canning. I’m not actually going to bore you with the canning process details. Ball Corp. actually has a pretty good tutorial on their website if you really want to know.
As much as I used to piss and moan about having to help on “Bean Day”, I’ve grown to really appreciate this family tradition. I guess it takes having a family of your own to understand that the time you have with loved ones is precious. We laughed and told stories, and a good example of work ethic was set for my children.
a precious time indeed.
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Oh and before I forget: Janetha asked us to spread the word about another way to raise money for Susan. You can read all about it here, here, or here. Ask and ye shall receive, Janetha!
“Please consider purchasing a bag of delicious Warrior Crunch to support my friend, Susan, who has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Nuts About Granola & Cancer Warrior have teamed up and created this tasty granola for a good cause. All proceeds from sales of this granola will go to Susan! Read more about it here: http://wp.me/p1B7vY-9Bg”
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I’ve got a 5k race in the morning. I found out that the winner gets a free pair of shoes. I plan to win. I’m off to carbo-load eat pizza and get to bed early.
splendid…lindsay