Humbled Housewife

Friday, August 30, 2013

Homemade Bottled Salsa

My granny deserves credit for this recipe.  I tweaked it to my family's liking, but the original recipe came from her.  It's wonderful!
 
Ingredients
1 bushel tomatoes (blanched and peeled)
8 cloves of garlic (minced)
6 stalks celery
4 large onions
4 bell peppers
8 jalapeno peppers
3 tsp. salt
2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup vinegar
 
Once your tomatoes are blanched and peeled, cut them into fours (or smaller) and put them in a big pot.  If you don't have a pot big enough to hold them all, cut the recipe in half. 
 
Chop the celery, onions and peppers and add them along with all the other ingredients.
 
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about an hour stirring occasionally.
 
Ladle the salsa into sterilized jars and follow the instructions on the lids you use.  Place each jar into a water bath for 15 minutes making sure all bottles are completely submerged. 
 
Take each jar out of the water bath with jar tongs and place on a towel to cool down.  If a lid doesn't seal, you can put the jar back into the water bath OR refrigerate it if you plan on consuming it within a few days.
 
Once the lid is sealed it will be shelf stable for at least two years.  Write the year on the lid with a sharpie and check the seal on occasion to make sure it's still tight. 
 
ENJOY!


 
 
 

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Cool Cucumber Pasta Salad

Who likes cucumbers drenched in vinegar? I do!  This recipe is like that with a kick! 

Ingredients
8 oz. package of macaroni or pasta of your choice
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
3/4 cup white vinegar
1 Tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 medium tomato, diced or sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
 
Cook pasta according to directions on package; drain & rinse in cold water.  Place pasta in a large bowl; stir in oil, cucumbers & onion.
 
In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients (minus tomato) and shake well.  Pour over salad and toss to coat; add the tomato. 
 
Cover and chill for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. 
 
Serve with a slotted spoon and EnJoY!
 
 
 

Navajo Taco

Navajo Tacos have been a favorite of mine since childhood.  They're easy and very filling.  Start with Indian Fry Bread.  Then add the following:
 
Chili
Cheese
Lettuce
Onions
Tomatoes
Sour Cream
Salsa
 
Simple as that!