The Bounty of Life
Monday, September 20th, 2010This is an old post from 2007 but I feel it is a good addition to the feeling of abundance that is coming into our lives.
The Bounty of Life
My life is always overflowing with blessings but I am more aware of it at this moment than at almost any time of my life. Right now I am blessed most by my garden. It has gone above and beyond this summer. Even with the heat it has proved to be most bountiful. Not only has it looked great all summer it has provided bushels of cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, beans and peppers, but the herbs and flowers also came through like champs.
The Flower Side
The Vegetable Side
The results of all that came out is seen in the picture below. Most of this weekend was devoted to canning peppers, tomatoes and salsa along with freezing the grape tomatoes. Most of the fruits of my labor are exhibited below. I probably have at least enough peppers on the vines to duplicate the work I did this weekend. You see, I vowed that I would not run out of hot sauce again this year and I think I’m on schedule to exceed my quota.
I planted Cayenne, Tai chili and kung pao chili, and jalapeno; all very flavorful and very hot. I wanted to experiment so I made some with mango and peach as well as mint and tarragon. I have no idea how they will taste, past the intense capsaisin rush but am excited to sample, after a little aging. I combined all 4 chilis in one batch and then canned each chili hot sauce alone for maximum flavor testing (I canned most of the jalepeno). As you can see I am a little crazy about my hot sauce.
You know, I never got, as a child, why my mom always had a hot pepper on her plate for almost every meal , but as I matured and began to experiment with chili peppers I now put my hot sauce on almost everything I make. I am counting on it extending my life… and if it doesn’t, I shall die happy!
The Little Jars are the Hot Sauce (33 in all)
After all of my labors there is sense of fulfillment, of completion and a deep gratefulness for what a little peice of soil and a few seeds can do. All it took was some preparation, a little water, a little sun, a little tending and a lot of love. I am grateful to my father for giving me the love of gardening and to my mother for my love of cooking. There is a great connection to the earth in each endeavor and I am happy doing each whenever I can.
Amongst all my kitchen work this weekend I had the priviledge of sharing my loves with Sandy’s three high school friends and I think they all had fun. Just another example of the bounty in my life. Thanks girls for allowing me to brighten your time together.
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