Notice I said “next season”? I feared you may not read this if I had “winter” in the headline.
Regardless of our view of the upcoming colder season, it is around the corner. Today I will share some easy ways to keep your family warm around the table this winter. Preparation and planning for comforting, nutritious foods and meals for the coming months does not have to be tricky or time consuming. And it doesn’t have to include a canning process. Read below for a canning “hack” that makes canning so simple and delicious.
5 Ways to Prepare your Family and Table for This Next Season
- Bone Broth
Last month’s article included a great bone broth recipe, which I highly recommend to check out. My favorite way to consume broth is to drink it warm early in the morning (in my favorite mug). Along with that, it’s a great base for the warm, soothing soups to feed your body and soul this winter.
- Bulk tomatoes or zucchini from garden or market
Tip: Ask neighbors or community if they have extra tomatoes or zucchini in the garden. These are two vegetables that some gardeners have coming out of their ears. Prep and freeze for later without much time or effort.
Cut tomato stems off and place in boiling water until skin peels. Cool and let dry off some, peel tomatoes and stick in freezer bags. This winter pop these frozen tomatoes in a pan or dutch oven to make into a delicious, super simple pizza or spaghetti sauce, or added to soups.
- Preserving vegetables and fruits
Many types of produce, including apples and pears, can be preserved (outside of the fridge and freezer) in a cool storage in the basement. Check out this link to an excellent article on easy ways to do this with your produce.
- Fermenting Vegetable (Canning hack!)
Not a ‘canner’? Try fermenting vegetables. It’s quick, simple and very healthy!
Fermented Veggies at Home
Brine – 3 tbsp salt to 4 cups water
Add spices and garlic of choice to a jar. Pack in cut vegetables. Top with brine and leave at least 1 inch head space. If veggies float to top use cabbage leaf or jar weight to hold below brine. Screw lid on lightly. Leave 3-6 days and transfer to cool storage or eat! How do I know if the fermentation is complete? Once it’s got that zing-zang to it’s bite it’s ready to eat! Once opened they can last up to a year in the fridge. Here’s an article with more detailed information and recipes!
- Stock the Pantry and Freezer
Cozy up and make the most of the cold, dark season
Pajamas by dinner time is a norm for me in the winter. Leave the house in the dark to a store with bright, uncomfortable lights and I can’t wear my slippers? No thanks.
Plan ahead. Stock your pantry with beans, grains, canned goods and all of your favorite items. Visit the Zweber Farm store this Fall for your meat and freezer essentials. Can you plan ahead so you don’t have to travel into the cold (and sometimes dangerous weather) as often? Be kind to your future self. Plus, that’s extra home time with your family. Win!
Contact Anna for support for your health through the winter season!
Enjoy Fall Ya’ll!
In health,
Coach Anna