So, you've decided to start gardening. Now the next step is to decide what to do with all the yummy fruits and veggies you're growing. Now, to a lot of people, processing those same fruits and veggies sounds like a lot of work; and I'm not gonna lie it is, but the rewards are infinite! One thing I am NOT going to recommend for the first time gardener is canning. Canning is a very complex and delicate process that takes a LOT of time to do safely. If you want to learn, I would recommend checking out the latest USDA guidelines here: National Center for Home Food Preservation. You can also check with your local cooperative extension for classes. Now, what to make with your bounty! Fortunately, there's lots and lots of help where that comes in. Now, if you're like me, you love a good pickle, and alas, they are hard to come by unless you live near a Jewish community. And once you taste Grandma Bonnie's Freezer Pickles, store bought pickles will turn to ashes in your mouth!
A classic treat in New York is the Syracuse Salt Potato. Once upon a time, there was an abundance of potatoes, an abundance of salt, and an abundance of Irishmen, and they all came together in Syracuse, New York, and created the Salt Potato. Some herbs that go well with potatoes are basil, garlic, rosemary, parsley, and thyme. Let's say you're growing herbs. Herbs are quite useful, but you have to know how to preserve them. Some do well frozen, others do well dried, and some Italian-type herbs like oregano and basil would be divine frozen in olive oil for all your pasta and meat dishes. At the risk of sounding like some kind of fruit loop, there's a lot of things that herbs can help with health-wise. I'm not one of those granola-crunchers who thinks that everything can be healed with herbs and oils, and a lot of herbs can be dangerous, especially when combined with some pharmaceuticals, so ALWAYS inform your doctor before you start taking herbs. That being said, there are some herbs that can only help, and you can find a great list here. What about all those yummy fruits and berries you're growing? Well, our friends at Betty Crocker have you covered there. This recipe for the traditional British desert trifle is an easy crowd pleaser. Prepare to have leftovers, it makes a lot! An old fashioned favorite gets an upgrade with these Bisquick muffins. They're made for blueberry, but the basic recipe can be used with just about any fruit or berry. I hope these ideas give you a taste of what you can make from your gardens. Happy cooking!!
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