The photo of your awesome canning cabinets is the reason why those of us who can smile whenever we hear those “blizzards a comin’” weather reports. It’s beautiful!
If you have a stocked pantry and you can, all you need is a camp stove or a gas grill and food will not be a problem for you in case of emergency or no power. I don’t particularly like to cook but I love to can. I suppose you could call it a hobby. I think it is that feeling you get when you see rows of canned goods stocked on your shelves that makes it so satisfying. A little bit of independence.
I’ve had to learn to pace myself as I get older and since canned goods last pretty much forever as long as the seal is good I can enough for two years and alternate years. For example last year I did enough tomato products & jam to last for 24 months. This year I did pickles & relish the same way.
A pot of chili or homemade vegetable soup made with your canned stewed tomatoes. It can’t be beat and you’ll not want to go back to store bought again. Hint: add a pint jar of your homemade salsa to your big pot of chili. Yum! Top with cheddar cheese.
I really appreciate your tip on canning things on alternate years. This year I was canning 14 hours a day for 8 or 9 weeks and it gets extremely tiring -- I actually had to put a stool at the counter to sit half of the time. I guess it would also help if I didn't give away so much of what I put up, but friends and family are always anxious to receive their fall baskets of stuff.
I'll be making chili later this week and will try adding some salsa as you suggest. I'm thinking the cilantro in the salsa will be an interesting addition to chili. Thanks for that tip as well.
My fall garden is starting to produce, so I can start the canning, freezing and dehydrating again soon. At least we don't have fruit in the fall! (if you don't count tomatoes)