The hiatus is over....

Hi everyone.

It's been seven months since my last post. Summer hasn't been too eventful this year. The lack of warm weather didn't bring me to the beach or pool too often. However, I have just returned from a two week vacation where the weather was spectacular for us. I returned home with some new tan lines, a few extra pounds on the "derriere" and about 80 pounds of peaches.

I have spent yesterday evening bringing out my dusty canning jars (which haven't been used in 7 years) and got straight to work. In 3 1/2 hours last night, I canned 24 jars of peaches. I still have approximately 30-40 more jars to fill.

I have to say, looking at the jars this morning gave me great sense of accomplishment. Homemade, tasty and free. I think canning will become a new hobby for me.

Canned Free haven peaches
I made a light syrup by warming 1 cup of sugar with 3 cups of water. (These peaches are quite sweet and do not require much sugar). I think next year I will play around with different recipes where you can use fruit juice instead of sugar. I have also read that adding sugar isn't necessary.

You can cut your peaches into halves, quarters or eighths. Ensure that you remove the skin and any bruising. You should be able to cut your peach in half and then pull your peach apart. If the skin doesn't peel off easily, dip the peach in warm water first.
Place your peach slices in the jars then fill with syrup. Place your seals and lids on the jar for canning.

http://www.homecanning.com/can/AlRecipes.asp?R=103

Here I sit regretting I didn't bring any pears home!