I am reading this wonderful book..."Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver. I have read another book by her, "The Poisenwood Bible" so I already knew I liked her writing style, but this book is different. This book is a non-fiction work about Barbara and her family and their attempt to live for a year in Virginia off only local produce, what they grow and by what their neighbors grow. Now, I don't really consider myself to be "organic", but I do consider myself somewhat socially responsible. As I read this book, it really made me start to think. Now, living in a small apartment in Chicago, there isn't really a way I can have a cow for fresh milk and cheese, or chickens for fresh eggs (however I do have a couple friends who do have a few chickens...and they seem to be doing just fine- but they have a house and a...YARD...what a concept). Also, being "yard-less" it's not easy to grow lettuce, radishes, squash, etc. So...with all of these things against me, how can I do it? How can I eat local produce???
So, I am beginning to research. I already knew that Chicago has a PLETHORA of farmer's markets. There is pretty much one per day...the issue...during the week, they are during the day. I work during the day, so I have to wait until Saturday to get my fresh produce. Vegetables are really just starting to come into season (well, at least the vegetables that I know how to do something with...tomatoes, variety of melons, beans, etc.) so, I am going to turn over a new leaf..... are you ready for it???
I'm going to start canning...yes, that's right, like in a Mason Jar...My mom is looking for my grandmother's canning equipment right now...as we speak...er as you read this...
So, this blog will outline the attemps I make at canning in the next few months.
Here are the things I look forward to doing this fall:
Jams and Jellies
Tomato Sauce
Salsa
Dilly Beans
Im sure there will be more once I get into the swing of things. So check back in and see how this "city girl" is doing it...vintage style
I have The Poisonwood Bible somewhere! I found it in a free book pile but haven't read it yet. Of course, now I will.
ReplyDeleteI have a proposition for you...since we can't as readily physically exchange books anymore, let's recommend books and we'll use the LIBRARY since we're both trying to conserve money by not BUYING books. We're so smart.
I've made 3 real attempts at canning in the past year: jalapeno pepper jelly, strawberry rhubarb preserves, and roasted tomatoes. I love your new project. I actually have "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" on my bookshelf right now but haven't started it yet.
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