Doin' the Can-can!

So I decided that since I have tomatoes coming out my ears from my garden, that I should probably find a use for them. Well I decided to take on canning homemade salsa. Keep in mind that I have never canned a single thing in my life. So armed with a canning book, salsa recipe, and my friend Betty's canning gear (and a few pointers) I was ready to give it a whirl. Cora was down for a nap and the dogs were in the other room out from under my feet.

I knew this was going to be a bit of a process, but it didn't sound too long or complicated. I was right about it not being complicated, but due to my rookie status, and Jayda barking and waking Cora up too soon, it took a while. In the middle of cooking the salsa, Cora came in the kitchen with a little surprise for me. She had removed her diaper, pooped on the floor and was now bringing me the prize! AAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!! YUCK! So pause on the canning to clean up the floor and Cora, put another diaper on and hope it stays that way.

Anyway, I finally got the salsa ready, and a double batch recipe turned out to be only enough to fill 3 quart jars. Okay, I know they are quarts and that is quite a bit, but after all the work I did, to only have 3 jars to look at was a little disheartening. Not to mention that now I still have a ton of tomatoes (maybe I'll make FRESH salsa to give away) and a pretty big mess to clean up so I can make dinner.

Next time I'm definitely using smaller jars!! ;)