My favorite part about having a garden in the summer, is growing different types of tomatoes, because we enjoy canning tomato juice, stewed tomatoes and salsa.  When tomatoes become in abundance, I make salsa. We enjoy our homemade salsa all year long.  



I have tried peach salsa before, and I wanted to try to make it in my kitchen.  Peaches add a sweetness to the tomatoes, I love the combination! 




I know Mrs. Wages Salsa mix is a great base to work with. I like to add MORE fresh ingredients from my garden as well. 




I like to add all ingredients to the blender and pulse until they are all chopped and in equal pieces. You can make it chunkier, to your preference. 

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1. Wash tomatoes, cut out cores.
2. Scald tomatoes in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, or until skins on tomatoes are starting to peel.
3. Remove from boiling water and add to ice bath.  Remove skins. Cut tomatoes into quarters.
4. Pulse tomatoes in blender (optional)
5. Add garlic, peppers, and onion in processor and pulse.
6. Add Peaches to blender and pulse.
7. Measure out 5 pints of tomatoes, and place in large saucepan.
8. Add 4 oz Mrs. Wages Salsa Mix.
9. Add vinegar
10. Heat to a boil, stirring occasionally.
11. Boil for 10 minutes. Salsa is ready to can or freeze, or serve and enjoy!

I put salsa on grilled chicken breasts, and eggs for breakfast. 

If you love pasta, Tuscan Chicken Spaghetti is a great one-pan dinner.  It is a creamy and flavorful meal, you will want to make again! This is a great recipe when you have company over! 




We have been busy with the kid's 4-H project - PIGS! One thing we love to do this time of the year, is to spend some time with the pigs in the pen.  The pigs are getting used to  being in the new barn, and we are spoiling the pigs with some treats.  I am sure you are thinking, pigs will eat anything! They especially love pudding, jelly beans, marshmallows and marshmallow creme! 



We are still dealing with cooler than normal temperatures in April, and we are keeping the pigs warm with heat lamps and a small heater in the barn.  It's time for the farmers to start field work, but because of the cooler temperatures, snow, and rain we have received the first part of April, ground temperatures are still too cold to start planting. Soil temperatures are reported in the mid-30s and we need more warm days to increase soil temps.  Soil temperatures need to be around 50 degrees for corn to germinate and soybeans need a soil temperature of 54 degrees.  If seeds lay dormant in the ground, and do not germinate, they are more susceptible to diseases and insects.  




Pasta is one of my favorite dishes.  I can claim my kids on this decision.  We have pasta dishes weekly!   We normally go for the kids favorites, spaghetti, or pasta, but this is a grown-up version.  It's packed with so much flavor! 




I couldn't wait to try this dish! All my favorite ingredients in one pan! You cannot go wrong with bacon, spaghetti, cheese and chicken! 





 The fire roasted tomatoes are easy to find in the isle with the other canned tomato products.  First time I had tried fire roasted tomatoes, and it bring another layer of flavor to the meal! 

TUSCAN CHICKEN SPAGHETTI

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INGREDIENTS FOR TUSCAN CHICKEN SPAGHETTI 

HOW TO MAKE TUSCAN CHICKEN SPAGHETTI 

NOTES ON TUSCAN CHICKEN SPAGHETTI

What is the difference between soup and stew?  Stew is heartier, thicker.  Soup has more liquid.  Add more juice to this recipe if needed, I was using a 6-qt Instant Pot. The pot was full with all ingredients mixed in.  It took awhile to set up the pressure, but the Stew/Soup option worked great on the Instant Pot. 



We are fortunate to use the tomato juice and stewed tomatoes from our garden.  The corn, peas and potatoes are from our garden as well.  The beef we purchased is from a local farmer, and one of my grain customers.  Using food we have grown in the garden, and supporting other local farmers is something we can show our kids how it's possible to grow healthy food for their family one day. 

I was very pleased how this turned out. The cook time was faster with the Instant Pot, and the flavors were still there.  I can't wait to try more soups and stews.  Enjoy!


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1. Place the stew meat in the bottom of the Instant Pot, add all ingredients besides frozen pea, corn, and flour/water mixture.  Stir.
2. Lock lid and set seal to close.
3. Select the Stew/Soup option.
4. After cooking, quick release the pressure, open valve, and be careful with steam.
5. Stir in frozen corn, peas, and water/flour mixture. Stir until stew thickens and corn/peas are warmed.

Goulash is instant comfort food for me! I remember my mom making this. I wanted a quicker way to make it, so I made Instant Pot Goulash! Tastes just like I remember! 




Harvest time is here, and farmers are getting busier in the fields. Goulash is a great meal to make, even if you get back in the house late. If you prefer spaghetti, try my Pressure Cooker Spaghetti recipe. 




When the corn plant starts dying off, it means the corn is getting ready to be harvested. If you look closer, you can see other changes. 




This ear of corn is completely filled out, and it is hanging down on the stalk, instead of standing up. That means is is very close to harvest, the silks are brown and the corn is starting to dent. The plant is no longer supplying the sugars to the corn, and the moisture is releasing out of the corn. The corn is still protected by the husks, which are starting to dry out. 




After the meat is brown, add one pound, or 16 ounces of uncooked pasta.  




We had an overabundance of tomatoes this year in our garden, so I am using our canned tomatoes.  One can of tomato juice and one can of stewed tomatoes.  Use spaghetti sauce of your choice.  Also, add one can of tomato paste and one cup of water. 




Set the Instant Pot to 15 minutes. When is is completed, carefully put a towel over the lid, and set the quick release.  Carefully remove lid, and add in cheese and serve the goulash. 

If you love pasta, you also need to try Pressure Cooker Spaghetti.




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