Wordless Wednesday - Happiness Is....

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Canning is a Family Affair

As I've said before, canning season is upon us and everyone has a part to play.

The most exciting part for the kiddos is frenching the green beans. Frenching green beans?!?!?! I bet you're wondering what that is.

Have you ever bought canned green beans at the store that were labeled french-style? They're cut lengthwise instead of cut into bean stubs. That's what the kids do.

We have this cute little contraption that clamps onto the table and as they turn it, it cuts the beans. They fight over the fat ones because they're "squirters". Basically, the bean is juicy and as it's cut it squirts bean juice up and occasionally hits them in the face. For whatever reason this cracks them up. It also keeps them busy so I can get more canning done.

The grand total of jars so far is:

• 12 dill pickles
• 13 Bread & Butter pickles
• 14 Sweet pickles
• 5 peas
  
• 9 corn
• 47 green beans
• 6 pizza sauce

That's 106 jars so far if my math is right. That doesn't count the few jars that didn't seal. Those went in the fridge

The pizza sauce was big surprise. I wasn't expecting enough tomatoes yet to do anything. It was a very nice surprise though because we've been out for awhile now.

Now I'm off to sit down. This canning stuff is a lot of work. ;)

Recipe of the week -- BLT Macaroni Salad

It seems I've had a theme going on lately of summer fun food. Go figure. ;) It's hot and who wants to slave over the stove for hours in this heat? Not me.

So in keeping with this summery theme, I am giving you my most often requested recipe for BLT Macaroni salad. Now I love this salad so much that I make it even in the winter, but it's the perfect summer recipe. It's even better now as the tomatoes are starting to come in. In fact we just enjoyed our very first fresh from the garden tomatoes the other day. Whohoo!!

I have to admit though that the summer is starting to wear me down. I am so ready for cooler temps, warm fuzzy socks and a HUGE pot of chili with fresh baked bread. I'll settle for the salad for now.


BLT Macaroni Salad

1/2 cup Miracle Whip
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or any other shape you might have in the cupboard)
1/2 cup chopped seeded tomato
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
3 cups shredded lettuce
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Add the macaroni, tomatoes and onions; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate. Just before serving, add lettuce and bacon; toss to coat.


For more great recipes visit Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, What's Cooking Wednesday and Tuesdays at the Table.