How to Freeze Fresh Vegetables

How to Freeze Fresh VegetablesLearn how to freeze fresh vegetables and take advantage of summer’s bounty and farmer’s markets..

Learn how to freeze fresh vegetables and eliminate waste. Often we stock up on fresh produce, and our meal plans are changed, leaving us with wasted food.

Many vegetables can be frozen fresh.

Corn on the cob, green and red peppers, onions, celery, whole tomatoes, garlic, herbs and other vegetables can be frozen as is. The key to all frozen foods is to package in air-tight containers to avoid freezer burn.

These foods generally need blanching before freezing.

Greens (remove tough stems), peas, squash, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, cabbage, green beans, and asparagus are some of the vegetables that should be blanched before freezing. Click here for an informative article on blanching foods.

Fruits or vegetables are better when frozen freshly picked, not withered or stale.

Your freezer needs to be around zero degrees for best results. Here are just a few vegetables good for freezing.Be sure foods that will be frozen with peelings on are washed and dried thoroughly before freezing.

Consider how the foods will be used later.

Veggies you will cook together in casseroles and soups can be chopped and frozen together. Cover with liquid to protect from freezer burn. Thaw and prepare as usual..

  1. Corn can be frozen in the husk for best results. Freeze individually and then put into a freezer bag.
  2. Squash is certainly in abundance throughout the growing season. If you are making breads, shred several kinds together and store in airtight bags or bowls. To use later in casseroles or soups, peel and chunk squash and sauté with onion and garlic before freezing. Cut large squash in chunks and steam before freezing.
  3. Peppers can be chopped in small pieces and frozen. Lay them onto a cookie sheet in freezer to freeze, and then fill freezer bag or container. Peppers can also be frozen whole.  When ready to use, cut off desired amount and keep rest in freezer. Thaw slightly before slicing.
  4. Tomatoes can be chopped up and frozen. They can also be frozen whole. The skin will slide off easily after a few minutes of thawing.
  5. Corn, peas, green beans and other vegetables that hold up well in cooking will generally freeze well, too.

 

Have fun, eat healthy, and enjoy!

While you are here, look for more tips under the health tab.

To Remember Me Some Final Thoughts

To Remember Me Some Final ThoughtsTo Remember Me Some Final Thoughts does not mean this is

my last blog or newsletter (say “Amen” here, please!)  Also, I’m well and hopefully not heaven-bound any time soon (that is in the Lord’s hands.)

Robert N. Test’s poem, To Remember Me, captured my heart.

If nothing else, it caused me to be more thankful than ever for daily blessings I have been given: sight, hearing, touch, thinking and feelings, and movement. Please read the entire poem whether or not you are or want to be a donor.

… At a certain moment, a doctor will determine

that my brain has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes, my life has stopped. When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life into my body by the use of a machine, and don’t call this my death bed. Let this be called the Bed of Life, and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives.

Give my sight to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby’s face or love in the eyes of a woman.

Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain.

Give my blood to the teenager who was pulled from the wreckage of his car, so that he might live to see his grandchildren play.

Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist.

Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk.

Explore every corner of my brain. Take my cells, if necessary, and let them grow so that someday a speechless boy will shout at the crack of a bat and a deaf girl will hear the sound of rain against her window.

Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow.

If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all prejudice against my fellow man.

If by chance you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or a word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.
My sincere prayer is that each of us will encourage others along the way; and when we are gone, we will be remembered through the enriched lives of others.
Hugs and many blessings,
check out www.susiesencouragingword.com and share it with others. Thanks. I look forward as always to your comments.

The Value of a True Friend

the value of a true friendThe value of a true friend really came home to me this week.

I looked at my calendar and work load and decided to cancel a monthly get-together with a friend. I could not spend time chatting over coffee, getting further behind.

Perhaps a short meeting would work.

Before our coffee had a chance to cool, we were laughing and crying and thankful to be together. We giggled like silly school girls. We relaxed and talked about insignificant things that mattered to no one but us. It was refreshing to “let our hair down” and just be ourselves.

In years of meeting together, we had developed a rare trust.

As we continued, we talked freely about our deep personal struggles not meant for others to hear. Confidential thoughts. Serious heartfelt issues that could only be told to a true friend. Very personal prayer requests for ourselves and for our family.

She, too, had considered changing our date.

As we parted company, we knew our one True Friend, Jesus, had encouraged each of us to meet. We needed the camaraderie of a simple friendship; tried and true. We needed hugs, tears, laughter and the encouragement that comes only from a true friend.

I wonder about you; do you have a true friend?

Each of you hold a special place in my heart. Many I know quite well; others slightly; still others only through seeing your name on my list and praying for you and your family. I wonder how your life is going. And if you have a true friend to lean on in the good times as well as the bad.

A few moments with True Friend can change your day.

My workload is still there; somehow it seems lighter. Later I walked outside on the deck, drank in the cool, clean air, and felt as though I could conquer the world (for a brief moment.) I’m thankful for those times. I pray fresh air and sunshine and true friends for your busy days.

I can’t come by your house today and hold your hand or hug your neck, but

Here are a few things I can do for you today.

1. I can encourage from an understanding heart. I have been there, in the trenches and in the good times. I know firsthand that every caregiver, parent, or child needs hope, love and understanding.

2. I can pray for you. I believe that the love of God knows no boundaries. I believe He cares for us in ways we cannot understand. I believe He wants to comfort you and strengthen you and those you love.

3. I can listen to you. I am a good listener. Sometimes, just talking helps. And when you can’t talk with someone, I want to encourage you to set aside a few minutes each day to journal your thoughts and your feelings.

Lots of chattering today. Sometimes it’s good to just sit down and talk to an old friend. I really do care about you; I hope you know Jesus cares, he is the True Friend.

So, do me a favor, next time you have the urge to throw up your hands and scream, let me hear from you! Please let me know when a column meets your need. How can I be a better encourager for you personally?

Hugs, prayers, and blessings,