I have a petit garden at this home.   I  smooshed in {garden term meaning "put in another plant"} four tomato plants within ONE tall, square, wire cage.  Another plant, grape tomatoes, was placed a few feet away and then a pot of basil soaking up the sun.  Along side of that is a pepper plant with 3 peppers on it!

All of this is in a bed were I lost a small magnolia tree and a hydrangea bush last fall.  This is what I call my vegetable garden :)  It is in the sun and everything is loving the spot.  Oh I also have two self starter/volunteer  tomato plants along the back side of the bed... an heirloom variety.  Lovely.

We have enjoyed several meals with the tomatoes and basil but today came the day where I took the leap into preserving the small bounty with a  freezer method.

If you want to have bounty from your garden, farmers market or pick your own farms this winter then read on with my SOOO EASY technique!



1. My tomatoes ~ washed, stems removed.
2. I made a small X at the top of the tomatoes with a small pairing knife. {this expedites skin removal}







3. Place tomatoes in boiling water for 45 SECONDS.
4. Immediately remove, with slotted spoon or the like, to large bowl of ICE water.
5. Peel off skin and place in another bowl  ** remove any bruised or bad spots... I did not use any tomatoes with bad spots
6. I like the entire tomato so I do not remove seeds... but you can now squeeze out the seed if you like.



7. Place in freezer bags.



NOW here comes the strange part! I almost did not do this but at the last minute
I decided to give it a try.

8. Place a straw in the Zip Lock FREEZER bag, seal except where the straw is.
Sip the air out of the bag with the straw!   Sip several times until the bag is well collapsed
then quick take out the straw as you are sipping out the air.  THIS WORKS!



Notice the wonderful results! A fair amount of the air is now out of the bag.


9. Place in the coldest part of freezer to begin with.



I know I only have 4 small bags.. but I am still thrilled. You can also freeze tomatoes in a sauce form even with spices. I wanted all of my options opened so no spices for mine.

I am hoping to freeze many more of my tomatoes ... this was fun, easy and clean up was a breeze!

Mmmm, just think of taking one of these bags of treasure out of the freezer this winter

and simmering up a nice sauce, soup  or pot of chili.

Are you preparing any produce at your home for the winter?
Let us know what you are doing and any tips you have!

Hugs,

Mary
p.s.  I will be back soon with pretty thinks to share