The last time I had to buy tomatoes for canning....I paid fifteen dollars for a bushel from a local stand. Usually at farmer's market they'd go for less, because they don't have the work involved in bagging the smaller amounts. If I don't see produce I want in bushel sizes, I ask. Without an exception, they're happy to reduce the price to move a bushel. Don't even go there with canning store tomatoes, unless you see a sign saying they're 'home grown' and you can believe it. The tomato varieties found in most markets are the commercial ones bred for automation. They're square, dry and tasteless. Argh! I'd pay more for the priveledge of a really tasty tomato.

Hello everybody, I don't usually join forums, but I ran into this one while looking for some food saver tips, so I joined in order to be able to share some ideas about freezing and vac packing foods that may make a huge difference to many of you out there. With a number of years of food saver use under my belt, I have have found that while it will never really be easy work, there are ways to make it a less labor-intensive, less messy, and more organized chore. Those lovely plastic takeout containers such as the ones you get with Chinese food are perfect for freezing food, and they are top rack dishwasher safe. Fill containers, cover and place in the freezer (make sure they are level so the shapes are uniform). When the food is frozen solid, remove from container and wrap is plastic food wrap, then vacuum pack. If you have several containers, do this assembly line style; 1) unmold 2) wrap in plastic film 3) determine size of bag to seal and make all the bags 4) vac pack and label. If you shop at a club type mega store, purchase the 3000 square foot roll of plastic film and you will have film for months to come. The film will keep the food saver bag clean to re-use. The containers will make uniform rectangles or rounds which saves space in the freezer and keep it organized. Also, if you set up everything before packing, after a while it will become second nature to you and you'll be doing it without even thinking. And just one more thing (yeah, you thought I was finished, didn't you?), after you wrap the frozen bricks (that's what I call them), put them back in the freezer while you make your bags so they don't get runny if the room temperature is warm. Hope I helped one or many of my fellow food prepaholics out there.

I'm busy from 3 a.m. until 9 p.m. Even though I'm retired, my whole day is filled with what I laughingly call "make work programs" which contribute to our healthy food sources (sprouting, growing wheatgrass, micro-greens, fermenting, a WindowFarm and an AeroGarden - for off-season indoor gardening), and I spend time researching food and food science on-line and working on lesson plans for classes I teach at different venues (Food Bank, Extension Office, Senior Center, 4-H Clubs, Women's Shelter). I make time each day to knit or crochet and for reading. I participate in two message boards on-line, and that's enough for me. I do bulk food preparation - cook once for many meals - so meals don't take much time to prepare, and our home food storage takes some time each day to make sure I track rotation, use, and inventory. I like to try three new recipes each week and like to try new foods and ingredients. The great outdoors takes a big chunk of time during garden season. At least an hour of exercise 5 mornings a week from 4-5 a.m. - in our basement and/or outdoors. I've finally cut back on my volunteering so I can spend more time at home doing things I enjoy. jemdandy - My last PC was a reconditioned business model and I got it inexpensively through hubby works. NO GAMES!!!! If I want to play solitaire I have to find a deck of cards now..... No more time-sucking "free cell" (LOL), but I did love it so.....

That's cute! We 'reunioning' end of first week in Aug at the beach for a few days with my cousins. DH just asked the other day if there would be any 'littles' there other than the eldest cousins grandson - almost 4. I said I didn't think so. If I took a sharpie and a couple of carboard squares that's something we could do with him, make a present for his grandmother to display in the kitchen of their house they've rented for the week.