Preserving Fresh Produce

I have a 30 pound box of peaches. Some went to my daughter's family for lunch treats and cobbler. Some we eat fresh. Some went into my electric dehydrator to make fruit snacks for later.

The first thing I can is peach butter--a family favorite on buttered biscuits or toast. The peach butter is processed in a boiling water bath for a safe seal on the jars. The dried peaches can be stored in one of my recycled jars, with no need for a perfect airtight seal.

Below are 4 half-pint jars of peach catsup, a sauce similar to the plum sauce I like to use on rice and poultry. It is also great on pork chops

I even got the juice out of some overripe peaches, added some lemon juice and sugar, and made peach syrup. Pour it over pancakes or add some to sweet iced tea for a refreshing drink.

Besides the peaches, I have cucumbers from my daughter's garden. I made some fresh relish for our Independence Day hot dogs later today.

Note: I also made the potholders in the photographs. Thick, all cotton pads to protect hands and kitchen surfaces.