to buy a fat pig? No, but obviously I ate like a pig because despite walking an unaccustomed 5.5-7 miles per day, I gained 6 pounds! I’ll write more about the trip later. Obviously, one can’t leave a productive potager without there being changes. First of all, it didn’t rain the entire time…at home; it rained LOTS in London! Secondly, apparently no one harvested anything while I was away. Thirdly, our first frost arrived, blackening the basil, killing the zinnias, celosias, tomatoes and peppers. Fortunately, I was able to salvage most of the produce. The first job was to pick all the ripe and nearly ripe tomatoes and turn them into juice.
While the tomatoes were cooking, the peppers were picked and enough green tomatoes and cabbage to make a batch of piccalilli.
Anything likely to be harmed by another frost was harvested and moved to the garage. Tomatoes that had frozen were taken as a treat for the neighbor’s chickens. While we were in London, I purchased little mince pies to bring home, but I ate them for breakfast each day, so none made it home! So, next a basket of green tomatoes were chopped, combined with apples, cherries, raisins, orange peel, spices, etc. to make a vegetarian mincemeat.
Still, I have a bounty of produce that needs to be turned into something soon! It’s mostly peppers and green tomatoes. Here’s what’s left.
Any suggestions? Not chutney, because there are dozens of jars still left from last year. And there’s a batch of green tomato chili simmering on the stove right now. As Aunt Pittypat sighed as she poured a little wine each glass in Gone With the Wind,”it’s the last, the very last” and I’m determined not to waste it!
herbalblessingsblog 
Wow, that’s a project for sure. My husband is learning about canning and he would love all this. So far he has made lots of pickled things, jams, and tomato sauces for his homemade pastas and pizzas.
LikeLiked by 2 people
There is a great satisfaction in preserving! Hard to describe the feelings of food security as I gaze at my overflowing shelves. This winter’s menus will be more varied than ever!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a wonderful trip! That’s a mighty big haul in spite of the weather. I miss harvests like this back when we were growing a CSA garden. We planted very little in our containers this summer, but we are already starting on setting up and preparing next year’s traditional garden.
Your mincemeat sounds awesome, too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My feeling is that the more we can grow ourselves, the less we have to rely on long-term shipping, storage, unknown chemicals, etc. for our food. It has to be better for us, and for the environment even if it is only a small amount. Best of luck with your plans for next year’s productive garden!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you 🙂 I agree about growing our own.
LikeLike
Tomatoes almost always end up being spaghetti sauce as we eat it once a week and I can make homemade cheaper than the stuff at the store. The peppers I slice and freeze on a sheet pan then bag for storage. This way I can use them however I want in whatever I want all year round.
Sounds like a great time was had on your trip. Love a good harvest blog. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve reached the same point in preserving – need to do something else with the overflow of produce! Have you thought about dehydrating as an alternative means of storage?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Must try the mincemeat recipe as I have lots of green tomatoes 🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure your local food bank would appreciate the fresh produce.
LikeLike
Actually, they don’t want it! Get all they can use pre-packaged from WalMart!
LikeLike
Whoa! That’s a lot of produce left! I’m loving the sounds and looks of the veggie mincemeat. Although mincemeat isn’t as popular here in the States. But we like anything and everything on the homestead. We actually just started having our first frosts this past week, but I put the garden to bed long ago.
LikeLike