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The tomatoes in my garden are ripening fast. Soon there will be so many that I will have to start canning and/or freezing them. I don’t want to waste even one tomato. You can’t get that fresh from the garden taste anywhere else. For canning and freezing my tomatoes, I start by removing the skin. I thought I would share with you this easy method of removing the tomato skin.

You’ll need:

• pan
• water
• ice
• small bowl
• tomatoes
• slotted spoon
• sharp knife

Place the pan filled with water about 3/4’s full, enough to cover the tomato completely. Heat water to a rolling boil.

2. Make an X with a knife on the bottom of your tomato. Piercing the skin.

3. Place tomato in boiling water for about 15 seconds.

4. Remove from water with a slotted spoon. Plunge immediately into icy water to cool.

5. See how nice the skins come loose?

We have been in a significant drought in our area and many crops have already been lost. Especially the corn crops. Farmers have had to plow some fields under because of the extreme temperatures and lack of rainfall.  Prices are expected to rise by five percent by year-end.

I’ll spend the next several weeks putting up as many fresh fruits and vegetables as I possibly can. I have been stockpiling food for several years. Making sure I have at least a 6 – 12 month supply of most items at all times. Some friends make fun of me. I don’t care. I never have to worry if I have a certain item. I know I do, and I know I paid a great price for it.

Do you stockpile certain food items?