There's Just Something Special....

about seeing your kids light up when they wake up to a fresh batch of blackberry jam. The smiles on their faces as bite into their morning toast smeared with what was fresh berries on the vine not 24 hours before, does a mama's heart good. I love it!

I've spent the last week scouring recipes to preserve the bounty of foods that are coming from our garden. Some, I've followed exactly, others, I've made my own. It's a great feeling of accomplishment to see rows of deliciously canned jams, jellies, pickles, and relishes, and knowing that your family will eat well during the winter months.

So what have I done this week? Squash relish, bread and butter pickles, fermented dill pickles, and blackberry jam! YUM!

Fried Green Tomatoes

Mmmmm....I love fried green tomatoes. At least I love MY version of fried green tomatoes. I've had some that were a bit blah and boring. I've had others that had decent flavor, but were soggy. Mine are full of flavor & nice and crispy!

3-4 Green tomatoes sliced about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp dark chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 egg
2 T buttermilk
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup coconut oil

Mix together first 6 ingredients. In a separate bowl mix the egg and buttermilk together. Dredge the tomato slices in the dry ingredients, then into the egg mixture, then back into dry ingredients. Heat oils on medium high heat in a pot or skillet, you only need it about half an inch to an inch deep. Cook tomato slices in batches about 2 minutes on each side or until both side are golden. Lightly salt slices after frying.