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What I’m preserving this month (and why): May
I thought it might be fun to start chronicling what I preserve month by month, partly to keep a record for myself and partly because preserving always gives me new ideas. I’d also love to hear what you are preserving for you and your family, so please drop a comment below. I’m always looking for new tips, recipes, and clever ideas. Dried Calendula flowers from the garden May always feels like the true beginning of preserving season. The garden is awake, flowers are appearing,
ourspanishfarm
3 days ago3 min read


How I plan my canning season (step-by-step for beginners)
When people imagine home canning, they usually picture the nice parts. Rows of gleaming jars. A bubbling pot on the stove. Sun-ripened tomatoes becoming sauce. Shelves full of homemade food ready for winter. And yes, those parts are real. My early spring pantry What people don’t always picture is standing in the kitchen surrounded by produce that all decided to ripen at once, realizing you’ve run out of lids, and wondering why you somehow created unpaid factory work for yours
ourspanishfarm
May 13 min read


How many tomato plants do you need per person?
Plannig your harvest from the start
ourspanishfarm
Apr 172 min read


Why growing your own food matters more than ever
Lately, it feels like everything is getting more expensive. You notice it at the supermarket first. A few euros more here, a few there. Nothing dramatic in the moment, but over time it adds up. And if there’s one thing history keeps showing us, it’s this Food prices don’t go down. They go up. Slowly. Then suddenly. And that’s exactly why growing your own food matters more than ever. Not because you’re trying to “save money” right now. If you’ve ever built a garden, you alread
ourspanishfarm
Apr 133 min read


Unlocking the Secrets to Smart Shopping at Costco for Savvy Savers
Costco’s $5.99 rotisserie chicken is more than just a tasty meal, it’s a smart way to stretch your grocery budget and boost your kitchen efficiency. Many shoppers grab one for dinner and call it a day, but with a little planning, you can turn that single purchase into multiple meals and even homemade staples like bone broth. This post will walk you through how to make the most of this rotisserie chicken, save money, reduce waste, and build a more self-sufficient kitchen. 3 fu
ourspanishfarm
Jan 53 min read


From Orchard to Jar: Apple Cinnamon Jam with Local Apples
I brought home 10kg of apples from a local farmer and turned part of the harvest into a small batch of low-sugar apple cinnamon jam. A taste of autumn, preserved in jars.
ourspanishfarm
Oct 20, 20253 min read


Preserving the Harvest: Canning Garden Ragu
Turn your garden harvest into jars of rich, hearty ragu. This simple recipe transforms tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and more into a sauce that’s perfect for pasta—and with pressure canning, you can enjoy it all winter long.
ourspanishfarm
Oct 10, 20253 min read


Harvesting Summer Squash and Dehydrating for Winter Use - (Preserving squash for winter)
Learn how to harvest summer squash at peak ripeness and preserve your bounty by dehydrating it. A step-by-step guide for stocking your pantry with shelf-stable squash all winter long.
ourspanishfarm
Oct 6, 20252 min read


Why Removable Canning Labels Beat Writing on Canning Lids
If you’ve been canning for a while, chances are you’ve grabbed a permanent marker and scribbled the contents and date right on the lid....
ourspanishfarm
Sep 26, 20253 min read


Harvesting and Preserving Corn: A Taste of Summer Stored Away
There’s something almost magical about walking through the corn patch in late summer. The tall stalks rustle in the breeze, the golden...
ourspanishfarm
Sep 8, 20253 min read


How to Can Bolognese Sauce with meat: A Pantry Staple for Easy Dinners
Bolognese sauce right out of the canner If there’s one sauce that deserves a spot in your pantry, it’s Bolognese. Rich, meaty, and...
ourspanishfarm
Jul 24, 20252 min read


How to Can Goulash: A Hearty Homemade Meal in a Jar
Jars ready for the canner Here in Spain we have been having a long and hard heat wave for a couple of weeks, with no end in sight at the...
ourspanishfarm
Jul 20, 20253 min read


Spice Up Your Pantry: Homemade Tomato and Jalapeño Jam
If you love the idea of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors coming together in a delicious jam, then Tomato and Jalapeño Jam is just what...
ourspanishfarm
Mar 14, 20252 min read


Sourcing local produce when cooking, canning or making preserves
Go to local markets, ask the vendors. Where is the origin of the things you prepare and eat? Have they been flown from half way around...
ourspanishfarm
Feb 12, 20252 min read


Canning Texas Chili: A Hearty and Flavorful Staple for Your Pantry
This recipe makes 9 pints. Jars out of the canner It has been a little while since I posted, but I have not been totally idle. Lots of...
ourspanishfarm
Feb 9, 20253 min read


The Perfect Pairing: Strawberry & Rum Jam
Delish jars all done! Homemade jam has a special way of capturing the season in a jar. When strawberries are at their peak, their vibrant...
ourspanishfarm
Jan 21, 20253 min read


Canning Garbanzo Beans with Veggies: A Nutritious Pantry Staple
Canning garbanzo beans (chickpeas) with vegetables is a great way to create a ready-to-eat, nutrient-packed meal or side dish. Whether...
ourspanishfarm
Jan 17, 20252 min read


Canning Refried Beans: A Guide to Convenience and Flavor
A winning refried bean-side-dish If you love the creamy, savory taste of refried beans but dread the hassle of cooking them every time,...
ourspanishfarm
Jan 13, 20253 min read


Canning Korean Beef: A Flavorful Preservation Method
Stocking my pantry with these beauties We already know that canning is a fantastic way to preserve food for long periods while retaining its flavor and nutritional value. One of the most delicious and versatile options for canning is Korean beef. This blog post will guide you through the process, providing tips and the recipe to ensure your canned goods are both safe and delicious. Why Canning Korean Beef? Convenience: Having a can on hand means you can whip up a meal in min
ourspanishfarm
Jan 8, 20252 min read


Making and Canning Enchilada Sauce: A Flavorful Pantry Staple
Beautiful jars of sauce Enchilada sauce is a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, bringing bold and vibrant flavors to enchiladas, casseroles,...
ourspanishfarm
Dec 23, 20242 min read
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