In the heart of winter, as the snow blankets the landscape, there's a certain nostalgia that calls for the comforting aroma of stewed tomatoes wafting through the kitchen. January marks the perfect time to turn those carefully frozen tomatoes into jars of warmth, ready to elevate your meals in the months to come.

Freezing the Harvest

Amidst the hustle and bustle of fall, finding the time for canning can be a challenge. To strike a balance between work, family responsibilities, and social obligations, I've developed a time-saving strategy: freezing tomatoes. The process is straightforward and allows for a delayed but equally rewarding canning session in the quieter days of winter.

Steps to Freeze Tomatoes:

Harvest and Core: Gather your ripe tomatoes, and core them to remove any tough parts.

Place in the freezer bag - and into the freezer!

Now, with January's chill in the air, it's time to turn those frozen tomatoes into delicious stewed goodness. Follow along as we dive into the process of water bath canning, ensuring safety and preserving the rich flavors of summer.

Canning Stewed Tomatoes -

Note: Always adhere to the guidelines provided by the National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) for safe canning practices. Refer to their Tomato Juice - Hot Pack instructions for a detailed and trusted method.

Ingredients:

• Frozen tomatoes

• Salt (optional)

• Lemon juice or citric acid (for acidity, essential for water bath canning)

Instructions:

1. Thaw Tomatoes: Begin by thawing your frozen tomatoes. As they thaw, they will release some liquid, which is excellent for stewing. Remove the skins. Frozen tomato skins slide right off!

2. Prepare Stewed Tomatoes: In a large pot, gently simmer the tomatoes until they reach a stew-like consistency. You can add optional seasonings or herbs at this stage, but keep in mind that simple, plain stewed tomatoes offer greater versatility in recipes.

3. Ensure Acidity: To ensure safe water bath canning, add lemon juice or citric acid to each jar. This step is crucial for maintaining the proper acidity level.

4. Fill Jars: Ladle the hot stewed tomatoes into sterilized jars, leaving the recommended headspace. Add salt if desired.

5. Remove Air Bubbles: Use a non-metallic spatula to remove air bubbles by running it along the inside of the jar.

6. Wipe Jar Rims: Ensure the jar rims are clean and free of any residue before placing the lids.

7. Apply Lids and Bands: Apply the sterilized lids and bands, tightening the bands until they are fingertip-tight.

8. Water Bath Canning: Submerge the jars in a water bath canner, ensuring they are covered with at least an inch of water. Process according to the NCHFP guidelines.

9. Cool and Store: Once processed, carefully remove the jars and let them cool on a clean towel. Check for proper sealing, and store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.

A Warm Winter's Tale

As the jars of stewed tomatoes find their places on your pantry shelves, you're not just preserving the flavors of summer; you're capturing the essence of tradition and the joy of savoring home-cooked meals during the colder months. Each jar is a testament to the art of balancing the seasons, creating a delicious bridge from the abundance of fall to the heartwarming moments of winter. Embrace the process, and let the warmth of homemade stewed tomatoes fill your kitchen and your soul. Happy canning!