Tomatoes
Unfortunately, pictures are not from our garden produce.
This is the first summer we haven’t had enough tomatoes for me to can. In the winter I love having my own jars of juice, tomatoes and homemade salsa. It’s easy and fun to can your own tomatoes. There is great satisfaction in stirring up chili on a cold winter day with tomatoes from your summer garden. And if the taste of your grandmother’s spaghetti sauce recipe weren’t enough incentive, studies show that the yummy red stuff is a major cancer deterrent, too.
Your risk of developing certain cancers (like prostate, GI, skin, or breast cancer) decreases significantly when you eat 10 or more tablespoons of tomato sauce per week. Spaghetti, anyone?
Many scientists believe that the active ingredient responsible for the cancer protection is lycopene, a carotenoid known for its antioxidant properties. All tomato products contain lots of lycopene, but it’s more available to your body when it’s cooked.
While you’re at it, add some cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, to your sauce. They contain chemicals that prevent cancer, too — so you get double protection. Tomatoes help keep your mind young. Thank goodness, I LOVE tomatoes. 
Sigh. Maybe next year I’ll have tomatoes to can again.
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What I’m Reading: A Super Romance I bought at Wal-Mart - Matthew’s Children by C.J. Carmichael. I’m enjoying this romantic line with a mainstream appeal. This is a first time I’ve read a book by Carmichael. I plan on reading more books written by her.
WRITING PROGRESS: I’m getting to the end of “Marrying Mallory” - woohoo! I also got started on the discussion questions which are always at the end of inspirational/Christian romances, but need to write a few more.
Sara is on break this week so Tom and I took her out for breakfast yesterday to get her birthday off to a great start. Even though we already had a bigger family celebration for our two August birthdays, I decorated brownies for her special day. Sara and I shopped at Kohl’s for her present. We purchased two tops and a pair of capris on sale.
LINK: A friend told me about this site with book trailers. They produce the videos, then post them on their site.
http://www.trailertothestars.com/
Back tomorrow with writing workshop! Soon will announce new blog contest! Enjoy your day.
August 26th, 2008 at 8:12 am
I love tomatoes too! I grew up on Jersey tomato sandwiches. Yum!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I don’t have enough to can, either… I think it was the cool weather (especially at night) and the tons of rain we had. **sigh**
Yay on Mallory!
August 26th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Oh, those look so yummy. I have not had a garden for a long time now, no time.
August 26th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
My dad’s garden is the same way! We usually make salsa and enjoy them on our sandwiches. The only thing that is really doing well are his green peppers. Cindi
August 27th, 2008 at 6:08 am
We haven’t had any rain for a long time so that didn’t help any. It’s raining right now though.
August 27th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Much to my mothers dismay, the canning gene is missing in my DNA. She loved to do it when we were little and now that her health is bad, she can no longer can.
BTW I would appreciate any and all prayers for my mother. She just got some really bad news from her doctors and I’m awaiting another call to see what their going to do about it.
August 27th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Patty,
I’m sorry to hear about your mother. She’s in my thoughts and prayers.
December 8th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Thanks very much for that! My father recently harvested her garden full of tomatoes before the winter really set in, and I find myself the proud owner of two or four buckets worth! Of course I couldnt eat them all, but I did find a website full of loads more tomato recipe here. A website dedicated the topic!! Crazy what you can find on the internetz these days!!