Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble

 Over the weekend Resident Chef and I pooled our abilities and created these...

Six jars of goodness disguised as zucchini relish.  It's a favourite in our family so a lot of these will be gifted at Christmas time.  If you're interested in making some for yourself, here's the recipe...

MA and RESIDENT CHEF’s ZUCCHINI RELISH

5 – 8 medium zucchinis
3 stalks celery
2 – 3 medium onions
3 red peppers
1/3 c. pickling salt
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2 ½ c. white sugar
3 ½ c. white vinegar
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 ½ teaspoon EACH of celery & mustard seeds

Chop zucchini, onions, celery and peppers – enough to equal 12 cups of vegetables.  Add additional zucchini or red peppers as needed.  Combine in large pot with 1/3 c. pickling salt.  Place a plate on top and weight down.  Let sit overnight.

Drain and rinse well and drain again.  Prepare jars  by heating in a 230 degree oven (keep hot). 

Combine sugar, vinegar, garlic and spices.  Bring to boil and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add vegetables and bring back to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.  Place in sterilized jars.  Process in covered boiling water bath for 15 mins.  Remove lid, turn off heat and let stand 5 minutes before removing jars.

Makes between 5 and 6 pint jars.

And, I haven't been slacking in the creative department and have created these hand warmers, also destined for the Christmas box...

Pattern is pretty easy and I used the tutorial found HERE (there's a link to the printable label as well).

- THIS is a totally shameless request on my part but it will also lead you to seeing some pretty incredible quilts.  I have three of my pieces in the voting in the AQS QuiltWeek contest and I'd love votes if you're so inclined.  Simply click on the 'Canada' designation and you'll find three of my pieces included - 'Cabin In The Snow'; 'Cobwebs & Splinters' and an Untitled (an old rusty truck.  TIA (and do feel free to vote on any of the others you like!!).

- Have a peek through the galleries of THIS artist.

- You can tell I have 'that' date in my mind, so THIS caught my eye for a fun little gift.  

- And, in yet another instance of you never knowing what you'll find here, perhaps printing THIS and keeping it in your car would be a good idea.

- THESE are so cute!  And reusable too.

Today's quote..."When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills"