Canning

This is the first year I've canned tomatoes by myself. Let me clarify, hubby helped me clean them and lift pots, eldest son stirred and lifted pots, but I mean I was the "head canner" :o) I've done it the last two years with my friend Rona and her hubby. I got 22 quarts from a bushel. It took several hours due to all the steps, not having done it before and I have a sick little guy that I had to love on in between. But oh, how nice it will be during the winter/spring and next summer, to have fresh tomatoes for my sauce, chili and various other dishes.

I also think I will try apples and peaches this year. Not a real lot, just maybe a few dozen pints/1/2 pints. I may do a few quarts of apple sauce, we'll see if I can get a good price on apples. Then PJ, my 19 yo said, "hey Mom, can we do pickles too?" I guess we can give it a whirl, why not?

So if any of you have a good/easy/different recipe for any of the above, or anything else for that matter, please share with me. Any shortcuts or ways to make it easier would also be greatly appreciated.

I'm off to bed now, I can barely keep my eyes open, but had to get the last of the canning done before bed. I'm so thankful I have an appointment with the chiropractor tomorrow, my neck, shoulders and back are really kicking up now. Of course, it doesn't take much to get me aching, ok, it doesn't take anything, I ache without any help, lol ;o)