Growing a green thumb

Goal two: Live locally

We're inundated with information about the value of living locally - buy organic, the 100-mile challenge, support local producers, and so on. It's valid, and offers major health and environmental benefits. But sometimes it's easier than it looks.

I have a headstart on this goal: I already buy my beef and pork from a local organic farmer, and over the past 4 years I've been working on my vegetable garden. But, my $100+ weekly grocery bill suggests there's more I can do.

This summer, I am researching new ways to preserve vegetables and fruit (freeze, can, dehydrate) for the winter. I'm trying to always buy organic milk, but it's not always available. I'm currently searching for a local egg and happy-chicken provider. And I haven't a clue how to find local fish.

One great way to preserve tomatoes for winter is by making freezer salsa. There are numerous recipes available online -in general, calling for tomatoes, green peppers, onions, cidar vinegar and spices/seasonings/herbs. I try to get it as thick as possible before freezing, because water will seperate when thawing. I froze about 2 dozen containers last fall, and we had salsa straight from the garden for every dinner party. It's also good on pasta with italian sausages!