My garden is filled with many delights - too many to use over just the summer months.

With that in mind, I figured this would be a good time to talk about simple summer canning and marinades. Instead of feeling you must use all your garden fruits and vegetables immediately, how about preserving them to enjoy at a later date? 

Canning requires only simple equipment that you can buy at low cost, borrow, or find at a local garage sale. I recommend you start off with a starter canning kit or view the many canning alternatives that you may have at home to keep the cost down. You simply need a large pot, canning tongs, funnel, and canning rack to keep your jars stable, with a variety of jars and lids suitable for your project.

Please refer to a simple useful guide found at the Prairie Homestead at: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2020/06/canning-no- equipment.html.

A proper marinade should contain an acidic ingredient, such as vinegar or wine; an

oil, such as olive or canola; and seasonings, such as herbs and spices. I selected recipes from my collection that are easy to put together in your kitchen and tasty to serve at many of your meals. I have also included a fruit recipe. Always stop by the internet and look at the plethora of canning and marinade recipes.

Canning is a sort of ritual for me at this time of year. It is enjoyable in the cold

weather of Michigan to break open fruit and vegetables that were from your

summer garden. You can create many canning creations so have fun and experiment. 

With this, I could not agree more!

Jacqueline Iannazzo-Corser is a contributing writer to The Monroe News, writing about food and recipes. She is a chef, co-owner of Public House, Culinary Specialist at the Opportunity Center at the Arthur Lesow Community Center, and an adjunct professor of culinary arts at Monroe County Community College. She can be reached at jcorser@monroeccc.edu.

Note: If you enjoy spicy you can add red pepper flakes to some of the jars.

Note: I love this tomatoes marinade served on a bed of lettuce with sliced Mozzarella Cheese.

Note: You can also can use other citrus items and try your hand at jams or curds.

Note: I make combination jars to enhance the jarred flavors. Less hot with more sweet is my preference.