I love to be prepared even though I seldom feel prepared, but one great way to feel organised and well...prepared is, for me at least, through food planning. As winter looms it really does make a big difference to, with very little effort, plan and think about what foods can be stored for the colder months.
To this end preserving is a great way of extending the life of your summer vegetables. Of course not everyone has access to a garden or even to well foraged produce like blackberries or rosehips, but most people have a farm shop or farmers market near them and it really is worth getting fruit and vegetables while they are cheap and fresh.
This summer I have an abundance of tomatoes from my small garden and, as there are only so many that one can eat at a time, I have begun to dry them. I do have a dehydrator, not an expensive one but it works well and I cannot recommend it enough. Do not fear though if you do not have one. The oven can be used just as well.
Easy Homemade Tomato Powder
Method:
Carefully wash and dry tomatoes
Slice into medium/thin slices
Dehydrate for 12-24 hours at 70°C (158°F), or in the oven at the lowest setting for several hours.
When completely dry and crisp grind in a food processor or coffee grinder.
Store in an airtight container
Uses:
As a flavoring to stews, gravy, or soup, sprinkle over 2-3tsps
To make a tomato sauce use 1 part tomato powder to 2-3 parts water.
Add herbs, garlic, and paprika to the rehydrated tomato sauce for a pizza base or pesto.
The above method can be used with mushrooms and onions.
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