HOW TO PEEL TOMATOES
Heat a large pot of water until it boils. With a paring knife, quickly cut around the stem end of the tomato. (Most people slice an "X" into the bottom of the tomato before blanching and peeling tomatoes, but I think that this saves time.) Blanch the tomatoes by dropping them 3 or 4 at a time into the boiling water. After 30 seconds (longer if they are unripe, less if they are dead-ripe), scoop them out and drop them into a large bowl of ice water. When cool enough to touch, remove the peels.
HOW TO STERILIZE JARS
Some people sterilize jars in their NSF-approved dishwashers, and some bake them for a long time at a gentle heat, but I sterilize my jars the old-fashioned way. It also happens to be the safest method, according to the Extension Service.
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Wash your jars, lids and rings in hot soapy water and rinse them in hot water. When the water in the pot boils, carefully submerge one jar and boil it gently for at least 3 minutes. Remove the jar and place on clean cloth with open end up. Repeat with the remaining jars. When finished, drop the lids and ring bands into the water and turn off the heat.
SEA LEVEL
To check your elevation in Minnesota, see www.netstate.com/states/geography/mapcom/mn_mapscom.htm
AMY THIELEN
