God's Growing Garden: August 2023

Thursday, August 31, 2023

5 Shades of Applesauce (Including Rhubarb Vanilla Applesauce RECIPE)

5 Shades of Applesauce

This year I added two new applesauce flavors: Strawberry, and also Rhubarb Vanilla (rhubarb recipe is included in this post). To view how to make the other flavors shown in the first picture, click on the links below:

Cinnamon Applesauce

Blackberry Applesauce

Rosehip Applesauce

Strawberry Applesauce

Rhubarb Vanilla Applesauce (recipe below)

Apples processed through the food strainer (click HERE to learn how)

Printable Recipe

Rhubarb Applesauce

2 cups previously made rhubarb sauce (click HERE to view that post)

6 cups apple puree (What I call "apple puree" are apples that have been cooked down, cooled and then processed through a food strainer - click HERE to view how to use the food strainer, picture also above)

1/2 cup to 3/4 cup sugar (depending on you desired sweetness)

Juice from 1/2 a lemon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large size saucepan, combine the previously made rhubarb sauce and apple puree. (In the picture below you will see the previously made rhubarb sauce on the right and the apple puree on the left. You are going to combine these two into a large pot)

Stir in the sugar, lemon juice (add the vanilla just before canning/before pouring into the sterilized jars).

Bring to boil and then turn down the heat to low and simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes - stirring often.

Scoop off the foam that accumulates at the edges of the pot (when totally finished it should resemble the picture below).

While the sauce is simmering you should gather your canning jars, lids and rings (you will need about 3 pints, or 5+ jelly jars). (see Canning Basics - Jar Sizes). Also, gather all other canning supplies: (see Other Canning Supplies) Start the water boiling for Jar sterilization: (see Sterilizing Jars & Lids) . Taste the applesauce - you might want to add more sugar.

By now your jars should be sterilized and ready to be filled. Take the jars out of the boiling water (I use my jar remover and make sure that the water is drained out of each jar). Now would be a good time to stir in the vanilla extract. Ladle the applesauce into each jar making sure not to go above the bottom of the threads on the jar. Continue filling until all of the applesauce has been used up. Wipe the rim of each jar with a damp cloth making sure that any sauce residue is gone (any residue left on the rim can stop the jar from sealing). Place a sterilized lid on each jar and then tighten a ring on each jar.

Place all jars in a "Water Bath Canner" and process (boil) the filled jars for 15 minutes (make sure that the water level in the Canner is 1 inch above the tallest jar)
After boiling for 15 minutes, remove the jars and place them on the counter or table to cool (I always place them on a cloth because there have been a few times when a jar cracked and then the contents oozed out making a mess - the cloth will help if that happens). You will hear the wonderful popping sound of your jars sealing.

Allow the jars to cool overnight and do not move until then.

Place the jars in your basement or pantry until winter (or sooner) and

ENJOY!!

Copyright, Permissions& Disclaimer

This post was featured on:

Unlimited Link Party #129

Linked to:

Thursday Favorite Things

Unlimited Link Party #128

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You might be interested in viewing this video:

click HERE to view

"Canning Basics - JAR SIZES"

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Tuesdays with a Twist Blog Hop #540

Welcome to Tuesdays with a Twist #540!

Before we get to the blog hop today -

July & August are all about garden produce - all month I will be featuring past garden veggie/fruit posts from this blog:

22 Treasures - TOMATOES

Checkout wonderful seeds at Mary's Heirloom Seeds

click HERE to shop for the best seeds

Or click picture below:

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Also, checkout one of my Bags/Purses available at Zazzle:

Evening Sun Mix Sunflower Tote Bag
by GodsGrowingGarden

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Good Morning and Welcome to another No Rules Party!

We're your hosts & co-hosts

Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Angie @ God's Growing Garden
Checkout my amazing "Featured" Pinterest Board

(click HERE to view & follow)

Features!

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured. Be sure to check all of our blogs to see if you were featured!

My Features this Week are:

1. "Early Fall Apple & Sunflower Tree" by Debbie-Dabble Blog

2. "DIY Autumn Decorative Wooden Sign" by Steph Creates

3. "DIY Fall Picture Frame" by CrazyLittleLoveBirds

If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Saturday at 11:59pm. Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites. Please visit other blogs if you have a moment.

Share older posts as well as new ones. No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own*

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

(with proper link backs) in our features. And now for the party!

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Grow your own!
Many wonderful garden products from
"Mary's Heirloom Seeds"!!
click to view

Monday, August 28, 2023

You're the STAR - Week#4 HOME (August 2023)

Just a touch of Autumn is in the air - beautiful evening temperatures.

Thank you again for joining us!

There are many ways to follow me:

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

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Before we continue onto the Linky party I wanted to share from my blog:

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for https://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF0027_zpsotr3ajqj.jpg

Triple Berry Shortcake RECIPE

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo YoureTheStarHopLarge_zpsjbrldhcx.jpg

WELCOME to the August 2023 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

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WELCOME to HOME feature week of the August 2023 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your HOME week Hosts

This week is HOME feature week
Swing by the Home Hosts' Blogs:
Bev from Eclectic Red Barn
Niki from Life as a LEO Wife

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

There will be 4 different features each week and 4 different feature categories. Just to be clear - this is NOT a themed party - you may link up ANY family-friendly blog posts any day of each month.
The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:
WEEK#4 HOME - recipes, home décor, antique/DIY &/or travel (this can include anything about your home - even history posts - all while remaining family friendly)

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ShopHoppingFeatured_zpsf9fab123.jpg

(All features were chosen from the July 2023 "You're the Star" blog hop)

Updating Countertop with Faux Marble by Simply Beautiful By Angela

7 No Cook Treats for a Busy Summer by Scratch Made Food

A Tropical Summer Tablescape by Whispers of the Heart

Cantaloupe Spinach Salad by Cindy's On-Line Recipe Box

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

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All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.

Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!

It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!

(IMPORTANT NOTE: by linking up you understand that you might be featured next month and if so, we will use some of your photos from your post - rest assured - we will always link back to your lovely blog. We might also share your fantastic posts on social media. Also, you may link up as many family-friendly posts as you like & YES - other blog hops &/or giveaways are welcome {giveaways and blog hops will NOT be featured though} Thank You & ENJOY! )

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Sunday, August 27, 2023

God's Power Within Us #2 - Strengthened with the Holy Spirit's Might

God's Power Within Us #2 - Strengthened with the Holy Spirit's Might

Today we continue learning about God's Power within us. God's Word is full of passages talking about His power and showing us that we have nonstop access to His strength every second of every day.

Today we will be focusing on Ephesians 3:14-21

Remember, Jesus said that we (Spirit filled Christians) are able to perform all of the miraculous works that Jesus did when He was here in human form. Actually, Jesus said that we would do EVEN GREATER than what He did (see Scripture passage below).

John 14:12-14 also shows us how powerful the name of Jesus Christ is: "If you ask anything in My name". (It is important to note that these miracles must glorify our Heavenly Father).

Since there are so many wonderful "Power" passages in God's Word, I decided to write a "Power" post on the last Sunday of every month.

Below are the featured "power" verses for this month:

In the passage above it is important to note that God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit are all mentioned because it is for His glory and NOT ours. It is His Spirit within us that gives us His strength with His might. Notice it's not just one or the other - not just His strength OR His might.

NO - it's His strength WITH His might.

Let's define "might" - the power, energy, authority, or intensity of which one is capable.

That's amazing!!! We are strengthened daily by His energy!!!

This entire passage (all 8 verses) is overflowing with God's power!! In verses 17-19 (see above), the focus is on Christ's love and oh it is so powerful! It is because of Jesus' love for ALL of us that He sacrificed Himself so that we will ALL have eternal life when we accept His free gift of unconditional & everlasting love. Then that means we are filled to the brim with the "fullness of God"!!!!

Finally, verses 20 to 21 state that our God provides "exceedingly abundantly ABOVE ALL that we ask or think"!!!!

More than we can even fathom!

To God be the glory forever & ever!

Previous "Power" posts:

#1 - Not A Spirit Of Fear

Copyright, Permissions & Disclaimer

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo Day_zpsb50f87c9.jpg

Linked to:

Thursday Favorite Things

Unlimited Link Party #128

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Take Up The THANKFULNESS Challenge!

I challenge you to thank God for something everyday for one year! Either write it down in a diary OR share with us on a blog. If you have a blog & would like to share your THANKFULNESS posts with us, then please fill out this form: 365 Days of Being THANKFUL form - click HERE and you will be added to the THANKFULNESS page.

Friday, August 25, 2023

Echinacea/Purple Coneflower - For Beauty & Health

Echinacea/ Purple Coneflower - For Beauty & Health

This gorgeous flower is not only beautiful to look at, but it is also beneficial when taken internally for the immune system and also when used topically for skin conditions. We try to grow a little bit of everything that might help us through any unplanned situation that might arise.

(I'm not a doctor - please click on my "disclaimer" at the bottom of this post. I am simply sharing with you some information from online research &/or things that have worked for me personally)

This plant was used by the Native Americans to treat things like snakebites and intestinal issues. Personally, I have used echinacea root in a tea to improve my immune system but I have heard that the leaves and petals are used topically to help with rashes, wounds, boils & other skin ailments.

ENJOY the following pictures!

All photos were taken by me (Angie Ouellette-Tower) in my garden.
© (2023)