Tastes of Fall: Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe

As fall approaches and your garden is still producing an abundance of tomatoes, squash, and other fresh vegetables, now is the perfect time to preserve those flavors for the colder months ahead. One of my favorite ways to capture that summer freshness is by making roasted tomato sauce to freeze and use throughout the winter.

I don’t usually make a large quantity, but the batches I do make are a welcome addition to our meals in November, December and beyond. Here’s my simple method for creating a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for freezing and it makes an excellent gift for neighbors or family.

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes (enough to fill the roasting pan you’ve chosen)
• 1/3 cup red onions, thinly sliced
• 5-10 cloves of garlic, peeled
• Grapeseed oil (or your preferred high-quality oil)
• Zucchini (optional, to bulk up the sauce)
• Salt and pepper
• Heavy cream (optional, for tomato soup)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Roasting Pan​
   Begin by preheating your oven to 425-450°F. While the oven heats up, thinly slice about 1/3 cup of red onions using a mandolin, and spread them across the bottom of a deep roasting pan. Add 5-10 peeled garlic cloves, and season with salt and pepper. Then, drizzle some grapeseed oil over the onion and garlic mixture.
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   ​(Side Note: My recent purchase of a high-quality mandolin slicer has cut my prep work by half or more, making the process of cooking so much more pleasant and fun. It’s amazing how much faster it goes!)
2. Prepare the Tomatoes​
   Take your harvest of tomatoes, wash them, and core them. Slice the tomatoes in half along the ridges, and use your thumbs to remove the seeds, leaving behind just the flesh. There’s no need to remove the skins at this stage—after roasting, they’ll peel right off.
3. Optional: Add Zucchini​
   If you have any extra zucchini or summer squash on hand, slice it up and lay the pieces at the bottom of the roasting pan. This not only adds flavor but increases the quantity of the final sauce.
4. Roast the Tomatoes​
   Place the halved tomatoes, skin side up in one layer, on top of the zucchini (if using) or directly on the onions and garlic. Drizzle a bit more oil over the tomatoes, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 45-50 minutes, until the skins start to blister and the house fills with the wonderful aroma of garlic, onions, and tomatoes.
5. Remove the Skins​
   Once the tomatoes are roasted, take them out of the oven and let them cool just enough so you can handle them. Use tongs or a fork to peel off the loose tomato skins. Don’t worry if you can’t get every last bit—it’ll all blend together nicely in the end.
6. Blend the Sauce​
   After you’ve removed most of the skins, let the mixture cool for 15-20 minutes. Then, use a hand blender to puree everything into a smooth, thick sauce. The roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, and zucchini (if added) will combine into a rich, flavorful base.
7. Store or Serve​
   If you’re freezing the sauce for later, let it cool completely before transferring it into quart-sized plastic freezer bags. Lay the bags flat in your freezer for easy storage. If you want to use the sauce immediately, you can turn it into a delicious tomato soup by stirring in half a cup or so of heavy cream. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve with a warm, toasted cheese sandwich.

No two batches are ever the same, but that’s part of the charm. Each one captures the unique flavors of your garden at the end of the season, and it’s a wonderful way to preserve the taste of summer for the cold months ahead.

Cheers!

Hey..Look Up! September Astronomical Events

Hey...Eau Claire, residents, get ready for some exciting celestial events this September! I know I am especially interested in seeing another bright comet with the naked eye.
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​The Autumn Equinox on September 22 will mark the official start of fall, with
nearly equal hours of day and night.
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Starting around the same time, Comet C/2023 A3 -Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, may become visible in the early morning sky as it travels through the constellation Sextans. The comet could be bright enough to see with the naked eye, offering a rare opportunity for stargazers.
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For early risers, the Daytime Sextantids meteor shower will peak on September 27, visible just before dawn with slow-moving meteors.
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Finally, the Full Harvest Moon will light up the night on September 29, making it a perfect time for moonlit walks and skywatching. Don't miss these incredible sights!

Mums: The Flower Of Fall

In Eau Claire and throughout Wisconsin, the vibrant hues of mums, or chrysanthemums, herald the arrival of fall. From brilliant yellows and oranges to rich reds and golden shades, these beautiful flowers are a staple of autumn decorations and are easily found in local nurseries and even grocery stores.
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Chrysanthemums have a rich history dating back to ancient China, where they were cultivated as far back as the 15th century BC and used in food and medicine. The flower later spread to Japan, where it became deeply significant. In Japan, chrysanthemums symbolize longevity, rejuvenation, and the imperial family. The flower is so revered that there’s an annual festival, Chrysanthemum Day or "Kiku no Sekku," celebrated on September 9. Known as one of Japan’s five ancient sacred festivals, it celebrates the beauty of the chrysanthemum and hopes for good health and long life.
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In the United States, mums have become a popular symbol of autumn, associated with harvest festivals, Thanksgiving, and the changing of seasons. Their hardiness and wide range of colors make them a favorite for fall gardens and decorations.
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The meaning of chrysanthemums can change depending on their color. In particular, violet-colored mums symbolize a wish for wellness and recovery, often given as a gift to someone in need of healing. Whether brightening up a porch or signifying a heartfelt wish for someone's health, mums are deeply rooted in both American and Japanese cultural traditions, making them a beloved flower of both beauty and significance.

Essential Fall and Winter Home Prep

Essential Fall and Winter Preparation Chores for Northern Wisconsin Homeowners

As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in Northern Wisconsin, it’s a signal for homeowners to start preparing for the colder months ahead. Whether you’re in Eau Claire or another beautiful corner of this region, getting your home ready for fall and winter is crucial to avoid costly issues down the line. Here are five essential chores every Northern Wisconsin homeowner should tackle this season.

1. Clean Out Your Gutters
   ​As the leaves begin to fall, your gutters can quickly become clogged with debris. Cleaning them out is essential to prevent water from pooling on your roof or leaking into your foundation. In Eau Claire, where we often see heavy snowfall, clean gutters help prevent ice dams from forming, which can cause significant damage to your roof and walls. It’s a simple task that goes a long way in keeping your home safe from water damage.
2. Inspect and Repair Your Roof Before the first snowstorm hits, it’s crucial to inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles. Northern Wisconsin winters are notorious for heavy snow, and a compromised roof could result in leaks, heat loss, or worse. Look for any signs of wear, and consider hiring a professional if you’re unsure. Addressing minor issues now can save you from major headaches later in the season.
3. Service Your Snow Blower
   One of the most important tools for any Northern Wisconsin homeowner is a well-maintained snow blower. Before the snow starts piling up, make sure your snow blower is in good working order. Change the oil, check the spark plugs, and ensure the blades are sharp and free of rust. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, many local shops in Eau Claire offer snow blower repair and maintenance services to ensure your machine is ready when you need it most.
4. Furnace Maintenance or Repair Your furnace is one of the most critical systems in your home during the frigid Northern Wisconsin winter. Scheduling a professional furnace inspection before the cold really sets in can help identify any potential issues, such as worn-out parts, faulty wiring, or dirty filters, which can lead to breakdowns or inefficiency. Clean or replace your air filters, check the thermostat, and test the furnace to ensure it’s running properly. In Eau Claire, where temperatures can dip well below zero, a well-maintained furnace is key to staying warm and avoiding emergency repairs when you need heat the most.
5. Seal Windows and Doors
   ​Drafty windows and doors can significantly increase your heating bills. Spend some time checking for leaks or drafts around your home’s windows and doors. Weatherstripping and caulking are affordable solutions that can help you keep the cold air out and the warm air in. This not only improves your home’s energy efficiency but also makes it more comfortable during the long winter months.

Conclusion Prepping your home for fall and winter in Northern Wisconsin is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring your family’s comfort. From cleaning out gutters to maintaining your furnace, taking these steps early can help you avoid common cold-weather issues and keep your home running smoothly all winter long. So, if you’re in Eau Claire or anywhere else in the region, now is the perfect time to get started on these fall chores!