My Pantry Clean Sweep | Before the Harvest & Preserving Season Begins 

You: I can't wait to bring you lots of canning videos. Me: Well I can't wait to watch lots of canning videos.

You talk of things being a mess and not being a good steward and I’m watching the video totally disagreeing with you. Your pantry is a working pantry and is extremely organized and well stocked. I’m impressed because I know how much work is involved in not only growing your food but preserving and stocking it also. Nobody in my family is interested in all of it with me so I just keep doing it myself. They love eating it though. I do have a young neighbor who is interested and I teach her and we share ideas and vegetables if we have extra. Thank you for sharing with us today and remember, you have viewers she see and know how hard you work and applaud you 👏 👏 👏.

It's amazing how hard we can be on ourselves for "wasting" what we grow. It's only because we know and appreciate so deeply how much effort and work it takes to grow our own food.

Anytime you take us to the pantry it’s such a treat! Seeing all that food in jars is just, beautiful and a credit to the work, love and care that you put into your homestead!

Gosh, a half a bag of old sweet potatoes gone bad...and a wall of amazing preserved food? A bad steward...pfft! Methinks thou dost protest too much! Many of us dream of a pantry half as organized and full! You're doing fine!

“Don’t be a Rachel.” Whatever, lady. I wish I had done all that work and had all that food for my family!

Like someone else said, I store my jars upside down in the boxes. Keeps dust and bugs out so it's quicker to wash before canning 😉

Harvest and canning season with Rachel and Todd is my favorite time of year! 😍

I store my jars upside down in the boxes. Then I don't get dead bugs. And I think it protects the rims of the jars from nicks etc. I store my empty jars in the attic. I don't have a basement. I've got to go through my canned food inventory too. Got to start canning. Have 200 pounds of potatoes. Just harvested our 26 totes of potatoes. I found seed potatoes at a local nursery that got their seed potatoes late. So I got a good deal on them. And they are already growing leaves. So will be ready in October to harvest again. Got a bunch of onions too. I'm going to make that onion jam and caramelized canned onions. This year I'm going to can fun new things as I canned so many basics last year. I'm good. Just harvested all my dill. Love dill weed! The second batch is in the dryer. Drying basil and parsley in my other dryer. Still have more to go. Such a busy time. Between watering Everything and harvesting and canning, drying etc. Not enough time!

OH nothing satisfies us canning peeps like a pantry tour OR more commonly known as Pantry Porn! What a wonderful space you have down there!

Can’t do everything and be everywhere Rachel. You work hard at your job and at home so something’s got to give, just a little anyhow. Don’t be hard on yourself - my Mum used to say “cut yourself a little slack”.

I moved from a new built house with a heated basement and a walk in pantry next to the kitchen to a 70+ year old house with a cool basement. There were already shelves built in and my canning is in a much better environment.

I pop the sprouting onions into a pot to harvest the seeds! 😃

I made sweet jalapeño relish using the recipe for cowboy candy, just chopped them in relish size. I don’t like using pickle relish. I use the sweet jalapeño relish in everything, Potato salad, deviled eggs, tuna fish and chicken salad. Love the little kick it gives them with the sweet taste.

Last year I had so many green beans. I started canning them with different spices. They are so good! So going to do a lot more of different flavors this year. It really elevates the boring green beans. I did some with a sweet and sour broth. Vinegar and brown sugar. Then when I open them I sprinkle in some cooked real bacon bits. Yummo!

AND...I'm sure all of us enjoyed cleaning your pantry with you!

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I first watched you with your last pantry inventory! I can’t wait for your pizza sauce video! If it’s approved by Todd’s Italian taste buds, it must be yummy!!

Don’t be hard on yourself. It’s living. We can’t do everything all the time. Great job and thanks for being transparent. Someone needed to see that. We can’t do it al perfectly.

Would love to hear about meal planning using your canned goods...

I'm excited for canning season. I'm encouraged by many canners & homesteaders to continue my "fill the larder" policy this year.

What a blessing to have that space for a pantry

Looking forward to the pizza sauce video. We go through a lot of pizza sauce and I am not sure what recipe I used in the past but we liked it.

I think you put a lot on yourself. You are working full time, growing your own food, and canning and preserving (much less cooking and taking care of your home). I think it a miracle you accomplish what you do. You go girl!!

The 7th year, you will let your land rest. I find that respectful and gracious, not only to your land, but to you and Todd!

My empty jar storage is under the stairs as well. It makes a great place as is both close, but out of the way.

Not going to lie, I get a tad jelly every time you share your pantry. 😉 Here in Alabama, most houses don’t have basements or cellars. I grew up in WI, and most houses up there have them.

Newbie here! I love how you’re organized and I’ve been reorganizing my pantry this weekend. I get stir crazy when it get out of sorts.

Canning is the one area I am most excited to learn more of! Can’t wait to learn more!

Your pantry wasn't that bad....your busy people. Thanks for showing your pantry. My cabbage are doing great( even though I had cabbage moths trapped under my crappy netting). Everyday for weeks I was on cabbage moth killer duty...lol....yuck. I can't wait to make your pickled coleslaw. Your the reason I grew cabbage. I'll be starting more cabbage and brassicas soon. I love gardening so much. It gives me a purpose and it really gives me a sense of peace.

Hi Rachel. The pantry looks great. I wish that I had a pantry like yours. God Bless you Rachel, and Todd. Thank you for sharing your pantry. Stay safe. Maria.👍👍👍👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😎😎😎😎😎😎💝💝💝💝💝💝💝❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤💁🖐️💁🖐️💁🖐️💁🖐️💁🖐️💁🖐️🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💝💝💝💝💗💗💗💗💗

I thouroughly enjoyed seeing your pantry. Ironically, I just cleaned out some butternut squash from last year's harvest that were well on the way to being like your spaghetti squash. We still have 10 more though so I have enough to see me through to the new harvest! Time for some butternut squash soup me thinks :-) Just a thought, I recently started storing my empty jars in the boxes upside down so that dust etc didn't get into them... Thank you for your terrific videos and best wishes.

Oh my word....at the end when she says "Don't be a Rachel"....are you kidding? 😳 I wish I could accomplish HALF of what you do! Please continue to post your canning & gardening videos, even if you've already done one on any given subject! The way you teach us is so down to earth & as you're talking to us you ALWAYS give us a tip or two that you'd never mentioned before. As always, you are very much appreciated. Keep it up sister! 😜

Ms. Rachael your pantry is just fine it's called used... There's several recipes of yours am going be trying ur red slaw mmm...as always thanks for sharing God bless you both and your family

Love hearing a biblical response to letting the land rest in the 7th year.😊

All good tips and nice to see your thought processes.

I need to get back to canning also. I went through my pantry once and wrote everything down that I had and for awhile I would mark it off when I took things out, but that didn't always work out. I really need to do what you have done. I know there are a couple things I won't can again, but there are some things that I know I will for sure. Please keep showing how you use the canned food as well. That is so helpful because sometimes I forget what to do with some of the things I have.

I enjoyed this video very much. It's so satisfying to reorganize the jars and see what I need to can more of. What a blessing to have everything you need sitting on the shelf for when you need it and to know you grew it yourself. You are an inspiration and so much fun to watch.

I hope you have a lovely compost pile in which to toss the unusable sweet potatoes! Your pantry is lovely💚

Love your pantry! Since we've remodeled our kitchen, I moved half of my canned foods out of the bedroom closet into the kitchen pantry. The other half is still in the linen closet in my bathroom. It works lol. I can extra when I have a bumper crop of something and it carries us through the times when something happens, like bugs, frost, the neighbor's cows, and we don't have it. Hence the food storage all over the house. I rotate each summer and take inventory. I keep my empty jars and stock pots in my shed, and canners in the house. My husband took the shriveled sweet potatoes we had last spring and burried(planted) them in our compost pile. We had an amazing harvest. I know, no slips, just the sweet potatoes. So, I did it again this spring with the shriveled ones that were left, and they are growing wonderfully. I will try making slips next spring also. I love that you show real life in all its glory, and that includes a messy, well loved pantry. Thank you!

Hi Rachel, So wonderful to visit with you no matter what's happening.....

Todd is going to watch this video and know where you hide the sweet onion jam.😁

Where did you find the recipe for the Spicy Honey Pickles? I would love to try them this year!

Pure beauty! Wonderful. So. you missed a few things but look at all you've done! You are amazing. Don't be so hard on yourself. Be kind to yourself. Y'all are amazing. Blessing, julie

Just cleaned out and reorganizanized my pantry. Discovered I have 40 1/2 gallon jars!!!

It is a well loved and used space. Inspiring always to see your hard work paying off. This gave me some much needed steam to tackle my pantry. I'm still envious of those shelves! Blessings to you and all! 🌻

I agree with the previous comment! you work endlessly. I only hope I can someday do as well as you do! I canned years ago, then stopped. ive started back up because I need to have some control in this world! I'm turning 65 in May and you've made in doable for me to start again! Hugs to the both of you! Cindi from Oregon

Have you guys thought of purchasing a freeze dryer? I feel that knowing your food can last for up to 30 years, or so, is quite satisfying. Yes, it's a big investment, but the payoff is well worth it, I think. Great reviews from a lot of homesteaders. Still can and freeze some, but just another option to consider for long term food storage. Well wishes and blessings to you both.

I love that you can your own meat and beans! I have been canning conservatively for a few years now, but Rachel you have inspired me!

Your basement is in great shape just a few boxes and a few bits and bobs and you were done in no time at all!!! You garden is looking amazing this year, I think the new fence just makes a beautiful picture frame for your space. We must be on the same wave today because I just reclaimed my dinning room area from planting season, Costco run, drip irrigation and of course the dreaded tumble furweeds. I actually can see the floor and you can sit at the table and have a meal, well at least until canning season =0) [edited for spelling]

That’s a beautiful pantry of canned food, Rachel. You do such an excellent job. ♥️❣️🙏🏼❣️♥️

Enjoyed this. We are in the processing of canning and dehydrating garden food. It's so satisfying.

I always store my jars upside down which keeps spiders, dust etc. out of them and also protects the rims. I also save the boxes and use those for storage.

The first thing I ever canned on my own was the cowgirl candy. It turned out amazing and it’s a staple now in my house. I use your videos to finally take the dive and grow my own food, becoming a better steward of the land. So far my gardening has been awful due to this northern weather and I’m still learning, but I will keep trying. Thanks so much for being the kick in the pants I needed to move forward with my dreams (now goals!)

Rach, you do the best you can, and myself, I think it's just lovely ! Be proud of all that work lady !! LOL

This is motivating! It’s a working pantry! Love it. Be a Rachel! Is what I see!

I would kill for a basement. I have my mess in the middle of my foyer. LOL

We just cleaned out our cellar pantry and found some canned hot peppers in tomato sauce from 98, we opened it and they were still good. We also found pressure canned chicken from 2015 and it was still good!

I’m so looking forward to watching all the upcoming caning videos 😊

I still have yet to can carrots & bean etc..... My son n law does really well w/ them but the 1st time I tried, I was a very green gardener, and hadn't done any research, so I tried doing water bath, not pressure cooking of my carrots, so they all went sour, haven't really attempted since then, was easier to freeze, but that was about 33yrs ago, have learned a lot since then. The past 5yrs I've really delved into gardening and i need to brush up on my storage knowledge. I learned you never stop learning when it comes to gardening. One thing I really like doing is preparing the food totally, then it's easy to prepare meals, ex: Pizza Sce, Pasta Sce, BBQ, etc......

You always inspire me!! I have never had cowboy candy before, but you have spiked my interest, and I will be making some this year with your recipe.

A pantry is like a garden, always something to do. I've been doing the 'pantry shuffle' as well, gotta make room for the freshly canned/harvested food. Our area still doesn't have any canning lids, either people are hoarding/re-selling or no supplies I don't know which but, this makes two years since I've found any lids in my area stores. So glad I had a good supply but, two years working out of just my stock they're starting to run low. So, till I find some my dried beans/peas that I can for convenience foods will have to wait. If my garden doesn't produce well on some items I buy locally and preserve that, maybe something to try on your seventh year. Depending on your zone you might try re-planting the cucumbers, some varieties produce fruit in 50 days. We don't have a basement so I had the hubby to finish a portion of the attic with flooring and shelves for all my empty jars. I'm thankful most of mine are in the older boxes (full boxes with lid flaps) that helps keep them cleaner than those half boxes they come in now.

My mother canned dilly green beans a couple times. She would prepare a marinated type bean, potato and onion salad that dad loved. I don't have the recipe. I think that one was an "on the fly" recipe success.

I can’t wait for the pizza sauce recipe! I have a lot of old canned tomatoes that I want to turn into pizza sauce.

We moved a couple years ago and I don't have a garden yet. But I still can stuff my neighbor gives me, I buy at the farmers market and I buy a lot from the Amish, plus I shop grocery store sales and just canned 34 jars of chicken breast. I actually like the canning better this way, it's intentional and I bring stuff home when I want and can it up. On your seventh year when you let your garden rest you could always find stuff to can.

Your cowboy candy recipe is the best! Friends and family have been requesting more. I'm looking forward to this seasons batch, even though I'll have to triple my efforts 😂 it's worth it! 🤌🏾

Rachel thank you so much for showing us your pantry. I am in my second year of gardening, and this is the year that I will learn to can. I can see where you would need more shelving especially if you want to Can and preserve things for that seventh year ( The year that you let your land rest.) you will need twice as much of everything to help you through the year after a year of rest…. I hope that makes sense, it makes sense in my head lol 🥕🫑🥔🍅🍇🍓. Actually I do want to be a Rachel I want to learn more about gardening and I want to can just like you do!💕

I store my jars with rings on (so I don’t chip my jars) and upside down in boxes.

Have you ever considered storing you empties with your full jars. I have considered knowing that we will use 3 dozen jars of beef/ year so i would have space for 3 dozen jars,full or not. Thoughts?

Hey I am still in the middle of End of Financial Year for 40 odd clients so not a lot of canning for me, but yes my downstairs pantry is looking great - have a few items to load up on but otherwise waiting for warmer weather for some things. Winter growing is fabulous at the moment :):) but I am envious of your pantry xx. Cheers Denise- Australia

I just found your channel a couple of days ago while searching for “how to” canning videos! It is scary but exciting all the same! This will be my first year and I can’t wait to get started!

Put rings on a bungee cord and hang by hooks. Large rings on one side and large on the other. The bungee cord makes it for easy access.

Where did you get that romper from? I love it!

You are the sweetest lady. I really enjoy your videos!

Blessings to all!

Thank you for sharing imperfections so that we can all feel less stressed with our own imperfections🤪 I cleaned &organized my extended pantry last week-I’m 😱😱😱there’s empty space-what’s missing??? Then I remind myself I’m going to need that space real soon when I’m canning the harvest🤪. I just really try to stay stocked up -just Incase ! I’m trying to find space as I’m getting more canners and jars and a roaster & dehydrators -all big pieces that won’t fit in my tiny kitchen🤪🤷‍♀️ Guess they will have to find a place in my bedroom/extended pantry🤷‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤪

Your pantry and garden are beautiful!! You should be very proud! I made cowboy candy first time last year, yum!

i found this video inspiring for this time of year. I didn't grow a ton this year with it being first summer in our now place put i did plant items specifically for making salsa for the first time this year. thank you

Oh wow your jar stash is amazing! I was going to have my hubby build better shelves for my pantry but as we all know lumber is ridiculous at the moment, so I'll have probably another year of the store-bought assembled plastic utility shelving. It works but doesn't utilize the space the best. I need to get my pantry organized before canning goes in to full swing. Your videos are so motivating!

Stopping video now to go find some twine and hang up my jar lids!! Awesome idea for storing them!! ✌🏻

YES on Zucchini Relish!! The texture is so superior to cucumber. I even carry a little jar of mine to Costco when I know I'm going to have a hot dog and soda.

Aww I just found your chanel....Thank you for sharing your pantry....You have wonderful space and your FREEZERS!!! I've been looking for months for one of those that isn't an arm and a leg in price.....I enjoyed today thank you

You have EVERYTHING! Very nice pantry!

What is the temperature of your basement during the hottest part of summer?

As a new canner, I am SO geeked out to see your pantry, set up, what you make, etc. I grew up with my mom canning and I finally got the bug to grow and can last year! Thank you so much for sharing, this was so helpful and informative. I just am enamored with all your work!

Don't beat yourself up- I grow so much food that ends up in the compost or fed to rabbits because I end up not having/making the time to cook/eat it! I hate it, but hey at least I'm trying to grow & eat as much as I can!

Take some of your cowboy candy juice and salsa, pour it over a pot roast, cook however you like, over, crockpot or IP. It's delicious!

Just reorganized my canning shelves

Rachel, give yourself grace in all you do...your pantry, your garden, all your endeavors... My theory is you can only do what you can do. And you do an AMAZING job at all of it!! My pantry, looks, um...far worse!!!!

Just a note... if you store your jars upside down they would stay a little cleaner and not get bumped... great pantry...

Well now I'm doubly impressed. Well done. Apply more grace indeed to yourself. Breathe it in. ❣

My favorite kind of video! Love seeing how you and others store, plan, organize! New canner here, this is only my second season. I’ve learned so much from you, thank you!!

Considering you said it was messy it still looked very well organised! I just did a freezer inventory and it was very satisfying :)

I’m so impressed with all you do ❤️

Hmmm. Great video to inspire those of us who are just starting out gardening/food saving.! I was going to just leave my red potatoes out in the pantry until it was time to use them. Maybe I need to can them!!!

Rachel, you do an amazing job maintaining your pantry. And thank you so much for sharing this as I have been putting off going through mine for a couple months now. Time to tackle hot mess that is my pantry! Much love to you and yours.

The onions that have sprouted? Plant those in a pot and use the greens. Also: Dill Pickle soup.

Looking good! Inspired me to get my pantry looking better.

I'd paint the fronts of your shelves with black chaulk paint 😊 I'm envious of your pantry 🥰 I wish I had a basement or cellar 😥

I definitely want to be a Rachel! Your pantry is beautiful and I am so inspired by your quick and easy recipes that are on the shelf, and your diversity of how you’ve used your beautiful garden produce. I love your canning videos looking forward to this fall and more!

Looks beautiful Rachael!