School Of Canning....

This Weeks Verse:

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,  do all to the glory of God.

Sorry to all my followers for the laps in posts. 
I am back from being under the weather for a few weeks.

School of Canning....

Before we get started I cannot stress to people enough that the cleanliness of your kitchen is one of the most important items to remember. Make sure that before you do any canning that your kitchen is thoroughly disinfected. 

• Why Can?
• Canning can seem like an old fashioned art to most, but when it comes to saving the precious items you have worked so hard to grow in the summer its the best choice.
• Also, by canning your items from your garden you can save quite a bit of money during those long winter months. Here in the Northwest the prices of fresh veggies almost double.
• This can also be seen as an educational experience for your older children and can be passed down.

Lemon Balm Jelly

• What are my choices?
• My personal rule of thumb for canning is that you grow and can only the things that you are going to eat.
• I have chosen recipes that I think are great and have eventually ended up dumping the rest of the batch because they didn't taste like I expected.
• So, look at the products you currently buy in those tin cans and start with those recipes.
• Also, if you don't want to grow and can dried beans from your garden your local organic store has a wide variety of dried beans, peas and lentils.

• The methods of canning:
• Boiling Water Canning....
• This is by far the easiest method of canning.
• Items that can be canned are things like fruit, tomatoes, pickled items, salsas, and jams.
• They are also, the more acidic fruits and veggies.
• Pressure Canning....
• This is the more difficult and time consuming method of canning. Although the production of canning is far more diverse.
• Items that can be canned are lower acidic foods like: beans, carrots, meats, broccoli, and squashes.
• Tools and supplies?
• Some companies sell a starter kit that is pretty nice that has your basics included in it. If you are wanting to by maybe the high quality tools for canning here's a list of items you may want to purchase.
• Canning jars with the two part lid
• Extra Lids and Rings
• A large stock pot that is at least three inches taller than your jars
• Canning tongs, so you can put your jars in the water.
• Canning rack, to raise your jars out of the boiling water safely.
• Wide mouthed canning funnel
• Bubble tool to release the air bubbles
• An optional magnetic lid lifter
• A ladle to spoon liquids into the jars.
• Pressure Cooker if wanting to can more than just pickles and jams.
• How do you tell your jars apart?
• A well labeled pantry is very important.
• Here's an area where you can be creative in your choice of label.
• You can use masking tape, shipping labels, blank stickers, etc. the list of options can go on and on.
• Make sure that if you are planning on giving something away as a gift that you spruce up the jar a little more and give it your personal touch.

Make it your own when it comes to gifts.
The more creative you are the better the
labels will turn out.

• Where do I find Recipes?
• You want to buy a current copy of canning books and magazines. The times and pressures change from time to time and you don't want to risk eating spoiled foods.
• Make sure you follow the directions exactly and DO NOT double the batches to save time. TIP: one batch at a time!
• Don't use your favorite great aunts strawberry jam recipe from 1935, the recipes have changed and the quality will be menial. 
• What's next?
• Just remember to have fun and make things that you will eat.

Remember if you need any help just ask! :->