I want to learn to can
I love learning new things and there always seems to be something I need to learn. In the winter, I learned to operate and use a sewing machine, as well as how to read and do a pattern. I made a hoodie jacket for my friend’s daughter and an apron (but it is not as cute as many of the crafty people out there).
I want to learn how to can. Many of my Brooklyn, LI and New York friends are probably thinking – what is that? Well, there are many people who can in season fruits and vegetables and then they are able to have them all year long. A lot of people make jam, pasta sauce or chutneys. Some people do one fruit and then exchange jars with a lot of other people. Sandy, of the Reluctant Entertainer blog recommends that people interested in canning should look at garage sales for canning materials, but that isn’t happening at garage sales here. I should note that garage sales in Brooklyn are AMAZING! People use them as a way to clean out their million dollar homes as well as to socialize, so awesome items are usually very cheap. Sandy is having a giveaway for some canning supplies now too!
So I need to find some videos or tutorials online of people who do canning. I just reserved some books at the library on the topic so I can learn to do this. Randi at I have to say blog posted a beautiful picture of the zucchini she made using Martha Stewarts recipe for Bread and Butter pickles (Yes I can learn canning from Martha). Thanks Randi!
I know that once I learn, I can lure a few of you lurkers who live nearby to come over by having a barbecue. I’m all about sharing this process, ya know.
Edit: 7/16 – Tara over at Feels like Home has a recipe for jam! It looks easy enough for me to do. So now I need to get some supplies.
Hugs,
marlene
Topics: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
July 16th, 2008 at 3:35 am
Thanks for stopping by my blog and I’m glad you liked it. I love learning new things also. Last winter I took 3 crochet classes that were 6 weeks each. I can NOW crochet!!! Still not a pro but enough were I can read a pattern and make a scarf, hat and even an afghan. I haven’t canned in many many years and I said I was going to do that this summer but I have been freezing some. Made some strawberry freezer jam and froze some chopped onions and green peppers. Over the weekend I plan on freezing some shredded zuchinni I’ve never done that before. You see I have found my kids love zuchini bread but they don’t know that it’s that horrid vegetable in it. lol Take Care :)
July 16th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Fortunately for me, my Mom and my Grandma canned. (They did it out of necessity; they were country people who grew their own food in the summer and ate it all winter long.) They have both guided my husband and I in our attempt to learn. I’m going to dig up some resources for you. I’ll be back.
July 17th, 2008 at 12:53 am
Okay, I have gotten some info for you. First of all, my Mom uses this book, my Grandma uses it, and I used it.
http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Blue-Canning-Book-21400/dp/B0000BYDPZ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1216253049&sr=8-2
You’ll want to either buy it or get it at the library. There’s also a 1972 version which is probably just as good.
The next link I have for you is from PickYourOwn.org. It’s the site I used when I was trying to confirm my mom’s methods. The whole site is illustrated with photos. Very, very helpful. Maybe even more helpful than the book above, and free!
http://www.pickyourown.org/allaboutcanning.htm
Also, if you are going to make jam or jelly, buy Sure Jell Low Sugar (in the pink box). The instructions and recipes are right in the box. It couldn’t be easier.
Lastly, email me if you have any troubles. I’ll be happy to help you the best that I can or pass your question along to my mom.