Number 1 - I love grape jelly.
B - I have an interest in learning how to can. I have the canning pot and everything.
#4 - I have heard that grape jelly is an easy beginner project.
So I followed the instructions the best I could and now I have several jars setting up on my counter in the kitchen. I guess I'll know better this time tomorrow if the whole experiment was successful or not. I have to admit I'm not feeling very confident. Probably because I have zero canning experience. I've never actually seen anybody can anything before in my life. And on top of that all the information I read seemed to contradict the last thing I read by just a tiny bit.
But as of right now this is what I know for sure about canning.
- Reread and reread and reread again the recipe you're using to make sure you have a firm grasp on the task at hand. Oh and it's probably a good idea to just read the one recipe. Reading several will really muck things up for you.
- While not necessary a canning funnel is worth every penny. I currently don't have one, but I will be amending that ASAP.
- Ditto that magnetic thingy that helps you pick up the hot lids when it's time to seal the jars up.
- Also a jar lifter for when the time comes to take you hot jars out of the canning bath. I managed without any of those items, but it would have been so much easier if I'd had them.
6 comments:
Hey Shan. I consider myself a veteran canner. And I have a tip for you that you already know of course: Cdn Tire and Home Hardware both sell a canning set that includes the magnetic lifter, a great funnel, tongs, jar lifter and and lid tightener for about 10 bucks. I see if on the shelves every year. I bought it years back and I still use it every time I can.
Meant to say "that you MAY already know".... otherwise what I wrote makes little sense. :)
I am sure it will be great. I always told myself that the jars that didn't seal properly just wanted to be eaten sooner :)
I know what you mean about the contradictory instructions...I got a few books out from the library about canning last year and after reading through them I gave up on the whole idea! If yours works out, and you aren't feeling tramatized, I may try again (maybe with some insights from my FB). Good Luck! :0)
I got a jar of homemade Boysenberry jam this year for christmas and REALLY wish I could even think about canning, but there is really no way with work, and school, and three kids, and church. I HAVE NO TIME! :( Hope yours turns out well though :)
Karen - I actually didn't know about that. Thanks for the tip. I'm going to pick one up. The canning section at Wally is sorely lacking.
Chantal - it turned out kinda okay. I think.
MP - It was in no way a slam dunk, but I'm encouraged enough to try strawberry jam. I'll let you know how it goes. ML says we should have a canning party.
Betsy - Thanks. I can imagine you don't have time.
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