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Farm Kitchen:  With all this talk of canning...  |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 3:11:28 PM
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I am feeling inspired after reading through the threads about what all you ladies can! I want to try canning this year soo much, but I have to admit, I've never canned anything in my entire life! And thus, have no idea where to begin... 
I'm sure this has been brought up before, so maybe there's a pre-existing thread on canning basics, like, from the first step on up...? I couldn't find one, though... Or maybe some of you domestic goddess farmgirls would like to share your talent and give me some pointers?
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 3:15:24 PM
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And what are the limits on what you can and can't can (say can and can't can ten times fast  )?? I mean, I'm thinking about all these foods, and wondering how well they'd fair if they were canned...
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 4:54:45 PM
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Hey Jodi - the Ball Blue book for canning is a good place to start - they cover most of the basics and pretty much what can and can't be canned - I think you have to smile when you write that phrase- . Where in Idaho are you? Anywhere close to Spokane and I could give you a hand
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 5:02:40 PM
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I agree...Ball Blue book is a good place to start. Canning jam, or peaches or tomatoes are what I started with. Dill pickles are pretty easy too.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
3004 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
3004 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 5:54:48 PM
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| Jodi, Aunt Jenny is the canning goddess of the universe(comic book & Sat AM cartoon to follow), so if I may be so bold, she CAN(no pun intended) help out if some of us other farmgals CAN't |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 5:54:51 PM
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Book, it is very well written and great for a beginner, It is usually right next to the canning jars in any store that sells them. I ove making jam, relishes, chutney and applesauce. It's great fun once you get going, and almost instant visual results. i always like that part...Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 6:08:25 PM
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I didn't use a book, just recipes from the back of the pectin box for jam. The first time I used a book recipe and made blackberry hockey pucks, the next year I braved it again, and made blackberry jam (with the pectin box), and canned pickles and salsa. After the jam was a success, I got more confident. I really enjoy the (hot, steamy) process :)
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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BarnChickCecily
True Blue Farmgirl
673 Posts
Cecily
Corydon
IN
USA
673 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 8:33:20 PM
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Great to find this thread... I too am wanting to learn how to can. Thanks for the info!
Farmgirl Sister # 241
www.thebarnchick.blogspot.com/ |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 9:43:42 PM
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I like the old canning book "Stocking Up" too..neat stuff in there. And you can always find great canning recipes from Jackie Clay (my hero) on the Backwoods Home Magazine website..especially for things like meats, beans, and things like that. She is amazing.
I usually use the recipe on the pectin box for jams (I rarely make jellies..we like jam) since each one is just a little different. I have made my share of hockey pucks (but chopped up and added to bbq sauce it is wonderful...a nice touch!! and drippy jam (call it waffle topping!!) too. The more you can the easier it gets. I love it.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Ms.Lilly
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Lillian
Scotts Mills
OR
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2008 : 06:52:03 AM
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I agree the Ball Blue Book is the way to go. I used this book many years ago to teach myself to can. Now I am canning and freezing most of the veggies that we eat throughout the year. Also as mentioned the recipes in the pectin boxes ar great too. Just finished my strawberry jam using the pectin recipe. Good Luck to you, and have fun with it. By the way the first time you hear the lid "pop" seal you will get a big smile.
Lillian |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2008 : 10:16:01 AM
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Wow, quite a few votes for the Ball Blue Book -- I'll definitely get a copy! Thanks for the recommendations and ideas...  I'm excited to try this!!
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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downbranchroad
True Blue Farmgirl
374 Posts
Joy
Southern
KY
USA
374 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2008 : 10:30:12 AM
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Jodi,
There is also lots of free publications that you can get from your local Cooperative Extension.
They also will ck your canner lids if it is a Presto...I work at our local Extension office and we offer this service free of charge. Also, all of our publications are free.
*just a plug for Extension....wonderful free services, so farmgirls take advantage of them!
Appalachian Girl
Jem
*If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got.
My new blog!
http://downbranchroad.blogspot.com |
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2008 : 07:21:39 AM
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Jodi, I was so intimidated about canning before I just did it. I haven't canned in several years (and I was still a beginner) but recently we have been given fresh produce almost weekly- by the case (right now I have 70 lbs of tomatillas and a couple of weeks ago it was 10 cases of tomatos). So I had to start canning again! It is easier than you think. Just get a get book and follow it.
I have canned pitted cherries in water, apple slices in water, roast, beans (both in a pressure canner), tuna (also in a pressure cooker), salsa and lots of it, and today it is tomatillo salsa..
I would say get a book and just do a small batch of something..
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
"Your life is an occasion, Rise to it." Mr Magorium..
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2008 : 5:35:10 PM
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Holy Cow Debra!!! Lucky you, that is a lot of tomatoes!! I am scheduled to can tomatoes with my mother-in-law this year, hopefully it goes well, I am kind of in the doghouse with the in-laws right now
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
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Txfarmgal
True Blue Farmgirl
585 Posts
AK
USA
585 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2008 : 9:01:33 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Prairie Princess
I am feeling inspired after reading through the threads about what all you ladies can! I want to try canning this year soo much, but I have to admit, I've never canned anything in my entire life! And thus, have no idea where to begin...
I'm sure this has been brought up before, so maybe there's a pre-existing thread on canning basics, like, from the first step on up...? I couldn't find one, though... Or maybe some of you domestic goddess farmgirls would like to share your talent and give me some pointers?
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt
jodi, I love to do pickels. I have a blue ball book and that is the direction I would point you in, but I bet if you go to google and do a search you will find tips and hints. hugs
AngiK
For he is faithful that promised. Hebrews 10:23
check out Texas 4H! http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/ |
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N Marie
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
Marie
Seattle
Washington
USA
102 Posts |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2008 : 07:32:31 AM
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I just got one called Small Batch Preserving that looks to be pretty interesting too. Probably more for fun than for necessity but it is a fun way to start
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2008 : 07:41:47 AM
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Anybody have a spare copy of any of these books that you'd be willing to barter for?? I'd really like to get a copy!
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2008 : 1:39:27 PM
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When I go up north tomorrow I am stopping at a good thrift store with a good book section...I will look for copies for ya Jodi... This is canning country and it is usually pretty easy to find copies of canning books.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2008 : 2:15:45 PM
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Oh, thank you, Jenny!! Let me know if you find anything, and what you'd like in exchange for them!
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2008 : 03:38:45 AM
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I bought the blue book and use it as a base of reference.
For jams and jellies, I'll forever swear by the liquid pectins. (either Certo or Ball brand) Both have provided clear instructions and excellent results for me for over 10 years now. I process my jellies for 8 minutes to seal lids. You start counting when the last jar is submerged. Out of a batch of 50 or more, usually all lids seal, and those that don't just take a light tap with my index finger on the top of the lid to seal for selling
Once you practice, its really easy! All the directions seem overwhelming. So just start with small batches and go slowly
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Montrose Girl
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm
1360 Posts
Laurie
Montrose
CO
1360 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2008 : 8:42:14 PM
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Just remember there are two types of canners so you may decide how you want to start. Acid foods like tomatoes, salsa and most jams are prepared using a water bath. that's one canner. Other's, green beans, corn, soups and meat need a pressure canner, that is type two. I started with a water bath doing jams. Now I do soups and meats. Nothing like a quick stir fry and having the chicken all cooked.
Best Growing |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2008 : 10:09:16 PM
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I'm taking notes, lol.  Liquid pectin, different canning methods for different foods, book ideas...getting it all down here!! Appreciate it SO much! Can't wait to settle in from my move so I can try it!!
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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Farm Kitchen: With all this talk of canning... |
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With all this talk of canning...
