Canning help needed

jimLE said:

one thing i've learned (not long ago) when it comes to canning 2 or more batches.go ahead and pressure can/cook the 1st batch.then get that batch set to one side and out of the way.then dump and add fresh hot water straight from the faucet..i find that nothing goes wrong this way..i'm thinking,thats where i went wrong with the chicken broth one time..

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I always smell some of what I've canned in the water after a batch. When the heat expands in the jars some fluid escapes, so rinsing it out is wise.
I just finished a pot of 24 half pint carrots. Tomorrow I'll do pint batches. Standing at the sink scrubbing them makes my back ache, so I've had enough tonight! I did cook a turkey for lunch, so hope to debone and make a batch of broth as well. Either way I'm set on carrots for the year now. I also froze a gallon bag of them and have a gallon of fresh in the vegetable drawer. Even with the hot summer, I managed enough green beans, potatoes, apples, beets and carrots to last the year anyways. I'm going to try and get stuff planted for fall over the next few days, to get a little more.

Brent S said:

potatoes,

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that reminds me.i have some to can

Well, my pantry might not last till armegedden, but it should easily get me thru the winter or any emergency we might have. My goal is still to have mostly home canned goods, and I'm close to half way right now. Some things I just can't grow here anyways. I have another pantry half this size not pictured too.

That's a fine cupoard of stores.
*Sigh* My cupboard looked similar, I just have boxes of empty jars now. Next year I'll be back on track.

thats my goal as well.for 2 reason.1st is,i'd rather have home canned foods(taste and all)..pluss i know,there'll be a day we wont be able to get store bought foods..

Brent S said:

My goal is still to have mostly home canned goods

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SheilaT said:

That's a fine cupoard of stores.
*Sigh* My cupboard looked similar, I just have boxes of empty jars now. Next year I'll be back on track.

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It won't take you long to get back on your feet!

SheilaT said:

That's a fine cupoard of stores.
*Sigh* My cupboard looked similar, I just have boxes of empty jars now. Next year I'll be back on track.

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I just get a little extra each time I go to the grocery and over time it starts to build up.

Brent S said:

It won't take you long to get back on your feet!

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The worst and most dpressing thing I left behind was my vegetable garden. I had reached the point where nearly all my stores were home home preserved. Once I can get a garden going it won't take long to get back to that position.

Brent S said:

I just get a little extra each time I go to the grocery and over time it starts to build up.

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I do the same, it soon racks up.

Well, I've made a start. The Red Kraut was ready when I checked this morning...... I filled 6 jars and they have all sealed. I think that 'ping' has to be one of the happiest sounds in creation.




I'm going to start a batch of Carolina Coleslaw this week. This will be a first so I'll just do a small batch to see whether we like it. If it's yes, I'll ferment a bigger batch to can up.

It's funny, both me and bigchild love the idea of pickles, but can't seem to get past gagging at the vinegar so this year I'm experimenting with fermentation instead.

SheilaT said:

Well, I've made a start. The Red Kraut was ready when I checked this morning...... I filled 6 jars and they have all sealed. I think that 'ping' has to be one of the happiest sounds in creation.


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I'm going to start a batch of Carolina Coleslaw this week. This will be a first so I'll just do a small batch to see whether we like it. If it's yes, I'll ferment a bigger batch to can up.

It's funny, both me and bigchild love the idea of pickles, but can't seem to get past gagging at the vinegar so this year I'm experimenting with fermentation instead.

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I'm intrigued by fermentation. My one experiment was pretty much a failure. I tried making kraut, and it turned into a slimey moldy mess. I'd love to learn more and try that and other things.

Brent S said:

I'm intrigued by fermentation. My one experiment was pretty much a failure. I tried making kraut, and it turned into a slimey moldy mess. I'd love to learn more and try that and other things.

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My first attempt ended under similar circumstances, Brent. However I got the book Real Food Fermentaion by Alex Lewin and followed his instructions to the letter and my next batch was fantastic. Here's a link to his blog, it has some of his recipes on it.

http://feedmelikeyoumeanit.blogspot.co.uk/

I like the simplicity of ingredients.

SheilaT said:

My first attempt ended under similar circumstances, Brent. However I got the book Real Food Fermentaion by Alex Lewin and followed his instructions to the letter and my next batch was fantastic. Here's a link to his blog, it has some of his recipes on it.

http://feedmelikeyoumeanit.blogspot.co.uk/

I like the simplicity of ingredients.

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Thanks for the link!