CANNING 101

It is fall and that means time to preserve fruits and vegetables so we can enjoy them throughout the long cold winter.

My garden has been producing tomatoes and cucumbers, so I have been canning tomatoes and making pickles.

I didn't take pictures of the steps to canning tomatoes or making the pickles.  The tomatoes I dip in boiling water for a minute, then into cold water and they peal super easy. Then I smash them into the jars and apply a seal and lid then place in a hot water bath to process.
The pickles I made using the recipe from my great Grandma Lu.   It is a simple recipe, (but top secret).. Just kidding. If anyone wants it I will share.

I drove to Utah yesterday and picked up some raspberries, peaches and apples.  My peaches and apples froze this year.

First up was raspberry jam.   I rinsed the raspberries.

I mashed them up and brought them to a boil along with the pectin.  Then I added A LOT of sugar. Again brought it to a boil for 4 minutes and ladled  it into jars. Then processed in a hot water bath. 

It turned out beautifully.

I also made peach jam.  Dip the peaches into the boiling water, then into the cold water, the same way as pealing the tomatoes.  Peal them and chop into small pieces. 

add a little fresh lemon.

Stir them up and add the pectin. I like to use this sure jell. The directions for making the jam are right in the package.  
Bring this mixture to a full boil and add in all that sugar. 

Boil again and put in jars.  
I also canned and froze some peaches.

Peal and quarter the peaches, and put in jars. Then make a syrup, which is just sugar and water, and fill jar to cover the fruit. Put on seals and rings and process in hot water bath.

Simple Syrup. I use 2 parts water to 1 part sugar, heat until dissolved.

Place in hot water bath. Pay attention to your elevation for proper processing times. 

I froze some peaches for pies at Thanksgiving.  I just pealed them and sliced them and put them in freezer bags. They work great.
It is back to cattle work tomorrow. I convinced the boss to give me a couple days off to go to town and do some canning.