Canning...really!

Another comfortable day so after I came home from the fairgrounds I decided to make some jam. I had taken the fruit out of the freezer before I went out so it was ready to be crushed.It takes about double what you need to make the crushed amount ( 8 c. whole makes about 4 c. crushed)

The ingredients: berries, sugar, liquid pectin & a tsp. of butter--that cuts down on the foam--pretty simple.

Got the lids and rings sterilized in hot water......

Mixing it up.....

Essentials for the operation....jar lifter, canning funnel and measuring cup ( used to fill the jars)

I use a steam canner--not approved by the USDA, but I have used one for 15 years & never had a poblem. I never make anything but jams, relishes and pickles. Most anything else you need a pressure canner & I don't have one.

Just about to boil...had to stop taking photos here--everything goes quickly at this point & can't be distracted by the camera!

And then on to the batch of blueberry jam....

Finished product--the blackberry

And the blueberry...are they blue ribbon contenders? I hope so! Will know in a few weeks....

Canning..sort of!

A friend gave me a few cukes & squash yesterday, so I decided I'd make some refrigerator pickles. Alan doesn't eat cukes, so I used them. The squash will get grated or chopped & frozen. Didn't want the hassle of getting out the canner, etc. so I found a recipe that you make & put in the refrigerator & can eat after one day. I didn't want to buy separate ingredients ( peppercorns, bay leaves, mustard seeds), but I have a jar of pickling spices so I substituted that.
Finished product! This has been one of the nicest temperature -wise days we've had in quite awhile--even had the windows open. Should have planned to make jam, too, but got started too late--maybe tomorrow!