Canning and such

Here are some pictures of the canning I did last week.

My first project was blueberry jam. It turned out VERY sweet! But VERY good!

Notice that green "thing" in the back. This is a new product - a small batch Ball canning rack. The nice thing is it fits into most stock pots so you don't need to buy a large canner to try caning out. 3 pints (or half pints) fit in it. The important thing is to use a stock pot that will allow the water to be 2 inches over the top of the jar. Anyway, I used that but since the blueberry jam made 6 jars I had to do it in three batches. Next time I'll use the canner.

And here the jars are, all lined up. When totally cooled I take the twist on part of the lid off, label them and store down stairs.

The next project was Onion Relish with thyme. I chose this because Vidalia Onions were available at the local WalMart for $2. for 4 pounds. This recipe took about 2 pounds along with thyme sprigs from my pots, apple cider vinegar and light corn syrup. After simmering on the stove about 45 minutes to cook the onions, I water bathed them in that handy green small batch canner rack. This made 3 jars.

And here it is in the stock pot being processed. Since we live at 1200 ft above sea level, I have to add 5 minutes to each water bathed batch so this went for 25 minutes.

I enjoyed canning and will be doing another type of blueberry jam today using the larger canner so that all the jars get processed at once.

The new Weber grill is going to be delivered today so depending on how many parts it comes in will depend on when we start to use it! B took the old grill apart and took it over to the Township's appliance dumpster. So we are all ready!!