Tuesday, January 21, 2014

My canning recipes from this past weekend!

Homemade Strawberry Jam by Natalie                       Yields about 2.5 pints

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh strawberries (preferably organic)
¼ cup lemon juice
2 cups raw sugar

1.      Ready the jars, lids, rings, and hot water bath. (I.e. run the jars, lids, and rings through the dishwasher or wash canning items in hot soapy water. Then, to sterilize the jars, lids and rings, you will need to create a hot water bath by filling a pot with clean water and submerging the jars, lids, and rings, then bringing to a boil for 10 minutes; then lower to a simmer until ready to can). Some tools that may be helpful are: a funnel (to help get food into jars), a jar lifter (to add and remove filled canning jars to the water bath), and of course: knives, cutting boards, measuring cups, spoons, and a ladle.
2.      In a wide bowl, crush strawberries in batches until you have 4 cups of mashed berry. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, mix together the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
3.      Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
4.      Increase heat to high, and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 220 degrees F (105 degrees C).
5.      Set out warm sanitized jars, and using a ladle, transfer the strawberry jam into the jars to within ¼ inch of the tops. Fill all of the jars with the strawberry jam.
6.      Apply the lids and rings, and process in the hot water bath for 10 minutes. Then, remove from heat and, using the jar lifter, remove from water bath to a towel-lined countertop. Listen for the jars to “ping” which will happen as the jars begin to cool and the seals are formed. Do not touch or disturb jars until they are completely cool (12-24 hours). 
7.      Apples will last unopened for up to a year, stored in a dark, cool space. Once the can is opened, store in the fridge.


ENJOY!

Homemade Applesauce by Natalie                       Yields About 8 Pints
Originally taken from The Little Book of Home Preserving, by Rebecca Gagnon

Ingredients:
12 pounds apples, mixed varieties
1-2 cinnamon sticks (can substitute ground cinnamon)
¼ cup spring or filtered water

1.      Ready the jars, lids, rings, and hot water bath. (I.e. run the jars, lids, and rings through the dishwasher or wash canning items in hot soapy water. Then, to sterilize the jars, lids and rings, you will need to create a hot water bath by filling a pot with clean water and submerging the jars, lids, and rings, then bringing to a boil for 10 minutes; then lower to a simmer until ready to can). Some tools that may be helpful are: a funnel (to help get food into jars), a jar lifter (to add and remove filled canning jars to the water bath), and of course: knives, cutting boards, measuring cups, spoons, and a ladle.
2.      Peel, core, and cut the apples in medium chunks or slices.
3.      Put the chopped apples into a preserving pot along with cinnamon; (I use a crock pot or an enameled steel Dutch oven, but any non-reactive pot will do just fine, such as: clay, enamel, glass, or stainless steel, but NOT cast-iron or aluminum). Add the water to the pot (this will help the apples start to steam).
4.      Cover the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the apples are completely soft (about 20 minutes).
5.      Remove the pot from the heat. In small batches, run the apples through a food processor, blender, or food mill. When all the sauce is run through and you have reached your preferred consistency (I like mine smooth, while others may prefer a chunkier applesauce), return it to the preserving pot. You can now add a bit of sugar to taste, if you would prefer a sweeter applesauce.
6.      Bring the pot of sauce up to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently until thoroughly hot.
7.      Set out warm sanitized jars, and using a ladle, transfer the apple sauce into the jars to within ¼ inch of the tops. Fill all of the jars with the apple sauce.
8.     
Apply the lids and rings, and process in the hot water bath for 10 minutes. Then, remove from heat and, using the jar lifter, remove from water bath to a towel-lined countertop. Listen for the jars to “ping” which will happen as the jars begin to cool and the seals are formed. Do not touch or disturb jars until they are completely cool (12-24 hours). 
9.      Apples will last unopened for up to a year, stored in a dark, cool space. Once the can is opened, store in the fridge.
ENJOY!

Spiced Sliced Apples by Natalie                       Yields About 5 Pints
Originally taken from The Little Book of Home Preserving, by Rebecca Gagnon

Ingredients:
3 cups raw sugar
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus zest of one lemon
6 pounds tart firm apples (Braeburn, Granny Smith, Jonathan, and Pink Lady)
2 cups water
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon ground ginger

1.      Ready the jars, lids, rings, and hot water bath. (I.e. run the jars, lids, and rings through the dishwasher or wash canning items in hot soapy water. Then, to sterilize the jars, lids and rings, you will need to create a hot water bath by filling a pot with clean water and submerging the jars, lids, and rings, then bringing to a boil for 10 minutes; then lower to a simmer until ready to can). Some tools that may be helpful are: a funnel (to help get food into jars), a jar lifter (to add and remove filled canning jars to the water bath), and of course: knives, cutting boards, measuring cups, spoons, and a ladle.
2.      In a preserving pot, combine the sugar and lemon juice; (I use a crock pot or an enameled steel Dutch oven, but any non-reactive pot will do just fine, such as: clay, enamel, glass, or stainless steel, but NOT cast-iron or aluminum).
3.      Peel, core, and cut the apples into about ½ inch slices. As you are slicing the apples, add them to the sugar and lemon mixture to coat, and toss occasionally to avoid browning.
4.      Once all of the apples are added to the pot, add the water, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. Stir very gently to combine without breaking up the apples.
5.      Heat the apples over medium –high heat and bring them to a boil. Continue boiling for 5 minutes, while stirring carefully to avoid breaking up the apple slices. (If using a crockpot, it may take 20-25 minutes to fully cook apples on high heat).
6.      Set out warm sanitized jars, and using a slotted spoon, transfer the hot apple slices into the jars to within ¼ inch of the tops. Fill all of the jars with the apple slices, and then go back and ladle the remaining syrup over the apples, distributing equally among the jars. While filling the jars with syrup, insert a chopstick into the bottom of each of the jars two or three times to release any trapped pockets of air.
7.     
Apply the lids and rings, and process in the hot water bath for 10 minutes. Then, remove from heat and, using the jar lifter, remove from water bath to a towel-lined countertop. Listen for the jars to “ping” which will happen as the jars begin to cool and the seals are formed. Do not touch or disturb jars until they are completely cool (12-24 hours). 
8.      Apples will last unopened for up to a year, stored in a dark, cool space. Once the can is opened, store in the fridge.
ENJOY!

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