Materials Needed:
You need the right tools to get started. Canning supplies can be found at most hardware stores, big chain stores like Wal-Mart, and even grocery stores.
- Large canning pot and it comes with a metal insert to rest the jars on inside
- Wide-mouth funnel
- Silicone scraper
- Magnetic lid lifter
- Jar lifter
- Jar wrench
- Glass Mason jars and they come with lids when you buy them
Instructions:
- Fill canning pot about ⅔'s of the way with cold water and put in metal insert that comes with the canning pot. Place Mason Jars WITHOUT lids inside pot and bring everything to a boil. Boil jars for 20 min. to sterilize.
- In a separate shallow pot, heat tops and rings in water that is gently simmering.
- While water is coming to a boil, prepare the vegetables or fruits you'd like to can. Be sure to prepare only as much food as needed to fill your canner at one time.
- Fill the sterilized Mason Jars with food using the Wide-Mouth Funnel allowing for 1 inch of space at the top.
- Wipe the tops of the jars using a clean cloth.
- Release trapped air bubbles with the back of the silicone scraper.
- Using the magnetic lid lifter, place lids on the jars being careful NOT to touch the lid and gently screw the ring on.
- Gently place the jar in the canner.
- Make sure the jars are covered by 1" of water.
- Cover the canner and bring to a full rolling boil. Times for boiling depend on your recipe, so check the recipe for specific times.
- Use the jar lifter to pull jars out of canning pot. Be careful. They will be extremely hot.
- Place the jars onto a wire rack and allow to cool overnight.
- Test the seals by checking to see that the lids have pulled down and when you flick them you hear a dull ping.
- If the jar is not sealed correctly, place it in the fridge and eat it within the week.
- Store your canned goods in a cool, dry place.
