Master Canning and Become a Preserver
Canning is a technique that can intimidate even the
experienced cook. Here, we show you basic canning techniques, using a
plum jam recipe. However, the same methods can be used for preserving
many other fruits and some vegetables. After you’ve mastered the basics,
you can move on to more elaborate recipes. Although preserving can be
hot, sticky work, we’re sure you’ll find the rewards -- particularly
when homemade chutney gives September’s golden spark to a winter meal -- are glorious.
What You’ll Need
The following supplies are sold at hardware stores,
supermarkets, and supercenters, or Amazon.com and Freshpreserving.com
(the official website of Ball, the consummate canning resource). Expect
to pay $40 to $80 for a complete boiling-water canner set.
Boiling-water canner or similarly deep pot (think lobster size)
Canning rack or cake-cooling rack, to fit into the pot
Jars, lids, and bands
Jar-lifting tongs
Headspace-measuring tool
Clean dish towels
Labels
Timer
Safety Tips
Check your supplies
Bands should screw evenly over
lids; jars should be free of scratches or chips, which could cause seal
failure during processing or sealing.
Don’t reuse lids
Jars and bands can be recycled, but the flat lids are onetime use only.
Cool carefully
Never place hot jars directly on kitchen counters; the glass might crack. Use a dish towel or a cooling rack instead.
Plum Jam How-To
Makes four half-pint jars
Ingredients:
3 pounds plums (or other stone fruit such as peaches, nectarines, or apricots), pitted and quartered
3 cups organic sugar
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
3⁄4 tsp. coarse salt
Wash jars and lids with soapy water, dry bands, and set
aside. Place jars in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a
simmer. Put lids in a separate pot of hot water. Leave jars and lids in
water until ready to fill.
Combine plums, sugar, lemon juice, and salt in a stockpot over high heat.
Bring to a boil, mashing with a potato masher. Skim scum off top.
Boil, skimming and stirring frequently, until bubbles slow and you can
see chunks of fruit showing through top and mixture clings to a spoon,
falling off in languid clumps, 10 to 12 minutes. Pick up and discard
skins with a fork, if desired.
Lift jars out of hot water one at a time, draining water. Ladle hot jam
into hot jars using a wide-mouth funnel,
leaving 1⁄2-inch headspace.
Slide a nonmetallic spatula or chopstick between jam and jar to release
trapped air bubbles.
Wipe rim and threads of jar with a clean, damp cloth. Remove lid from
hot water. Place lid on jar. Screw band down evenly and firmly, just
until resistance is met.
Place in canner and lower into water. Put lid on canner. Bring water to a
boil. Start keeping time after water comes to a rolling boil. Process
1⁄2 pints 10 minutes at a gentle but steady boil.
Turn off heat and remove canner lid. Let canner cool 5 minutes, then
remove jars and set them upright on a dry towel or rack. Do not
retighten bands. Let jars cool 12 to 24 hours.
Once cool, check lids for a good vacuum seal by pressing on center of
each. If center is pulled down and does not flex, remove band and gently
try to lift lid off with your fingertips. If lid does not flex and you
cannot lift it off, seal is set. Wipe lid and jar surface with a clean,
damp cloth to remove food particles and residue. Label. Store jars in a
cool, dry, dark place.
From: MarthaStewart.com/ Posted by Mags
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