You’ve heard the saying “Variety is the spice of life.” Well, spices bring variety to your menu, as well. You’ve been spending all year investing in and improving your food storage basics. But who wants to eat just bread, rice and beans? It’s time to fill your pantry by stocking up on the extras that…
First, a short history In the 1860’s, a tinsmith named John L. Mason invented what we now call the Mason jar—a glass jar with a threaded lip and a reusable metal lid. Since then, this homemaker’s wonder has allowed people all over the world to preserve fruit, pickles, relishes and jams. Even though people of…
There’s not much that you really need to get started canning. A canner with rack and some canning jars with 2-piece lids will get you started. And maybe a jar lifter, magnetic lid wand, funnel and timer. Altogether all of this can cost you as little as $10 if you buy it at rummage sales…
Canning can be the backbone of your food storage plans and is a very safe method for preserving food if you follow tested and safe canning directions. Please do not take any shortcuts. For the latest information on canning, please consult reliable, up-to-date sources, such as the USDA. What do I need to start canning?…
We’ll talk more about canning later in the year, but since we have a goal this month of Learning a New Skill, I thought I’d mention canning as a good skill to learn. Once you learn to can, you can be canning something almost every month, putting lots of ready-made dinners into your pantry. Which…
That’s right. This time of year, turkey is the best meat bargain you can find. Grocery stores use it as a loss leader to entice you to do all your holiday shopping at their store. With coupons and other special offers, you can get some really amazing deals on turkey this season. Your goal is…