Elwood and family's journal of our ss journey

Man that sux.

Well we canned 18 quarts of green beans today. Sadly we bought them. But not from a store. Fresh picked.
First time using a pressure cooker!
We got very lucky and bought the pressure cooker for $20 from a lady that was moving. Bought a bunch of jars and water bath canner from another family that decided they didnt want to can after all.
So far we have canned tomatoes, banana jam, and now beans

Isn't the jars of food very calming & reassuring for you? Not to mention how pretty they are. I've always loved looking at shelves of home canned foods.

Just wait until you grow some next year. You will love canning and putting things up like that. It's an OLD way to preserve. Heck, my grands each raised 7 & 8 kids, fed with canned goods from their garden! Hunted rabbit & deer, etc. No stores close and no vehicle.

Yep, canning is a basic sustainer like fermenting, root cellaring, and raising chickens for eggs & meat. ME, I feel my goats, chickens, & garden … provide all I need with just a little flour, coffee, sugar to buy. Got to have my coffee! I can make the bread/biscuits, cakes, cookies, etc. if wanted.

That canner is an investment you will use for years! Now, watch for good used jars at yard sales, etc. You will need a lot of them. Grab a few at a time as you see & can spend for them. When the crop is ready is no time to look for bargains!

Good job. Enjoy.

Yes we cant wait to be putting up our own crops. We have in the past and it was very rewarding.
Today we have been pickeling. Hot and spicy eggs for me. Carrots and sweet onions for everyone.
Also have 6 pounds of pears cooking for pear butter.
Apple butter tomorrow

I love the sound of lids sealing!!

Yes, that plink is totally enjoyable. Positive reinforcement after a hard job!

Yes it is!

This has been our first time using a pressure cooker. Glad we found one cheap! We love it.
First time with the pear and apple butter as well. The apple butter is making the house smell amazing!

I've got apple butter cooking today too.

Awesome!
As it is our first time we made 4 pints of apple and pear butter. That with our banana jam should have us set for quite awhile.
Would like to do more green beans but have to see what we can get.