canning

this time of year marks just the beginning of canning season for me.  canning isn't always easy, but for me it can be very relaxing.  there is something very rewarding when you have a pantry full of homemade yumminess!

over the weekend, i made my first batch of strawberry jam.  i'm not going to write out the recipe, because it's not mine.  but i will tell you where to find it...go here.

wash the fruit

sterilize the jars

hull the strawberries

zest lemons, juice the lemons and add sugar

cook the lemon juice, zest and sugar

add the strawberries

put the jam in jars

the jars of jam go for a bath

all done and ready for the pantry!

pioneer woman has a great post on jam canning 101...part 1 and part 2  

i didn't use her recipe because it had a ton of sugar and you had to use pectin...which i was out of.  

i will be canning more this summer, want to come over and join me?