White potatoes are one of those foods that seem simple, but safety matters here. Because they are low-acid, they need to be pressure canned, not water bath canned. That is the only tested method for making them shelf-stable at home. The best method is a hot pack, which means boiling the potatoes before packing them into jars. This helps them heat evenly and gives you a safer result. It also helps them hold up better in the jar. One thing that often gets overlooked is altitude. If you live...
12 days ago • 1 min read
If you've got a pile of green beans and want something a little sharper than the usual pickle, dilly beans are a solid answer. They're pickled green beans with garlic and dill, and they bring the kind of crunch that makes a jar disappear faster than you planned. Dilly Beans The recipe walks through pickled green beans, also called dilly beans, with a clear, practical method you can follow with confidence. It's a good fit for home food preservers who want a shelf-stable jar with real flavor,...
19 days ago • 1 min read
Blueberries don't need much help. They're already sweet, bright, and easy to put up in a lot of useful ways. If you've got berries on hand, these five recipes give you options for breakfasts, desserts, and quick toppings without much fuss. Blueberry Raspberry Freezer Jam is a good pick when you want a fresh-tasting jam with a little extra berry flavor. Homemade Blueberry Pie Filling is one to keep on the shelf for pies, crisps, and last-minute desserts. Blueberry Syrup works well over...
26 days ago • 1 min read
Strawberry season doesn't last long, so it's a good time to make the most of it. If you want jam, freezer filling, jelly, sauce, or dried strawberries, a good batch starts with good fruit. The berries should be bright red, firm, and fresh-smelling, with no mold or soft spots. For more tips, see how to select strawberries for preserving. Strawberry recipes to keep on hand Strawberry Jam A classic way to put up sweet strawberry flavor in jars for toast, biscuits, and baking. Get the Recipe!...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Fresh herbs, dried peppers, and a few pantry staples can turn into seasoning blends you'll actually use. If you dehydrate your own ingredients, you can make mixes that fit your cooking and skip the filler found in many store-bought jars. Homemade Paprika Powder The basics are simple: Start with fully dried ingredients. Grind or crumble them to the texture you want. Mix in small batches so the blend stays fresh. Store it in a tight-sealing jar away from heat and light. If you're drying herbs,...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
May is such a good month for preserving. The mix is hard to beat, with sweet berries, cherries, citrus, fresh greens, and a long list of vegetables that are ready for the freezer, dehydrator, pickle jar, or canner. This is the month to watch strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, apricots, lemons, and limes. If you love making jam, jelly, syrup, or fruit leather, now is a great time to stock up. Rhubarb is also worth grabbing while it's looking good. It freezes well and makes an...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Peas are one of the first treats a home garden gives back each year. They show up early, taste sweet when they are fresh, and never stay at their best for long. Because of that, pea season is a great time to preserve a little of spring for later. Fresh Garden Peas If you have a basket of fresh peas on the counter, freezing is one of the easiest ways to keep that just-picked flavor. This guide on how to freeze fresh peas walks you through the process so you can stock your freezer while peas...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Pickled vegetables add bright flavor, color, and crunch to everyday meals. This collection highlights 10 of my favorites, with recipes that fit both new and seasoned home food preservers. Pickled Asparagus Pickled Asparagus brings crisp texture and bold flavor to the jar. It's a great choice for snack boards, salads, or tucking alongside sandwiches. Get the Recipe! Pickled Banana Peppers They are mild, tangy, and easy to use in all kinds of meals. They are especially good on pizzas,...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Ginger recently sent me the kind of note that makes this work extra special: "I love the emails you send my way. You are doing a great job, keeping up with your work and sharing with all of us. That is a different type of Peach Jam that I really want to make as soon as we get fresh peaches this year." The recipe she mentioned is this Peach Rosemary Jam Recipe. It's a fresh take on peach jam, and the rosemary gives it a flavor that feels a little special without making it hard to love. If you...
2 months ago • 1 min read