If your tomato bins are overflowing, homemade salsa is one of the best ways to use them up. Fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices come together into jars that are bright, flavorful, and ready to enjoy with chips, tacos, eggs, and quick weeknight meals. Bookmark this page for easy access to the latest homemade salsa recipes as they are added. Zesty Salsa If you're looking for a classic and versatile option, start with this Zesty Salsa Recipe for Canning. Packed with garden-fresh...
8 days ago • 1 min read
If you have ever opened the canner and noticed that one jar looks a little low on liquid, you are not alone. This is called siphoning, and it can happen even when you follow the steps carefully. The good news is, it is common. The better news is, once you know what causes it, it gets much easier to avoid. In my full guide on siphoning in canning, I cover what siphoning is, why it happens, and the simple things that can help reduce it in future batches. If you are still sorting out the basics...
15 days ago • 1 min read
Canning salmon at home is easier than a lot of people think. It gives you a convenient pantry meal that tastes good and keeps well. In this recipe, you only need salmon and optional salt, and you do not add water or broth. Here are the big things to remember: Start with fresh, cleaned fish, and keep it cold until you are ready to can it, no more than two days. Remove the head, tail, scales, fins, and skin, then wash away any blood. Cut the salmon into pieces that fit easily into pint or...
22 days ago • 1 min read
Pepper harvests don't always line up with the recipe in front of you. That's fine, as long as the swap stays inside a tested canning recipe. Keep the same total amount, stick with peppers that fit the recipe's heat and texture, and don't guess when it comes to vinegar, acid, or jar size. Read the full guide to safe pepper substitutions for canning for a quick refresher before you start the jars. A few pepper-packed recipes worth keeping on hand: Pickled Banana Peppers Turn fresh banana...
29 days ago • 1 min read
Beef jerky does not have to be a store-bought snack. With a lean cut of beef, a good marinade, and a little patience, you can make a batch at home that fits your taste and your pantry. If you want a simple place to start, try this Easy Teriyaki Beef Jerky Recipe. It is a straightforward option for home food preservers who want a savory, homemade snack without a lot of fuss. A few basics make a big difference. Slice the meat evenly, follow the recipe, and give the jerky plenty of time to dry....
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Baked beans belong on the summer picnic table. They go with burgers, ribs, hot dogs, and all the picnic food that shows up when the grill gets going. For a shelf-stable option, try this Homemade Baked Beans Recipe for Canning. It's a practical way to stock your pantry before the cookout season hits full swing. Why they earn a spot in your pantry: They bring smoky, sweet comfort to just about any summer spread. They fit right in at cookouts, potlucks, and lazy nights when dinner needs to be...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
A good canning season is not just about filling shelves, it's about making the jars you'll reach for all year. These condiments bring big flavor to simple meals, and each one is a smart way to put up produce while it's at its best. Homemade Tomato Ketchup A pantry staple that fits everything from fries to burgers to meatloaf. A homemade batch gives you a familiar condiment with a fresh-from-the-kitchen feel. Get the Recipe! Taco Sauce Recipe A handy jar to keep around for taco night and...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
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...
about 2 months 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,...
2 months ago • 1 min read