Keep produce simple, safe, and flavorful with these fast tips you can trust. Quick setup Wash, dry, and trim produce well. Slice evenly at 1/8 to 1/4 inch for faster, even drying. Arrange in a single layer with space between the pieces. Rotate trays halfway through for even results. Use parchment for fruit leathers, not for jerky. Prep that pays off Prevent browning on apples, pears, and bananas with ascorbic acid or lemon juice. Blanch sturdy vegetables, like carrots or green beans, for 2 to...
11 days ago • 1 min read
Cranberries shine in jars. This list pulls together bright, reliable recipes that fit a busy canning day. Each recipe walks you through safe steps, clear ingredients, and tested methods you can trust. Cranberries are one of my favorite items to can each year. Cranberry Jelly I love starting with a classic. This shiny, sweet jelly captures the true flavor of fresh apples. Spread it on warm toast or swirl it into yogurt for breakfast. The process is simple, but a clear set of instructions makes...
18 days ago • 1 min read
Fresh pumpkins and winter squash store well, but they can also be canned and frozen for long-term storage. Here is how to keep that harvest safe and tasty all season. Canning Pumpkin and Winter Squash Pressure Can in Cubes Only Never can pumpkin and squash puree, it is too dense for safe canning. Use peeled, seeded cubes packed in hot liquid. Do not mash before canning. Follow the tested times, headspace, and pressure, and adjust for your altitude. Full Step-by-Step Instructions Freezing...
25 days ago • 1 min read
October brings a full pantry and busy hands. This month is perfect for canning, freezing, drying, and pickling using safe and reliable methods. Keep it simple, follow tested recipes, and enjoy the jars you will reach for all year. Fruits in season in October Apples Pears Figs Grapes Blackberries Raspberries Peaches Nectarines Plums Cranberries Pomegranates Kiwi Vegetables in season in October Cucumbers Summer squash Corn Peppers Tomatoes Eggplants Artichokes Peas Sweet potatoes Parsnips...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Dehydrated pears and plums make the best grab-and-go snacks. Sweet, chewy, and easy to pack. I keep a jar on the counter for fast lunches and after-school bites. Here is how I slice, prevent browning, and dry for an even finish, with flavor ideas kids love. What to use Pears: Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou. Ripe, still firm. Plums: Any variety. Freestone types slice easily. Prep and prevent browning Wash fruit. Peel pears if you want softer slices, and keep plum skins on. Core pears, pit plums....
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Bring out the full flavor of your garden with practical ways to save fresh herbs. Drying, freezing, and infusing oil or vinegar help stretch garden harvests and add taste to meals in any season. Each method has its own benefits, and it's easy to pick what fits your style. Drying Herbs for Lasting Use Air-drying is a classic method. Just bundle clean stems, tie them with a string, and hang them in a warm, dry room. When they crumble easily, store them in airtight jars. Dried herbs can pack...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
September brings the best of two seasons. Late summer favorites overlap with the very first signs of fall. The variety is a treat for home preservers and families who look forward to filling the pantry with the flavors of the harvest. What’s In Season Fruits finishing their season include strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, and nectarines. These don’t last much longer, so now is the time for making quick jams, fruit sauces, or simple preserves. Plums, melons, figs, and grapes...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
It's apple season, and nothing beats the feeling of jars cooling on the counter or a pantry bursting with homemade apple products. I find that apples are one of the easiest fruits to preserve at home. With just a few simple steps, you can keep that crisp fall flavor going all year. Here are nine of my trusted ways to turn your apple harvest into something special: Apple Jelly I love starting with a classic. This shiny, sweet jelly captures the true flavor of fresh apples. Spread it on warm...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Summer brings the sweetest corn. Home preservers know, this is the time to save that flavor. With a little planning, you can enjoy homegrown taste all year. Here are a few favorite ways to make the most of sweet corn season. Enjoy Corn Fresh or Try Summer Salsa Corn fresh from the cob tastes like a summer day. For something new, make a batch of salsa. The sweet corn and cherry tomatoes together are a must-try. Just follow this Corn and cherry tomato salsa recipe for detailed steps and canning...
2 months ago • 1 min read