You can save a lot of time and money with one simple habit, check your supplies and ingredient amounts before you begin. Preserving days go best when everything is ready. No last-minute store runs, no swapping jars halfway through, no guessing if you have enough lids, sugar, or vinegar. A quick pre-check keeps the work calm and keeps your food safe. The 10-minute pre-check that saves your whole session Before you wash produce or heat a canner, do this: Read the recipe start to finish. Make...
11 days ago • 1 min read
Keeping food safe matters, but so does keeping it simple. The fastest way to save time and money while preserving food is to match the food to the right method. When you do, your results are better, your prep feels lighter, and you waste less. Choose your method first, not last Canning Best for shelf-stable jars you can grab anytime. Great when freezer space is tight, or you want ready-to-use basics in the pantry. Use safe, tested recipes and the correct processing method (water bath or...
18 days ago • 1 min read
Fresh produce is at its best when it’s in season. It tastes better, it’s often cheaper, and it’s usually easier to find in good shape. That makes it a smart place to start if you want to preserve more, without spending more. This week’s goal is simple: plan your preserving around what’s already abundant. Blueberry Jam Ingredients Why seasonal preserving saves you money (and hassle) Lower prices: In-season crops tend to be available in larger quantities, which can mean better deals. Better...
25 days ago • 1 min read
January is a great time to look closely at your shelves, use what you have preserved, and tidy up for the months ahead. A simple pantry reset helps you stay safe, waste less, and plan easy winter meals. Use this quick checklist to get started. 1. Check Seals and Jar Condition Work one shelf at a time. Move slowly and really look at each jar. Check each jar for: A flat, firmly sealed lid that does not flex No sticky residue on the outside of the jar or ring Clear liquid with no bubbling,...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Thank you for helping Preserving Guide grow into a trusted home for safe, simple food preservation. Every jar on your shelf, every batch you try, helps shape what comes next on the site. This issue looks ahead, but it also takes a moment to celebrate what you already love. Your 3 Favorite Recipes This Year These three recipes keep rising to the top. They are simple, reliable, and perfect for repeat batches. Pickled Banana Peppers Crisp, colorful, and pantry-friendly. These peppers are a go-to...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
December is the perfect time to stock your freezer with ready-to-heat meals. Leftover roasts, ham, and turkey freeze very well when you handle them safely. A little care now means fast, comforting dinners in January. Here is a simple 5-step guide to help you freeze cooked meats with confidence. Step 1: Cool Leftovers Safely Food safety comes first. Get cooked meat into the fridge within 2 hours of cooking If the room is warm (above 90°F), cool and refrigerate within 1 hour Divide large pieces...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Fruit butters make warm, thoughtful gifts and are very friendly for home canners. They are rich, spreadable, and full of concentrated fruit flavor, with less sugar than many jams. I want to highlight four reliable Preserving Guide recipes and share simple steps for slow-cooking, canning, and labeling your jars for gifting. Apple Butter A smooth, slow-cooked spread made from apples, warm spices, and gentle sweetness, perfect for toast, biscuits, or yogurt. This classic fruit butter is rich,...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
I love getting one more useful project out of a holiday turkey. This turkey stock recipe is a simple, practical way to turn a picked-over carcass into jars of rich broth for soups, gravies, and quick meals all year. Below is a clear, step-by-step outline for making the stock, plus a few safety reminders for home canners. This recipe comes from the United States Department of Agriculture's Complete Guide to Home Canning. This email may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through links...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Looking to surprise the food preserver in your life? I put together my favorite beginner-friendly picks for canning, dehydrating, pickling, and freezing. Every idea supports safe, tested methods, so the gifts actually get used. See the full list in The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Beginner Food Preservers. This post may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Here's how it works Canning Essentials Water bath and steam...
2 months ago • 1 min read