The first frost is coming, and those peppers are ready to come in. A little planning now means you can enjoy their flavor long after the garden is done for the season. Freeze a quick batch Wash and dry your peppers, remove the stems and seeds if you like, then slice or chop them for the way you cook. Freeze them in meal-size portions. The texture will soften after thawing, so frozen peppers work best in cooked dishes. Dehydrate and make pepper powder Drying is a handy way to use up a bigger...

Fall is a good time to take a quick look through your pantry and freezer. A little checking now can help you use older foods while they're still at their best. Canned jars: Check that lids are firmly sealed and look for leaks, bulging lids, or signs of spoilage. Discard jars with broken seals or anything that looks or smells off. Don't taste questionable food. Dates and labels: Make sure each jar is labeled with its contents and canning date. Use the oldest jars first, and store sealed jars...

Cranberries shine in jars. This list gathers bright, reliable recipes for 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 all the...