It seems that the past-time of canning that often the older generation would do- is making an impressive comeback. The reasons for this are many: food costs, knowing exactly what we are eating, planning for the upcoming winter, among more. And while there are the obvious perks of canning our own food, there’s also the social aspect of canning if you do it with friends and family.
In the middle of this last summer, I spent a day over at my friend’s canning peaches. It was a perfect time spent together, we laughed and shared stories like we always do, but this time we had some work to do. And really, when you are doing a job like canning with a friend, that ‘work’ not only goes by quickly but the extra set of hands and help, makes the job that much more easier. We canned peaches that day, (let me tell you it’s a real treat to pop open a can of summer peaches in the middle of the cold and dark winter), and we knew that we would be rewarded many times this winter with just an afternoon spent canning.
My friend also was able to put to use her grandma’s old water bather canner that she dug out from her stuff, so she was able to put to use something that also more than likely helped to nourish her dad- and possibly her. I don’t know about you, but things like that make me feel pretty happy.
Near the end of the summer I found myself back at my friends, and this time I had brought fish to can. I taught my friend how to pressure can- and that the pressure canner isn’t as scary as it seems. Sometime’s just finally getting to try something takes all the fear away.
I would consider this summer a success as it relates to canning, I have many dozens of jars of salmon, broth and fruits lining my cupboard downstairs. And that my friends, is a wonderful feeling.
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