off topic - Canning

July 24, 2001

I know this is off topic, but I thought some of you out there might be

experts at canning. We have a wonderful garden for the first time this

year and now I need a crash course on canning tips. Is there any pressure

cooker or canning suppies that anyone suggests? All the stuff I've found

on the web so far has been aluminium...want to avoid that if I can. Also,

does anyone have a favorite juicer? We have one, but we need something

easier to clean and one that can do fruit and/or veggies. My ds broke our

nut chopper while he was helping with the dishes the other night. Does

anyone have a favorite appliance for chopping nuts? What does everyone use

to cut up your fresh herbs? Any dehydrating tips or favorite dehydraters?

Thanks! If you want to mail me privately I'm at linda.evans

Linda

July 24, 2001

Hi Linda, I have a simple presto pressure cooker. The

outside is aluminum for heat conductivity, but the

inside is stainless steel. I have not canned with it

yet, but may try with this years harvest.

This is how I dry my herbs:

1. Wash and pat dry herbs. Remove leaves from stems

and measure 1 1/2 to 2 cups of leaves.

2. Evenly spread leaves on a double thickness of

paper towels. Microwave on High (100%) for 4 to 6

minutes. Stir several times during drying.

3. When properly dried, herbs will be brittle and

will rattle when stirred. Store in an air-tight

container in a cool, dry place.

Another way is to hang bunches upside-down in a cool

dry place for a few days until dried. To catch seeds

for next year, place cookie sheets under them.

Also, they can be dried at your ovens lowest setting

on a cookie sheet. There will be no need to chop

dried herbs, because they will crumble.

I think these links will help you. Good luck, Wendy

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MENU_HE:HOME_CANNING_GUIDE

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/scripts/htmlgen.exe?MENU_HE:Drying_Foods

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MENU_HE:Freezing_Fruit

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MENU_HE:Freezing_Vegs

Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Messenger

http://phonecard./

July 25, 2001

Linda,

When I started canning, I went to the library and checked out a " mess o'books " .

The Sunset version was very comprehensive and clear. I also found a web site

for

Bernadin (sp?) that includes instructions, supplies, and a chat board.

As for supplies, I use the standard Ball/Kerr lids that I buy at the grocery

store.

I inherited a bunch of rings and glass jars from relatives. I just use a stock

pot as a boiling

water bath and process according to directions.

Linda

Linda Evans wrote:

> I know this is off topic, but I thought some of you out there might be

> experts at canning. We have a wonderful garden for the first time this

> year and now I need a crash course on canning tips. Is there any pressure

> cooker or canning suppies that anyone suggests? All the stuff I've found

> on the web so far has been aluminium...want to avoid that if I can. Also,

> does anyone have a favorite juicer? We have one, but we need something

> easier to clean and one that can do fruit and/or veggies. My ds broke our

> nut chopper while he was helping with the dishes the other night. Does

> anyone have a favorite appliance for chopping nuts? What does everyone use

> to cut up your fresh herbs? Any dehydrating tips or favorite dehydraters?

>

> Thanks! If you want to mail me privately I'm at linda.evans

>

> Linda

>

> For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at

http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to

http://www.vrg.org/family.

>

July 26, 2001

Pampered chef has a chopper that is great for chopping nuts. Goes in the

dishwasher also.

-

Linda Evans <linda.evans

Tuesday, July 24, 2001 12:15 AM