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Canning season is starting to slow down in these parts so I finally have a moment to write about something other than recipes (although, I have a lot more recipes to still post!).
Often, my inbox has a message or two from someone asking me a canning question. I love that I am able to help out (or at least give it my best shot). Many times, if I do not know the answer right away, I go straight to one of my canning books. I use these daily and think that they are essential for any home canner.
Pinterest and blogs (like this one!) are great resources for canning as well and don’t ever hesitate to message me if you would like my advice/help! I love these books because they not only have great recipes, they also have lots of valuable canning tips and safe-canning information.
That being said, I’m slightly a canning rebel. I don’t always follow the recipe exactly but I do make sure to can as safely as possible. Don’t try this at home. If you are not an experienced canner, that is. 🙂
The first canning book I ever received was the Ball® Blue Book of Preserving. This was handed down to me from my Grandma and I am so thankful for her gift. She has passed down canners, jars, rings, lots of canning equipment but this book has helped me more than anything else.
I appreciate that the recipes are simple and easy to follow. There are basic instructions for both water bath and pressure canning. There also is some information on freezing foods as well as dehydrating. It is a great basic book for any home canner. As you can see, this is a well-loved book :).
The second book I have is Ball® Complete Book of Home Preserving. My husband gave this to me as a gift and this really pushed me into “crazy canning lady” mode. There are so many wonderful recipes and I do hope that someday I at least try most of them! 400 recipes will take me awhile to get through though!
There are beautiful color pictures and very-handy tips on the side of every page. This book also has instructions for water bath and pressure canning as well as some information on other preserving methods. I lovingly refer to this one as my “canning bible” as it is always the first one I turn to when I need help.
If you are new to canning, or even a seasoned canner looking for more fun recipes to try- I recommend getting one or both of these books. Ball® (or Kerr®) is a great, reputable company and I trust their canning equipment (the only lids I will buy), recipes, and methods. Also, these make great gifts- holidays are coming up fast!
I hope this review proved helpful, please let me know if you have any further questions/comments!
Thank you for stopping by the homestead!
Until next time,
Melissa
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