Canning 101

Last year when I announced that I have a L-O-V-E for canning many of you said..."TEACH ME!"

So here is my fabulously amazing Canning 101 class.

Todays Topic is Tomatoes (yes I know a few out there don't like them *cough*Sarah)

First harvest your crop (or buy them...whateves)

In a LOVE-R-LY pot bring water to BOIL....

Reduce Heat

After water is boiling drop in as many as you like of the red little orbs aka tomatoes or for Sarah..devils fruit into the pan water.. Allow to blanche for 1 to 2 minutes (you do not want to cook them...just get them blanched)

Take out of Pan....(Careful the little suckers are hot)

Peel the little Heaven Fruit....this is rather easy after they have been blanched the skin peels right off. {oh and this is the fun part}

In clean bottles put your tomatoes.. Now you can leave them whole if you like...I quarter mine...or you can half them....or eighth them......Fill up bottles!

Now once you have the bottles filled you will want to run a knife down the sides of the bottles to release any air pockets.

Wipe clean the top of the Jars.....put on lids and rings.

NOW THIS IS THE ACTUAL PROCESSING PART (DON'T SKIP THIS)

In a canner (I have no clue where to get one...I have my mommas old one.) Put your jars (make sure you have a rack in the bottom because you cannot have the jars sitting directly on the bottom) Fill Canner with water just so the jars are covered. Allow water to come to a boil. After the water is brought to a boil allow to process for 30 minutes.

Take Jars out of canner after 30 minutes and allow to cool. You will be tempted to touch the tops of the jars..don't. Let them cool. You may hear "POPPING" that is the jars sealing. When the Jars are 100% cool tap the lids they should have sealed ....fallen tight.

VIOLA...you did it!

{if you have any more questions that I might be able to answer.....leave me a comment...or just validate me and my awesomeness!}