Canning & Jamming

I can remember, just like it was yesterday, picking green beans from my grandfather's garden in Gallatin, Tennessee and afterwards sitting with him on the sun porch snapping those beans for hours.

Fast forward many years, my family was gathered around the dinner table on Easter, my grandfather had passed on the year prior. My grandma, never the cook in the family, had prepared a lovely meal for our family. Someone complimented the green beans, and she responded that Grandpa had made them. As in the Ghost of Grandpa?? We all quickly put two & two together and realized that these beans had been canned long prior and we were just now enjoying them. 

I recently read an article in Southern Living magazine about a lady that had planned her own funeral to the point of having casseroles in the freezer for when her family began to arrive after her passing. It may seem a bit strange but it doesn't get much more hospitable then that! 

Canning always intimidated me but once you get the hang of it and find your rhythm it really does connect you to the past and is such a great way to offer gifts to your family and friends. 

This may be my favorite recipe that I preserve. It's so nice to always have a few jars in the pantry to offer as a quick gift and I've never seen anyone turn away a Ritz Cracker covered in cream cheese & pepper jelly! I picked up these beautiful jalapenos at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market this past weekend.  Enjoy!

Jalepeno Pepper Jelly

3/4 to 1 pound jalapeno peppers

1 red pepper

1 1/2 c. apple cider vinegar

6 1/2 c. sugar

1 box Certo Pectin

Bring everything except the Pectin to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes and add the pectin. Cool slightly & can them up! 


Canning Tips & Instructions: http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/preserving-canning/general-canning-steps/

Here's a great canning kit: