Do you Can?
Canning is one of those things I’ve never really gotten in to. Sure, I’ve dabbled in making jams before, but I’ve never gone through the extra steps to process the cans. I just always make a small enough batch that we use the jam up within a month, so there’s no need to actually preserve the contents of the jar. For whatever reason, it intimidates me. Yeast, caramel, and marshmallows are all kitchen fears that I’ve conquered and I’m here to tell you guys that I plan to conquer my fear of canning.
Lucky for me, Ball reached out to see if I would be interested in participating in their National Can-It-Forward Day on August 17th. It’s like they somehow knew about my determination to get over my fear of canning or something. They sent me a few supplies to host a Canning Party on August 17th with some local friends, and they’ve agreed to do a giveaway so that one of you can try your hands at canning. Even if you’re a seasoned vet, this package will come in very handy for you.
And for everyone who doesn’t win, be sure to check out FreshPreserving.com for tips, recipes, supplies, and everything you need to know about canning.
On the 17th, I will be posting a link to a live webcast of canning demos where viewer questions will be answered real-time. You can also follow along to see who’s joining in the fun with Twitter hashtag #canitforward.
But for now, let’s get to the giveaway details. I’m doing it now so that the winner will have their prize package in time for National Can-It-Forward day and can participate as well. There is a maximum of four entries per person.
Prize Package Includes:
– The Ball Canning Discovery Kit containing a Polypropylene rack with separate, fitted lifter, three 1-pint jars, Illustrated, simplified canning instruction Recipe book
– The Ball Blue Book Guide To Preserving
– One coupon for a free case of Ball brand canning jars
Rules Giveaway Closed:
– Giveaway will close at 11:59PM (EST) on Wednesday, August 7, 2013
– Must be a US resident
– First (required) entry: leave a comment letting me know what your experience level with canning is and if it’s something you’d like to get more in to. If you’re an experienced canner, what’s your favorite thing to can?
– One additional entry allowed if you like my Facebook page (and come back here to leave an additional comment telling me so)
– One additional entry allowed if you like Ball’s Facebook page (and come back here to leave an additional comment telling me so)
– One additional entry allowed if you like Ball on Pinterest (and come back here to leave an additional comment telling me so)
– Random winner will be chosen on August 8 and notified with a reply to your comment. Winner must respond within 24 hours with a valid US mailing address.
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
I’m a novice with canning but about two or so years ago had purchased the canner and supplies, went to an informational session at a local food show, and then never actually did it. Like you, I found it kind of intimidating and never really had the kind of time in the day that they stress is needed in order to closely watch your jars as they process. I hate the idea of messing it up and feeling like I not only failed it, but also wasted any food or supplies! So I just never did it, but maybe it’s time to give it a try!
I used to can tomatoes from our garden and applesauce from apples that we picked at a local farm. That was in the late 70’s and early 80’s. We bought a chest freezer in 1983 and since then we have frozen our garden produce. After being without electricity as a result of hurricane Irene and Super Storm Sandy, I learned a valuable lesson about preserving food. I will back to canning my tomatoes this year.
Thanks for partnering with Ball for the great giveaway.
I’m following Ball on pinterest as KatieQ.
http://pinterest.com/katieq/following/
I like you on FB.
I liked Ball on FB and left a comment.
I’m pretty much a canning beginner. I have a fear of not doing it right, then being disappointed when I open the jar months later to find that the contents have spoiled. But, I am determined to give canning a try, especially to preserve all of the tomatoes that I am hoping my garden will give me by the end of the season.
I like your page on FB.
I have never canned before but always wanted to try. My mom always made awesome jellies that were so good.
Liked BB facebook page
Followed Ball on pinterest
Liked Ball on FB
I love to can, but I don’t do it enough. My favorite canning project is probably lemonade concentrate.
I have had success canning pepper jelly and pickling jalapeno peppers. I would love to branch out and try making/canning tomato sauce.
Oh my goodness! I love canning…I made pickles yesterday and this weekend I’m hoping to can some jam. There’s nothing quite like hearing the satisfying little “pop!” of a jar sealing.
i haven’t ever canned before but i am realizing i should probably conquer my fear of it, as well. my tomatoes are slow to ripen this year and i am pretty sure i am going to get hit with hundreds of them at the same time. there are far worse things that could happen to a gal but i sure would hate for them to go to waste!
Want to invite me lol? J/K but I too have a fear of canning, which is really silly when you consider that my mom and sister are both dedicated canners. I will be watching with interest!
beantownbaker — August 8th, 2013 @ 9:34 am
Congratulations Laura! You’ve won the giveaway package from Ball. Please email your mailing address to me at jen@beantownbaker.com so we can get the package sent out as soon as possible.
I would love to learn canning, but like you I feel it is a bit intimidating!
I began canning when I was 12 with my Mom,lets just say it was awhile ago …lol…I still can every year with her and my 2 daughters..we love it and do a wide variety of veggies left over from my garden and some jams..its a great way to teach and bring family together
like your facebook page
I liked Ball’s page on Facebook.
I followed Ball on Pinterest.
I love to can peaches and apricots. Nothing better in the wintertime!
I like your facebook page
I like Ball’s Facebook page
I like Ball on Pinterest-immortalb4
I just started canning this year for the first time. We’ve already made slasa, watermelon jelly and strawberry jam. I can’t wait to do crushed tomatoes later this year as well as applesauce and apple butter!
I was intimidated also, but just jumped right in.
I like your facebook page!
I like Ball’s Facebook page.
I follow Ball on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/js_wonders/
i liked your Facebook Page!
I liked Ball’s Facebook Page!!
I”m following Ball on Pinterest!!
I have canned before, but not since I was a teen (with my mother)
I like your Facebook page as Margot Core
I like Ball’s Facebook page as Margot Core
I like Ball on Pinterest as Margot Core