The story of this post actually begins over a year ago. When I was at a Relief Society meeting with some ladies from my ward way back then, we did a little service exchange where we could offer services and accept services of others. I picked up my friend Erin's offer to teach me how to pressure can meat and to use her pressure cooker to do some for myself. I thought, "That's an interesting skill I'd like to try," picked up the card and promptly stored it away waiting for a good time to use it.
My mother never canned meat that I remember, and she never even used a pressure cooker that I know of. So this was very new territory for me. My mom did those boiling water bath canning type ventures where she canned fruits, jams, and salsas. I remember those sessions being long and messy.
When I was able to score a deal a few weeks ago where I could pick up 40 lbs of chicken for $1.49 a pound, I knew now was my chance to cash in on my friend's offer. There was no way I could freeze that much meat in my small freezer, so canning would have to be the way to make it work. I did freeze about 10 lbs. of it, but I still had plenty to can.
My friend Erin was a little bit nervous about how long it would take to do that much meat in her canner that only holds 5 pints, so I also called on my friend Sarah to see if I could borrow her canner that holds 10 pints. I got a lesson from her on her canner, took a class at Shar's Kitchen on basic canning, and then had Erin come over with a quick lesson on her canner, and I was set. After a few hours over a couple of days, I had 28 pints of cooked canned chicken. Each and every one of them sealed. :)
I had so much fun and was so excited about my new skill, that I decided to can some pinto beans in the jars I had left. Shar's was great for giving me recipes and instructions on the basic techniques of canning proteins so I felt confident. I did 8 pints of beans on Saturday and will probably do at least 15 more before I return the canner to Sarah. Meanwhile, I am filling my cupboards. ;)
I'm nerdy. I like learning new things, and I like doing things that I hope are helping my family.
Any new skills you are all learning out there? ;)
3 comments:
I'll have to get back to you on the new skills dept but I just had to tell you that is very impressive! Way to go!
Whoa.
The photos make it more real than your description ;)
Learning... hum. I bravely posted my photos from the Joy of Love class tonight. I am not brave enough to pu them far out, but on my blog yes. I am not using all the techniques, saving some, as the world is spinning fast right now. Trying the easy ones.
I also, and you may not believe this, said no to an invite for the weekend. It was the right call right now, but not easy. Maybe I am finally learning to do it? Miss you!
I'm so glad that the canning worked out for you!!! You rock! We'll work on the steam canning next!
love ya, girl!
Sare
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