Full 'O Beans

 
Wasting no time, we somehow went from pickling to pressure canning over the weekend!  Maybe that's a huge leap or just a natural progression--but I've been thinking about it for awhile now for a number of reasons.  But, a sink full of beans picked fresh from the garden is a pretty good one don't ya think?  I used this canner, and it seemed absolutely enormous when I set it on my stove.  A bit scary, really.  My confidence may have wobbled just a little.  Oh yes, it wobbled.  I contemplated returning it for a smaller pot, but in the end I was satisfied it was the right choice.  I spent an hour (or more) reading through the instruction booklet, thoroughly fixing every safety detail in my mind until my confidence peaked.  My older girls were completely on board, excited even, and helped pick, prepare, and pack the beans.  After a couple of hours we had 10 pint jars ready for the pot and  all ten jars  fit inside with ease, so we only had to process once.  That's the moment when I decided it was the right choice.  When the jars came out and the lids popped in quick succession, we just stood back, arms linked, happy we'd accomplished something so wonderful and worthwhile.  Something perhaps our ancestor pioneers just took for granted as a way of life. 

Together, we are re-learning things. 

Comments

[Teresa Kasner]

I'm so proud of you! I'd love to have such beautiful beans in my garden! We had such a short season this year I didn't even try to plant one.. but maybe next year.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Vee]

Wow. I can imagine the immense pleasure and satisfaction. There is nothing like the right tool for the job at the right time.

[Velma]

I bought a large pressure canner last year. I agree with you, it can be a bit scary using it for the first time. It made my summer canning a lot easier too. Congratulations on a job well done. Did you and the girls do a happy dance when you were through? I did. :-)

[vicki haninger]

The season was short for summer vegetables, we still have lettuce! Let's hope we have a warmer season next summer so you can get some beans!

[vicki haninger]

So true! I'm thrilled we were able to preserve all those beans, otherwise, we'd be eatin' a lot of them this week and next. :oL

[vicki haninger]

Oh my yes...we did the happy dance around the kitchen!

[Kim]

Vicki, I'm a quiet lurker who is really enjoying working on the state flower squares, although I came in really late. Thanks for such a fun project!

On a canning note, I highly recommend this propane burner to can with outdoors.

http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-SP10-High-Pressure-Outdoor/dp/B000291GBQ/

Much safer especially when pressure-canning, keeps a steady heat, and gets things rolling much faster than a kitchen stove. I love mine and now prefer using it since all the heat and risk is kept outside. The only hassle is bringing in hot jars when you're done. But they can be left out in the garage to cool, so that's not really an issue.

Sure enjoy your blog!