Canning Adventures: From Beef Stew to Chicken Soup - Preserving the Flavors of Homemade Delights
Embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the exciting world of pressure canning.
Over the past two days, my husband and I had a delightful time exploring our local Save-A-Lot store and gathering an assortment of fresh ingredients, including carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, peppers, mushrooms, chicken, and beef. With these ingredients in hand, we embarked on a canning adventure, preserving the flavors of homemade beef stew, mushrooms, chicken soup, and chicken with gravy in convenient jar form. Join us as we share our experiences and guide you through the process of pressure canning these delectable creations.
Recipe 1: Beef Stew in Jars
Ingredients:
- - Beef, cubed
- - Carrots, peeled and chopped
- - Celery, chopped
- - Onions, diced
- - Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- - Peppers, chopped (optional)
- - Beef broth or stock
- - Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Stew:
In a large pot, brown the cubed beef over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and continue cooking until they become translucent. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and peppers (if using), and sauté for a few minutes.
2. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in enough beef broth or stock to cover the ingredients in the pot. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves, adjusting the amounts to your taste preference. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Fill the Jars:
Using a ladle, carefully transfer the beef stew into clean, sterile jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.
4. Pressure Can the Jars:
Following the manufacturer's instructions for your pressure canner, process the beef stew jars at the appropriate pressure and time for your altitude. Ensure that the canner reaches the recommended pressure and maintain it throughout the processing time.
Recipe 2: Canned Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- - Fresh mushrooms
- - Water
- - Lemon juice (optional, for preserving color)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mushrooms:
Clean and trim the mushrooms, removing any dirt or blemishes. If desired, you can slice or leave them whole.
2. Blanch the Mushrooms:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the mushrooms and blanch them for about 5 minutes. Blanching helps preserve their texture and color.
3. Fill the Jars:
Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the blanched mushrooms into clean, sterile jars. Add a splash of lemon juice to each jar if you want to preserve their color. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace.
4. Add Liquid and Process:
Fill the jars with boiling water, covering the mushrooms while maintaining the 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on the jars, and process them in a pressure canner according to the recommended time and pressure for your altitude.
Recipe 3: Chicken Soup and Chicken with Gravy
Ingredients:
- - Chicken, cooked and shredded or diced
- - Assorted vegetables (such as carrots, celery, onions)
- - Chicken broth or stock
- - Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, thyme)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Soup and Gravy:
In a large pot, combine the cooked chicken, assorted vegetables, and chicken broth or stock. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, adjusting the flavors to suit your preference. Simmer the mixture until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
2. Fill the Jars:
Using a ladle, carefully portion the chicken soup and chicken with gravy into clean, sterile jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth.
3. Pressure Can the Jars:
Process the jars of chicken soup and chicken with gravy in a pressure canner according to the recommended time and pressure for your altitude. Ensure that the canner reaches the appropriate pressure and maintain it throughout the processing time.
Preserving the flavors of fresh ingredients through pressure canning allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade beef stew, mushrooms, chicken soup, and chicken with gravy at any time.
By following these simple recipes and using proper canning techniques, you can savor the taste of your culinary adventures for months to come. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your pressure canner, and embark on your own journey of preserving the bounty of flavors in convenient jars.
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