Canning Caramel: A Sweet Success Story in a Jar
Hello, fellow canning enthusiasts!
Today, we're diving into the delightful realm of canning caramel, a process that not only brings a touch of sweetness to your pantry but also saves you a pretty penny compared to store-bought alternatives. Join me as I share my recent adventure in canning sweetened condensed milk to create luscious caramel, a success story that proves homemade treats are within reach for all levels of canners, from safety-conscious to slightly rebellious.
Embracing the Canning Journey
As a member of this wonderful group, I've had the privilege of learning and growing in my canning endeavors. While I find myself somewhere in the middle on the safety vs. rebel scale, my husband, with his wealth of experience, keeps me grounded as I navigate the world of home food preservation. Together, we tend to a 50x100 garden each summer, canning a variety of goodies, from meats to vegetables, jams, jellies, and now, meals in a jar.
Related: Mastering Overnight Crockpot Caramel: A Sweet Symphony of Flavors
A Caramel Creation Adventure
Today's highlight was canning sweetened condensed milk to craft a velvety caramel that promises to elevate our fall desserts and treats. Despite my initial confidence in the process, my dear husband wasn't entirely convinced. However, our joint effort resulted in a resounding success – each jar of caramel sealed perfectly, bringing a sense of accomplishment and joy to our canning kitchen.
Related: Indulge in Sweet Bliss: Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce Recipes for Irresistible Delights
Crafting Homemade Caramel in Jars
Ingredients You'll Need
- - Sweetened condensed milk
- - Mason jars (from your 2019 stash)
- - Crockpot
- - Water for the water bath
Step-by-Step Canning Process
1. Preparation: Open a can of sweetened condensed milk (SCM) and carefully pour it into clean, cold mason jars.
2. Crockpot Magic: Place the filled jars in your crockpot and cover them with water to ensure even heating.
3. Slow and Steady: Set your crockpot to low and let the jars simmer gently for 8 hours, allowing the SCM to transform into a rich, golden caramel.
4. Cool and Enjoy: Once the caramel is ready, remove the jars from the crockpot, let them cool, and marvel at your homemade caramel creation.
Sweet Savings and Satisfaction
Not only did our canning adventure yield jars of delectable caramel, but it also saved us a considerable amount compared to store-bought alternatives. At just around $0.50 per jar, including the cost of the jars purchased in 2019, we now have a supply of homemade caramel that will sweeten our fall desserts without breaking the bank.
Wrapping Up the Canning Tale
In the world of canning, every success story – whether it's sealing jars of caramel or preserving the season's bounty – is a testament to the joy of homemade creations. As we savor the fruits of our labor, let's continue to explore, experiment, and delight in the magic of transforming simple ingredients into culinary treasures that bring happiness to our homes and hearts.
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