Monday, July 24, 2017

Pickling and Preservation

I think a lot of cooks are afraid of getting into pickling and preserving foods because of concerns over food safety. In the last month I have done more canning and pickling than I had my entire life and have developed a certain confidence both in method and result.


One of my favorite pickles is Bread and Butter pickles, shown here. They are sweet-sour and spicy. I can eat half a jar in one sitting. They are very easy to make and in the end, fun. When you consider the $3-6 cost of a small jar of these you can see why they are economical. I love cooking anything, so that is another benefit.

I got this recipe from Food in Jars by Marisa McClellan. It is a relatively small, but information filled book that really explains how to can and preserve food in your own kitchen. During my recent experience I got the time to complete the process down to a little more than an hour.

Some tips for your adventure.


  • Get a canner with a rack.
  • Buy the best, freshest veggies that you can.
  • Process tips:
  • You can buy jars at thrift shops or garage sales and save money
I recommend starting with something you and your family really like. If you have a garden then this process is even cheaper, as you have a free source for many of your veggies. 

Have fun!