Comments on: Overcoming My Fears: Canning

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:01:00 +0000

Yes, I think you covered all of my fears also. I am working on learning to can and sew though. I’m glad I’m not alone.

By: Amy

Amy — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 14:45:00 +0000

Lisa- That was a fear here too! Monica, over at The Homespun Heart (link provided in the entry) was thinking of using fresh pumpkin and was persuaded to use the canned in lieu since it had already been through the canning process once. I am wondering if it is just for the fresh pumpkin that the guidelines are so strict? We have been eating it and haven’t had any problems. I definitely wouldn’t use the fresh though since it sounds like it could be lethal

Thanks so much for commenting!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 13:47:00 +0000

hi there, well hate to be the bearer of bad news but you might want to lean on those fears a bit and not just go by recipe books–check out the USDA recommendations on canning–the USDA (who some follow and others don’t)does not recommend home canning of any pumpkin or squash butter due to the low acid content of squash in general–cubed somehow is better but its that the density of the butter could prevent the heat process from reaching every bit of the product–might want to toss them out–i am actually writing this as I was whipping up a batch to give out as gifts and was looking at online recipes from blogs, books and extension offices and all of the extension offices carry the warning–it goes back to ‘89 and I kept looking for something where it had been “overturned” but to no avail–obviously from the blogs and recipes there seem to be a lot of people out there eating it and presumably not keeling over, but I am not going to risk it and give it instead, unsealed and tell folk to use it in two weeks and keep it refridgerated!

By: Tara

Tara — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:20:00 +0000

Hey! Good for you! I’m conquering knitting, year by year. Each year I pick one or two things to work on and I’m getting better. I figure by the time I’m 80 I’ll be able to make a real sweater!

By: Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings

Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:54:00 +0000

WTG Amy!!

Pumpkin Butter makes a good base for pumpkin pie! Check out my blog sometime for the recipe.

http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2007/10/pumpkin-butter-made-in-your-crock-pot.html

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:44:00 +0000

So proud of you!

Glad you put up the link for those rolls too. I was just getting ready to start some dough to freeze for next week, and remembered this recipe, and here it was. Thanks

I don’t think I’m really afraid of trying anything, but I just don’t make the time to. Of course maybe I am just in denial of my fears!

By: Megan

Megan — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:18:00 +0000

Thanks everyone for all the canning advice.

Amy, that website about canning looks great!

I think I can, I think I can...

By: ChiefFamilyOfficer

ChiefFamilyOfficer — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:26:00 +0000

I am so impressed! Canning is one of my fears but I don’t think I’m motivated enough to try to get over it. I am very afraid that I will end up making someone sick. As for sewing, I’m no longer afraid of it, but I’ve concluded that I really suck at it. Oh well. At least I’m good at other things.

By: Janessa

Janessa — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:33:00 +0000

I've had a lot of fears too. My mom tried to teach me things in high school, but I was just too busy and stressed.

But so far I am overcoming my fear of hair cutting (I found you when I was researching doing so!), 3 times and each one a bit faster.

I canned for the first time this year. Not alone, but with my MIL, which made it really fun. We did way too much at one time and got a bit burnt out :0) We even canned bean soup so we have dinners and lunches on hand. Nummy!

Oh, a friend had a great idea on this. She didn't have any family members to learn from, so she went to some of the ladies in her church and they had a canning day. I thought that was bold and wise.

Sewing is next on my list.

I made it through 2 years of marriage before cooking even one dinner (my husband enjoys it). Then we had our daughter, Husband changed jobs, we chose to eat a vegetarian diet at home, and voila, I'm the cook now! Terrifying and exciting, I guess.
Thanks for all the wonderful tips!

By: Vicky

Vicky — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:41:00 +0000

Hi Amy!

I think we must be long-separated twins or something. ) Our fears are pretty much the same! (Although when I first attempted cooking and baking, one of my favorite things was working with dough – weird, I know!)

I have never attempted canning, even though this is something my mom did A LOT of with a family of 9 kids. I don’t know, something about seeing that pressure cooker jiggling away on the stove really scared me. And I keep thinking that I won’t be able to can because I don’t HAVE a pressure cooker. I don’t think I’ve researched it enough (i.e. not at all – ha!) to be very informed on the subject.

I detest working in the dirt – something I will have to get over if we are going to have a home on 5 acres and a big garden so I can be more frugally-minded and feed our family! I need to have a better attitude about it so I don’t turn off our kids; I don’t think my mom liked it and it was a chore, not fun, for us, so consequently, I now dislike it.

I got a sewing machine a few years ago from my MIL, sweet woman (I had asked for it, it wasn’t a hint or anything! ) and I meant to take a class but time got away from me. Despite not having a basic class, I have sewed some valances and pillows and even a quilt or two (made of 2 sheets and some batting). That’s about all I can manage – anything else to me is scary!

I think it’s great that you are showing your kids how to overcome your fears – what a terrific role-model! Way to go!