First time canning

[Fritz_Monroe]

My wife and I canned a batch of Annie's Salsa today. It was our first canning experience and I learned a couple things and have a question.

 

First I learned that I don't have the tools to do this safely. I used a large set of BBQ tongs to put the jars in and out of the pot for sterilization. I made sure that I only touched the outside of the jar, and as I dumped out the boiling water from each jar, the 3rd one in, half of that water traveled down the tongs and over my hand. I now have blisters on the first knuckles of my left hand.

 

I also found that I need a canning funnel. I first started just filling them with a ladle. Not even half way filling a jar I found that this was going to be messy. So I had to make a funnel. I cut the end off a plastic funnel we have in the kitchen and it worked great. But now we need a new funnel.

 

The solution to these problems in getting the proper tools. I ordered some of them this evening. So next batch will go smoother. (hopefully)

 

Now the question is about air bubbles. I used a plastic stick to work the bubbles out, but now that they are canned, there is a bubble in one of them. It's not even 1/8" in diameter, but it's definately a bubble. Is this a problem?

 

Finally, I ended up with just over 7 pints. All 7 jars sealed.

[Virginia]

I often have bubbles in my jars after canning. You did good!

[Darlene]

FM, congrats on your salsa...and yes, the tools really make all the difference in the world.

 

When my mom taught me how to can, I didn't even know about any of these tools either, andwhen I did find out about them they sure made the job so much easier.

 

The bubble is fine, not to worry. I don't use any 'official' bubble buster myself...I use things like the handle of a wooden spoon, etc.

[PoGo]

Sounds like you did great, Fritz_Monroe! You will definitely enjoy your new tools. I use a wooden skewer for removing bubbles.

[suzann]

The first time I canned I also did not have the proper tools. I can very much relate to the burning of the fingers/hands and the mess.

I now have the proper tools and what a difference.

Congradulations(sp?)...on your first canning.

 

It is addicting

 

[Crazy4Canning]

You are fine with the small bubble. I still get a few now and then. What the bubble-freer does is to remove the potentially LARGE ones that might harbor bacteria....

 

Welcome to the addiction! As with any job, proper tools can make all the difference!

 

Something I ALWAYS have on hand in the kitchen is a bowl of hot water. This summer, I seem to be dipping my fingers in it quite a bit - it's a life saver if you burn yourself.

[RNMOM]

Congratulations on the first time canning. Salsa isn't the easiest thing to can. You are my hero. I'll be canning salsa tomorrow...I guess I should say today as it's well after midnight. I'm having some insomnia.

 

I didn't use Annie's salsa recipe, but I'm going to try it next. I love trying different recipes and varying degrees of "heat". I've had a challenge to make a HOT salsa. I'm also going to try making some Cranberry Salsa.

[Fritz_Monroe]

Thanks folks. I'm just thrilled that all 7 lids popped. Now I've heard that some leave the rings, others take the rings off. Suggestions?

 

If you want to make it real hot, pop in a couple tabasco peppers. They are much hotter than tabasco sauce which is made from cayenne peppers.

 

[Tracie]

I take off the ring, wipe off all the jars with a *slightly* damp cloth to make sure they're clean, dry them off and *loosely* put the ring back on. the ring is not necessary, and if it's tight it may interfere with the seal somehow (not sure how, that's just what I heard). But on loosely it's okay. I like to keep the jars and rings together since I have about equal amounts of them and no other place to store all of those rings.

 

Congratulations!

[Violet]

The only purpose of the ring is to hold the lid in place during processing. You wash both the jars and rings seperately in warm soapy water to remove any food residue. Store the rings apart so they don't rust on the jars.

 

[Fritz_Monroe]

Another question. What's the best way to sterilize the lids?

[onepoormomma]

Pour boiling water over them in a bowl.

[alldoneandready]

Fritz i just wash my lids and rings with hot soapy water then use my crock pot fill with hot water and keep them in there till ready for use saves a burner on the stove for other things and keeps them hot with out boiling them too.