Canning class
The Capital District Community Gardens is sponsoring a canning class in Troy this Saturday, taught by Amy Halloran. (There's also a "freezing and drying" class in September.) The class will include a demo on how to make jam, and "you'll leave armed with a list of literature to consult as you begin or continue your own home-canning journey." It's free for CDCG members, $12 for everyone else. (Location and registration info at that link.) Update: The class is full (thanks, Rachel).
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Comments
This Saturday is National Can-It-Forward Day!
http://www.canningacrossamerica.com/2011/05/17/announcing-national-can-it-forward-day/
... said Nikki on Aug 10, 2011 at 2:35 PM | link
I believe I saw that registration was closed for the Canning class (via the CDCG on facebook), but that there were still spaces in the other classes.
... said Rachel on Aug 10, 2011 at 3:34 PM | link
for those who couldn't get in, here is a free jam-making class following this comment:
1) buy a 5 lb bag of sugar, LOTS of fruit of choice, and canning jars (in produce section of Hannaford)
2) at the same time, buy a box of Sure Gel powdered fruit pectin (also in produce section at Hannaford)
3) open box and follow directions for different kinds of jam and jellies.
it's a true heirloom recipe, handed down to me from my mom who used it faithfully for decades...
... said Rebecca on Aug 10, 2011 at 7:25 PM | link
Rebecca is right--there are lots of ways to learn to can. But for the uninitiated, it's very important to know that if you don't properly sterilize your jars and use clean tools, etc, you could transmit BOTULISM to all the friends and family you feed that delicious jelly to. There's an art to it, and often it's helpful to learn from someone with experience.
CDCG will be hosting another canning class in the near future, so be in touch (email educator@cdcg.org) if you'd like to be put on our email list for updates!
... said Colie on Aug 11, 2011 at 11:36 AM | link
Also: http://albany.craigslist.org/hsh/2536176332.html
... said Em on Aug 11, 2011 at 11:41 AM | link
yes Colie, absolutely true that cleanliness is of utmost importance when canning. Due to the high acid content of most fruits, as well as the fact that the fruit is cooked (unless making freezer jam) canning jam is a great thing for "beginners" to start with as chance of bacteria can be minimized. Also the "Ball Blue Book of Canning" is an excellent guide.
But don't be intimidated, potential home canners-- it's great we have so many resources out there!
... said Rebecca on Aug 11, 2011 at 8:22 PM | link