Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Canning Wants and Needs


I have spent a lot of time this summer canning our garden produce. I enjoy canning, and I am thankful that I have the ability and knowledge to put up our own food. Growing up, I never saw my mom can. I know she did can, but she waited until we were outside to do so. We did help her put up corn. This was always a big day at our home. I enjoyed it every year. When we moved to Tennessee we started our first canning endeavors. We bought a canner, and Michael started reading the directions. I had heard horror stories of the past so I was a bit scared of this huge pot. Michael and I spent that first summer canning together. He taught me the canning process, and in turn I taught him about cooking. These are fond memories for me. Now almost 7 years later, I am chief canner in our home. I am no longer scared of the large canner that has permanent residency on our stove during the summer months. As with anything in life, canning brings needs and wants. For example, I want to have 2 canners. It would make my canning day go so much faster if I had 2 canners operating at the same time. This would save so much time for me. This isn't a true need in my life, but it is a valid want. However, this year I have discovered a true need in the canning department. I need another large pot. I have a large stainless steel pot that I use to make my sauce or cook the beans or tomatoes. I have been caught so many times this year needing another pot. I have had to pour tomato sauce that isn't ready into other containers so I could use the pot to make supper. After supper, I would wash the pot and continue cooking the sauce. This is crazy. I haven't had this issue in the past because I haven't canned as much as I have this year. Before next canning season, I will purchase another large pot. I see this one desire as a true need worthy of money being spent on it. The extra canner idea is just a desire, but I will not purchase that one at this time.
grace and peace,
julie

2 comments:

Brian G. Heyer said...

I just received my great-grandma's pressure canner, but have only used it for water bath canning so far.

I haven't canned before this year, but just decided to try it. There's a genuine satisfaction in it that by-standers just don't fully appreciate.

Go ahead and get the second pot. Your kids will always remember mom with the bounty of her two pots going at the same time. (I remember the bounty of shucked sweet corn stacked the length of the counter-top up to the bottom of the cabinets. Maybe being just a little kid increased the perspective.) :-)

TnFullQuiver said...

Sounds like a good plan to me! I like your thinking.
grace and peace,
julie