i've just started canning these past couple years and did a heap-load this summer while the harvest was-a-plenty at whole foods and farmers markets with reasonable prices. loved the process of it and food in jars has been a great teacher to me---this is a great resolution!

I have been making pickles for 3 years. It has become our staple and the only pickles we eat (no storebought YAY!). My goal this year is to start canning other things. So far I've made lemon curd, lemon ginger marmalade, and apple sauce. It's all in small quantities since I'm still trying out recipes. Next up I want to make ketchup and sweet relish.

Great idea! Mind if I do the same?

Someone in your neighborhood may do a canning swap, where you bring something you've made & trade for something new. There's a pretty big one in Arlington (where I live) but I have yet to join it. I tend to can just a couple of things that our family eats thru the winter (tomato sauce, peaches, beet pickles, pickled okra) & I don't want to give up any of that. Though the idea of trying new items without needing to make a huge mess is quite appealing.

I agree with Mary. Food in Jars is a great canning blog, focused on small batch canning. Great for smaller households or when you just want to try something out before committing to dozens of jars. I'm also a fan of Punk Domestics, www.punkdomestics.com. And, the Ball Blue Book and Better Homes & Gardens publications have also been good sources of info for me - less trendy, more good old how to info.

This was my second year of canning and I loved it! Food in Jars has also been a great inspiration to me. I gave some jams and relishes as gifts this year. Use the recipes as a springboard, but be sure to practice food safety regarding acidity and sugar amounts. I love to play with flavorings - spices, herbs, etc.
My favorites this year were Strawberry Vanilla Jam and Peach Jam with Star Anise! Have fun!

Hi Paige,

I live in Somerville and do a lot of canning. I usually post where I get my ingredients, so maybe that will help you find some fun things to can in the winter.

Best of luck!

http://eatlocal365.com/

Cool! Thanks so much for the feedback everyone! A canning swap would be such a cool thing to be a part of. I'll have to look into that. I have a friend in LA that I swapped jars with, but it would be fun to get involved with some local folks.

Lindsay, thanks so much for the link to your blog! I'm in Medford, so we're practically neighbors. I look forward to browsing through your recipes and ideas for local vendors!

Paige

I love small-batch canning! And I don't know how we would have survived the busy holiday season (Gentleman and I both work for an online retailer with a small storefront) without the foods I canned this summer. Roasted pureed tomatoes can turn so easily into quick dinner!

As you probably could have guessed, I LOVE this goal. I'm always available to answer canning questions, should any arise!

Aw, thanks, rep_woman!

Yes! I joined a bartering group last year and it is so much fun, a great way to diversify my collection of canned goods. Check Food Swap Network for a group in your area--

Punk Domestics, I just started browsing through your site after seeing rep_woman's recommendation, and it's fantastic! Can't wait to poke around more!

I did it this summer for the first time and I am SO happy that I tried it! I did pickles (2 kinds) and hot pepper jelly. Everything turned out better than store bought. It makes me feel so proud when I can go do to the basement and pull out a jar of my pickles!