But, I still can't get back to sleep after taking medication, so I might as well make myself useful. I was planning to can peaches today anyway. I just wasn't planning to start so early in the day. It was actually quite nice: no interruptions, canning in my pj's, no shower (but still plenty of time to take one before the day really begins), 1/2 lug of peaches canned by 6:10a.
1. Prep stage: I'd washed the peaches last night, so just need to quarter/halve and peel. The peeled peaches are in a water/lemon juice mixture to prevent browning during the prep stage. I've also started water boiling in the canner, mixed the light syrup and started heating it, and placed the jars in the dishwasher so they are hot when I'm ready to pack.
2. Packing: Half the peaches are cut and peeled (my bucket is full), so I packed about half the jars. I like to put the jars in a towel covered pan. My lids have been sterilized with boiling water and the rings (screw-bands) are nearby, too. I was able to pack 4 quart jars, but decided to peel the rest of the peaches to see if I could fill the canner.
3. Canning: The canner is filled and the jars are covered with about 1 inch of water. Quarts are processed at a full rolling boil for 25 minutes.
4. Done! When the time is up, I remove the jars to a towel covered board. The jars are supposed to sit out and cool for at least 24 hours. At the end of that time, I remove the bands and clean the jars for storage in the root cellar.
Wow—You've been busy this morning, Suzie! I hope you can get a nap later ... The peaces look wonderful, and you make canning look soooo easy!
ReplyDeleteP.S. There's a little *award* waiting for you on my blog =)
That is, the *peacHes* look wonderful ... It's not 4 a.m. here, but it's still early, I guess!
ReplyDeleteWow, you are amazing, do you know that? If I had a itchy throat at 4 am, I wouldn't be that productive, I'd struggle until I fell asleep again!
ReplyDeletethose peaches look wonderful!
Seriously, I think I would have rolled over despite not being able to sleep -- especially being pregnant. In fact I know I would have! Well done!
ReplyDeleteThat's funny, Michelle. Rolling over is a process at this point in the pregnancy!!
ReplyDeleteYummy! I can smell those peaches right now!
ReplyDeleteyou have been busy!
ReplyDeletethose peaches look so yummy! they are one of my favorite fruits.
this is one thing i really wish my kids would do with my grandmother before she passes away....get all her little canning "secrets" and tips. she has been the great canner in our family for as long as i can remember.