Rylee's Ace Hardware the Helpful Place

Rylee's has a New Partner In Cooking!

Canning Demo Event

Come watch the professionals make canning easy! Our Walker and Allegan store is on August 22nd and our Michigan Street store will be August 29th from 10am-12pm. During this ONE DAY EVENT you can take 20% off* any housewares items including canning supplies.

*excludes sale items, special orders and previous purchases. Offer Valid 8/29/2009 only.*

Canning Season

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

* Pressure canner with regulator

* Jar lifter

* Timer

Prepare to Can

Step 1

Wash all jars, lids and bands with hot soapy water. Rinse and keep warm everything until ready for use. Don't use jars with nicks or cracks and don't use rusted bands.

Step 2

Gather the food you want to can. Pick early in the morning and can as soon as possible. If you get fruits and vegetables at the market, only buy young, tender unblemished foods. Inspect, wash and prepare the food for canning.

Step 3

Fill the jars. Each food requires its own method of preparation. It's acceptable to pack some vegetables and fruits without heating them, but others call for the hot pack method.

Step 4

Release trapped air bubbles from the bottom of the jar. Run a thin spatula or bread knife down the sides of the filled jars. If you use a knife, be careful not to break or chip the glass.

Step 5

Place lids on the jars and screw on the bands. Twist several times for a secure fit, but don't use he-man strength to tighten them. You don't want to screw the bands down too tightly because air continues to escape during the canning process.

Can With a Pressure Canner

Step 1

Put the rack in the canner and add 3 to 4 inches of water to the pan. Follow your manufacturer's instructions. Begin heating while you fill your jars and ready them for canning.

Step 2

Use the jar lifter and place the jars carefully into the canner of hot water. After the jars are in place, the water level should be halfway up the jars.

Step 3

Lock the lid in place. Some have locking screws without a seal, and others have a twist on lid with seals. Whichever one you have, follow the instructions and lock the lid securely in place.

Step 4

Turn the heat on high to raise the water temperature in the canner. Allow steam to escape through the steam vent for about 10 minutes. Cover the vent with the weight or cap and allow pressure to build in the canner.

Step 5

Let the pressure rise until the correct amount is reached (refer to your instruction manual) and maintain it for the specified length of time. Use the heat under the canner to regulate the pressure. Lower the heat if the pressure gets too high and increase it if it gets too low. With practice, you'll keep the pressure steady with a few adjustments. Monitor the pressure regulator closely during this time.

Step 6

Process for the appropriate amount of time, and then turn off the heat. Let the canner cool down by itself. Leave the steam vent weight in place until the pressure gauge has returned to zero. Remove the weight only after the steam has escaped. Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to prevent hot steam from hitting your face.

Step 7

Remove the jars using the jar lifter. Gently place them in a draft-free place to cool completely. When they are cool, check the seal. A good seal has an indenture in the lid that doesn't pop back when you tap it. If the seal is bad, the food should be refrigerated and used within a few days.

A Gadget for Everyone

Remember the days when you would go to the local hardware or general store to find an assortment of goods and unique kitchen gadgets? Hardware stores certainly have changed, and, in some instances, not for the better. Rylee’s Ace Hardware IS the exception! In our modern Housewares department, you will find some of the coolest gadgets around, as well as the trusty, old-fashioned basics like canning supplies.

The Housewares Department here at Rylee’s Ace can add some color, style, organization, convenience, and even a traditional touch to your home. Next time you are looking for that handy, kitchen gadget or colorful appliance, rely on Rylee’s Ace.