I just started canning last summer, and I have saved SO much money on groceries! I walk the aisles and say to myself, "I can make that!" I wish I had started before age 60, but going forward, it gives me financial confidence. I'm up to 55 jars this first week of January. Can't stop! Videos like yours are so helpful and practical.
Leisa, did I hear you correctly on another video that we should Not vacuum seal dehydrated apples? Because of moisture content, over time there could be botulism? I dehydrated and vacuumed several jars and now I’m afraid to eat them, unless I misunderstood. Thanks for all your help/information. I feel pretty good about my pantry stock because of following you!!! Thank you
@ oh, thank you sooo much! I was about to throw all my apples and peaches out…God bless you and all you do to help us. I love watching your channel - watching the latest one now. Btw, I sent you an email a few weeks ago, did you get it? Thanks and take care in this weather..
We just had a big ice/snow storm in the Midwest. Life stopped for days. Stores were out of everything like veggies, fruit, milk, bread and people were quit hateful and took to social media to take out their anger about it. I was snowed in at my house out in the country where I had everything we needed in my pantry or ability to make it. No panic buying here thanks to channels like yours.
Leisa, I am still using my grandmothers canning jars from the 40’s and 50’s! I was blessed with a very wise father, he watched my grandmother water bath canning and the limitations. When he was 20 he saved and purchased a presto for her and I still use it! Take care of your equipment and bless your grandchildren!
We just had chicken pot pie but changed it up. I put 2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread on top instead of pie crust. OMG we are doing it that way from now on. We drizzled honey over the cornbread. YUMMY!!! I highly recommend everyone trying it. We used 2 quart jars of chicken pot pie. Put the pot pie mix in pan and heated it up then added corn starch. Put it in a smaller than 9 by 13 pan and followed directions of Jiffy cornbread and put it on top of the pot pie. cooked it at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Enjoy
I am 63 and decided in want to can. In bought myself a presto pressure canner for Christmas but it’s still in the box. Don’t even know where to start. Plus, I know that I have to use safe canning methods and go by what NCHP guidelines are and that from the USDA, but I’m not sure if people I’m watching on you tube videos who are making delicious sounding meals in jars are following those guidelines. How can I be sure that they are? I want to be sure I don’t make my family sick from anything I do. I have the All New Ball Book f Canning and Preserving but now I’m hearing that the NCHF is saying that those recipes may no longer be safe. This is so confusing.
#7. I’ve been canning for 40 years. People who know I’m a canner GIVE me so many jars! Example: Mom died, she has boxes of jars. Family calls me and ask if I want them. So for new canners, once people are aware you are a home canner, eventually you will be given so many jars, I promise. At first, yes you will buy them. I still buy them LOL! But, I bet I have a couple hundred jars that have been given to me over the years.
You are my inspiration! I have just finished my 2025 Garden Plan, Pantry inventory and next week will map out my Canning Plan for the year. Thank you for everything you educate us on. I love your PROJECT PANTRY PLANNER. ❤
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Thanks to you, I was able to go back to school and rely on my food storage to feed my family. I have pork butt and ugly chicken on my shelf that I bought on sale. I've also learned how to separate a whole chicken into pieces to cook a wider variety of meals, use the carcass to make bone broth, and render the fat into schmaltz so I don't need to buy fat to cook with. I've also made some pork stew from the video you posted last week. It smells so good! My family thought I was crazy to start this, but I'm showing them that it's easier for me to cook when I'm tired and in a much better mood after dinner now. I bought a smaller basic Presto at Walmart on sale for about $75 (I have a glass top stove, so I was apprehensive about getting a larger one), and got a handful of jars, getting more as I saved up for them. We also started growing produce inside year-round with a couple small hydroponic systems. And if the power or water go out, it's not a big deal. We have them set up to be able to manually water our plants and the reservoirs hold a good amount of water, and we only need to refill them once or twice a month. We have about 20 bell peppers starting on 3 plants, several tomatoes, and some lettuce now, but we plan to expand to even do potatoes and strawberries! I can't wait!
I’ve canned for over 42 years and it’s a great thing as my husband is diabetic, we hunt and I can Elk , and all proteins, I share with family and some friends, so far 682 wonderful jars of protein and fruits,and all that comes from my garden. Glad we can eat well and healthy, thanks for your positive attitude 😊
Yep I do that also, when our hours get cut we shop from our extensive pantry, hours come back up I replace it , I work road construction at 62 so winter is always hard but my large garden, canning what we can’t eat fresh and can up the meat I process is such a saver, I have freezers full and when ready to process I take what’s left in freezer and can it up for those summer days of 12 hrs working in Texas heat just to tired it’s a saver.
Yes, Yes, Yes!!! The day after the ice storm hit Kentucky, I pulled out a jar of canned chicken to make some gravy and noodles and my husband said "Thank goodness you did that!" pointing to the jar of chicken! Yes! And being stuck at home has really helped me test our food stores and has me thinking of what we need to improve on. That canning planner that you made and shared with us could not have come at a better time for me! Thank you so much! Tonight I'm cleaning out the freezer a little, making some tomato sauce and trying some canned baked beans for the first time! Happy canning y'all!
Thanks for posting this. I didn't know what to make for dinner and we're now eating ugly chicken and gravy over egg noodles with peas. All from the pantry!
Thank you I need to can up my blackberries I forgot about it till now lol I need to dig around my chest freezer and pull out the bags I threw in there last year
Part of my reluctance to start pressure canning was the initial investment, since I didn't know how much I would can for just one person. That really good Presto brand sale in June plus card rewards made it very affordable. I've already recouped the cost of the canner in six months, and expect to break even on the extra jars this year. That's at least a year faster than I had expected. And holy cow, I never knew how delicious Ugly meat of all kinds is!
One thing on my 2025 plan is chow chow. The last time I made it was 2021. I obviously made more than I should have, so have not made more. However, Sunday at lunch with friends, one was talking about wishing they had some. I took advantage of the opportunity. Said I had some canned in ‘21 ; warned them that the cabbage in it gets stronger with age; but that I would be glad to gift some. Gave 2 jars; heard 2 days longer that it was already gone. What a simple gift to have available to give.
Lisa, years ago, I made a number of quart jars of something the basic canning pamphlets called "tomato junk." Not glamorous, but I'll tell you that when I opened one of those jars in late January, the smell of summer filled my nostrils and it was a first level of Heaven. People who've never tried it are missing out. It was a simple, water bath recipe using fresh farmer's market tomatoes, a bit of lemon juice and seasonings, and I will never forget it. My Vitorio tomato squeezer is in my pantry room to this day (30 yrs later) and we'll be on a rant this coming summer when I grow my own organic heirloom beauties.
My journey with canning started during Covid. I love being able to make a store list and say I don’t need such snd such because I have that in my pantry 😊 love your videos, stay warm❤️
I totally agree!! I love knowing that I have healthy ingredients in my jars! I made dog treats today with canned carrots and freeze dried pumpkin and kale. They loved them!
Since I've been canning for a bit over a year now, I find that I made waaaaay to much fruit jam for our household. However, we use ugly chicken, beef chuck roast cubes, ground beef and beans a lot. The best reason Ive found for canning, aside from the important reason of a relyable shelf stabble food source, is the convenience and little effort involved with making dinners out of my canned food. One day of work gives me 9 or 10 easy meals. Thanks for EVERYTHING you have done and do for the canning community, Leisa. 🎉❤️
Great mind's!! I've been watching Canuary and taking notes. I found the chicken pot pie today and added it to the list. I absolutely love Canuary!!! I do make alot of jelly, we have the fruit like you I make it and it leaves with the grandkids. Our kids visit and still shop at moms pantry and now because my son watched me growing up he's helping his wife. It's amazing to hand down the knowledge.
@denisewilson8367 I did not hear that. I have strictly a canner, not a pressure cooker. Would you kindly let me know where you found that information? I went back and watched a couple more UA-cam videos and now I'm contemplating going back to my regular canner
I found a deal on ground beef, so I've currently got a canner full of chili meat and beef Bolognese. I also got a case and a half of quarts full of potatoes during the holiday sales. So thankful for your potato canning video!
I just bought chicken breast today for a good price in my area. It was $4.49 per pound. Much better than the $8/lb it usually is. I grabbed about 10 lb. I have lots of ugly chicken and chicken drumsticks canned so am planning soups and stews with this chicken. I just canned 18 jars of potatoes as some of mine were starting to get a little wrinkled. I love eating and sharing what I’ve canned. It is so tasty and so rewarding.
Thank you for taking the time to put together this canning plan. We quadruple dip at the first of the year by doing rotation, inventory, canning plan, and pantry organization. It's so important for a optimally functioning pantry! And you are so good at it!
When I was a child, we lived in the country here in N Indiana, and everyone had a garden. When the harvests were ready, we went to my granny's house, and all of us girls and women did all the canning. Many times, each summer. We always had food in jars. I am still canning with my original Presto, with only the weight.
Someone I know was giving away All of their canning things. Canner,jars,rings everything. I had been talking about getting all this for a few years they knew I was trying to save for it. They gave it to someone who had multiple canners and all the bells and whistles already. Where I was going to use it and told them the first thing I was going to can they sold it all. I cried. Yes I know it was theirs to give to whomever they wanted but they sold it. Thats what made me cry. There's a whole big story that goes with that but thats the gist of it. That and I am going to be canning one day. I want to and I'm stubborn. Lol
@@virginiabirkett4980 Estate sales! the people just want to get rid of grandmas stuff. I bought canners under $25 several times, got one for each of my kids. Generally people do not even do not know what it is! Get a picture of one , stick the picture on the fridge door and one will show up.
This past storm that rolled through the country last weekend hung up trucks from Walmart apparently. The majority of things I bought the last 2 shopping trips were not available. So listening to Leisa, I’m thinking that’s a reason to can! Thank you Leisa for the Canning Plan!
TY so much for continuing to encourage & educate us about canning & shelf stable meals 😊♥️👍. You look great & recovered from ur surgery. Happy & God blessed new year 2025 to u both 💕
Excellent idea for a yearly canning plan. I do plan out my garden every year. I enjoy having canned meals in a jar on hand for convenience too. Thank you for this information and calendar plan template to download. Have a Blessed Day!!
I'm definitely along with you for the winter; however I will be sitting back to watch and not canning simply because we still have a lot to use up. This will be a relaxing winter knowing we have food security whether the power is on or off. Keep stacking
Leisa, I just wanted to weigh in on this topic. I learned to can beef with my mom from her mom. I am 64 years old and I remember my mom buying her first pressure canner from Sears Roebuck. Mom passed away seven years ago at the age of 95 but I am still using that canner. I have changed the gasket a few times over the years and had to put a new gauge on it a few years ago. I’m pretty sure that canner is 57 years old, such a great investment. I did buy myself a Presto a couple of years ago but when I’m doing big batches I still pull out moms old faithful! Thanks for what you are doing!
I resonate with all 10 reasons, that is why I started a garden last year, found space for a baking supplies pantry, and purchasing organics from Azure and Thrive. Thank you for the encouragement.
The way I'm prioritizing what to plant in my high raised beds is: what do I love best that's also most expensive. Asparagus, berries, and it goes on from there. High beds are expensive to build, so my priority is best nutrition and flavor at lowest cost. btw, my fave way to save asparagus is to blanch and freeze.
Great video! I still have some of my Grandmother's jars and I am glad I have extra jars because 2 of my adult Daughters "shop" my home canned goods...I cut them off last year until they returned the jars...lol ( I get bags of them back now.) I did can asparagus and didn't like it as a side- "reinvented " it as a cream of soup and it was great! Same with dilly beans- they are not great as a side-but phenomenal in 3 bean salad. Sometimes, the canned goods just need tweaked a little in a recipe...Canned 30 years and took a break, then Leisa inspired me to can it to the rafters....
Love this, I was just telling my husband that along with the inventory of the pantries and freezers, it will give us an idea to know what to plant this spring (already planning the garden out) so we have enough to fill it to the rafters, as long as I can get the yield of what I intend. Nothing better than fresh asparagus but also having asparagus in December pickled fresh from May, awesomeness! May have to find more jars lol I'm with Phil, love beets, hubby not so much but that just leaves more for me lol
For me, canning is a good thing for three reasons. First, I must be gluten free so I can soups and meal starters that are gluten free without the premium price and the quality is so much better. Second, I have congestive heart failure after a heart attack 2 years ago. I can control the salt in my food. Finally, cost savings!! I buy what is on sale and can it, grow what I am able and can the excess. I have Ugly Pork that cost $.88 a lb on my shelf! I have canned tomatoes that I grew last summer. My favorite chicken is the 10 lb bags of leg quarters. This week they are on sale for $.57 a lb, perfect for chicken and dumplings, chicken stew and pot pie soup.
I just received my canner off my wedding registry! Cant wait to start canning this year (though starting in Feb, too much in the next few weeks before the wedding) I think i will start with beans since it is one of the most used items, but really want to do my own soups. When i decided i wanted to start canning it was because i regularly take a can of soup to lunch for work and am tired of sub par prepackaged soups. Now i can take my favorite soups! I have to start searching my thrift stores for jars but dont mind buying a few batches of new ones to get started.
YES!!! Even as you do it you add something each year when going thru each thing...I inventory, and KNOW what I'm using the most, and WHAT I want to can, THIS YEAR ITLL BE TONS OF FRUIT...and add rotated meat and vegetables that I've gone thru...I shop my butchers sales, won't buy grocery store meats till they clean up the USDA AND FDA...I buy bulk, and I buy LOCAL!
Re: traditions, my now 55 yr old former U.S.Marine son remembers standing on a chair pulled up to the sink when we did things together in the kitchen, and he got to "help Mom make food." Sometimes we have NO idea the depth of the impressions we make on our kids.
@@SuttonsDaze Indeed, and as fate would have it, he did very well with basic skills in the Corps when other "boys" were struggling with how to feed coins into a washer, iron their own clothes, and polish their shoes.
I just started canning. I have done carrots, green beans, and potatoes. I haven't ate/tried them yet, but I need to. The potatoes were overcooked before canning them so they look mushy in the jar but I hope they still taste good. I am so excited to learn this skill! I would love to learn to can meat and whole meals!
I have two canners from ‘69 and ‘70. One was Hubby’s mom’s and the other was a friends. Plus I inherited my mother in law’s jars. I also have my grandmother’s canner but it’s not safe to use…but I still have it.
Lisa Swiss chard taste like spinach you plant it in early spring and it is a cut and come again till your hard frost 😊 I eat fresh, give to chickens and right b4 winter I harvest and can it up . I live in mid Texas where our summers get 115-118f and it does great , I love the Vulcan Swiss chard it’s so pretty.
I have jars that are well over 60 yrs and are better quality then the new jars. My canner is a presto 23 qt that I have had for about 30 years . I am one of the strange people that clean my stuff when done and put it back in the box it came in to store it. Love your videos.
It helps also determine what to grow and how much to grow in your vegetable garden. Our plan always focus on green beans. I want enough green beans to have one pint per week from September to July. We also can or freeze lots of tomatoes/tomato sauce. Plus lots of pesto.
TY for mentioning cranberries bc I bought several bags on clearance for 99c a bag. I canned cranberry & cran raspberry juice in case of water shortage 😊👍
YES! I go to town about once a month (27 miles, and I hate it, lol) and it's usually when the Azure truck is there. Throughout the month the guys will pick up the milk during the week. Yup folks, it won't happen overnight, but it will happen with being consistent and persistent.
Sharing a couple thoughts in support of your message. #1- A few days ago we discovered a leak in our kitchen sink drain. Not an emergency or apocalyptic event by far, however it was a serious inconvenience, especially washing pots or pans. Because we have food preserves and pulled food that could be microwaved for easy warm up to avoid needing to wash any pots. It wasn't until after we ate that I wished I would have also brought out paper plates we have in our emergency preparedness stores. #2-Safe canning includes annual dial calibration (I use a pesto canner). Every single state has a Cooperative Extension which is an amazing resource (growing, preserving,etc). Our extension in Alaska calibrates for FREE!
Lisa I have been canning several things since the new year started today I canned 8 1/2 pints of orange marmalade oranges from my tree I also juiced 2 gallons of juice plus my family picked several bushels of oranges I canned some broth today 7 pints and last week I canned collards from my garden only 7 pints but that's just enough for us for the year so every month or week I can something or freeze something so it's all good!!
Thank you for all your tips and encouragement. I’m in middle of inventory of pantry now and hope to go next week and buy bulk whole chickens to can next week to last a year or so. My hubby has red meat allergies so I have to get in gear so he has plenty of protein.😊
I have never used a canning guide. What a clever idea. We did a major cleanup of our storage pantry and working pantry. I was surprised of what I do have on the shelf. I will be investing most of my time in everything tomato this year.
Your weather comment made me laugh, though I can't imagine living in -7 degrees. It was 32 in my part of West Texas, and our church choir director called off choir practice because the roads could 'get dangerous.'
Leisa, this is so helpful! I’ve been water bath canning for a few years and only got really intentional this past year, so any organization/planning tips are much appreciated! I am keeping a list of what we liked/did not like etc. so that is the start of a plan for me..Will definitely be working on it thanks to this video! PS-I did invest in a pressure canner so learning to use it will be a big and fun part of my canning this year😊-All the best from the PNW❤
I'm so glad you shared this. I'm going through my pantry and looking at what we will need. I have a few things to can from the freezer, but you are giving me new ideas like grinding the pork butt, and making more salsa and less jams. Thanks Leisa!
Oh I just love the way you thumbed your nose up at “the powers that be!”…I feel exactly the same way! Having a plan, knowing the growing seasons and taking it from there is great! Awesome video!
Hi Leisa! No 99 cents/lb chicken this year?! I am bummed for you and your friends who always take advantage of this super sale. Thank you for all you do! I am enjoying Canuary! 😊
I am planning on canning soups and beets. I have a stockpile of Thrive fruits and vegetables, so I only buy fresh when they are on sale. Thank you for the worksheet.
I found a fajita recipe for canning. I will be using Venison. Cut into thin strips. Mix meat and seasonings let sit in refrigerator overnight. Pack jars as tight as possible. Let sit until room temperature and add just enough boiling water to fill voids, debubble, and process. I made pints. It came out tender and tasty. I think you could use any type of meat. My next experiment will be a mixed meat jar of chicken, pork roast, and beef/venison. Dehydrated veggies, onions, and bell peppers rehydrate, heat meat, and veggies in a skillet with a little oil. On a flour tortilla and a little sour cream. Get creative ✨️
@DebraMorris-q6r it's amazing how wild game can replace domestic meats! We don't have elk in our area, squirrel season opens next month. We love squirrel casserole. Hugs
good time of the year to be doing this. I'm trying to find a way to figure out how much to plant in order to get the amount I need yearly to can. So far striking out. But I'll keep trying. I know already that I am wishing I had more soup canned up. Thought I'd have plenty of time but forgot I would rather use fresh veggies in my soups and stews when I can them. Plus I did a meal plan for this month and guess what? I'm putting a major dent in the soup and stews I did manage to get on the shelf. Live, eat and learn. This is my first Canuary and I was feeling pretty good until I counted how many jars of soup I know I'll go through this month. Yes, meal planning is important...I still don't like doing it.
I am fixing to go through all my cabinets and inventory. I haven't had time in a couple of years due to work and medical issues, but next Thursday is my last day. Actually I am not on the schedule after Sunday, but I will probably get called in. Today, I started writing down recipes that I want to try from the 2025 Canuary collaboration. Abrian
I can and freeze seasonal garden items and look for meat sales. I have a husband that has 2 green thumbs. We also share extra produce with friends. Today I made chicken broth and canned it up. Got to pick up leg quarters at FoodLion for .79 lb for a 10 lb bag. I also have learned to make my own Mayo and yogurt.
Last mouse nest (unoccupied) removed from basement today. Canning supplies/jars area is clear & organized. Also cleared & organized the cleaning supplies area. Tomorrow, other half of basement. Then inventory. 👍
I have always planned my garden based on how much canned and fresh produce I need for the year. For instance, I used to use 34 quarts of marinara sauce each year, so I would plant the necessary number of Roma tomato plants to insure I would have enough tomatoes to can that much sauce.
@@jeannainnc8390 18-20. They are heirloom tomatoes I get from a local nursery that has been growing them since the late 60s. No name plum variety and I don't know of anyone else who has them. The tomatoes are solid and the size of softballs!
Bought frozen peas, green beans and corn to dehydrate. Haven't tried corn dehydrating it so this is an experiment. Also have about 5 pounds of carrots.
I am a Brit in Panama. I prep. This last week the local people are beginning to get concerned. Lots of supermarket items are from US. We import a lot of our food as we do not grow enough even of the basics. People are, generally, poor. The wage for many people is from $3 to $5 per hour. I am being asked what should they store. Many do not have electricity so no fridges. I suggest rice - the staple carb, beans, oil, flour, salt, sugar, tins of tuna, if they can afford tins of chicken, pkts of soup, coffee still cheap as we grow a lot, if they have a fridge minced beef, tins of vegetables, few spices. Have you any other suggestions? These are to be survival rations. When the rains stop and it is warm enough for seeds to grow then we can plant some vegetables in our gardens.
I just started canning last summer, and I have saved SO much money on groceries! I walk the aisles and say to myself, "I can make that!" I wish I had started before age 60, but going forward, it gives me financial confidence. I'm up to 55 jars this first week of January. Can't stop! Videos like yours are so helpful and practical.
It's so good to see you're enjoying the savings!
Leisa, did I hear you correctly on another video that we should Not vacuum seal dehydrated apples? Because of moisture content, over time there could be botulism? I dehydrated and vacuumed several jars and now I’m afraid to eat them, unless I misunderstood. Thanks for all your help/information. I feel pretty good about my pantry stock because of following you!!! Thank you
@vickiefletcher4023 no, dehydrated fruit is fine. It's things like raisins, cranberries, apricots.
@ oh, thank you sooo much! I was about to throw all my apples and peaches out…God bless you and all you do to help us. I love watching your channel - watching the latest one now. Btw, I sent you an email a few weeks ago, did you get it? Thanks and take care in this weather..
@vickiefletcher4023 Maybe? LOL.
We just had a big ice/snow storm in the Midwest. Life stopped for days. Stores were out of everything like veggies, fruit, milk, bread and people were quit hateful and took to social media to take out their anger about it. I was snowed in at my house out in the country where I had everything we needed in my pantry or ability to make it. No panic buying here thanks to channels like yours.
Leisa, I am still using my grandmothers canning jars from the 40’s and 50’s! I was blessed with a very wise father, he watched my grandmother water bath canning and the limitations. When he was 20 he saved and purchased a presto for her and I still use it! Take care of your equipment and bless your grandchildren!
I'm glad you mentioned homeschoolers! My son learned unit pricing, multiplication and division by shopping with me.
Same here! 👍🏻👍🏻
We just had chicken pot pie but changed it up. I put 2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread on top instead of pie crust. OMG we are doing it that way from now on. We drizzled honey over the cornbread. YUMMY!!! I highly recommend everyone trying it. We used 2 quart jars of chicken pot pie. Put the pot pie mix in pan and heated it up then added corn starch. Put it in a smaller than 9 by 13 pan and followed directions of Jiffy cornbread and put it on top of the pot pie. cooked it at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Enjoy
That sounds like a delicious twist on a classic!
As I watch this I'm eating beef stew and spplesauce that I canned and bread that I made. So much better than store bought.
It's like having a friend hanging out in my kitchen when you are here encouraging. I find myself answering you. 😅
Lol, me too😅
I am 63 and decided in want to can. In bought myself a presto pressure canner for Christmas but it’s still in the box. Don’t even know where to start. Plus, I know that I have to use safe canning methods and go by what NCHP guidelines are and that from the USDA, but I’m not sure if people I’m watching on you tube videos who are making delicious sounding meals in jars are following those guidelines. How can I be sure that they are? I want to be sure I don’t make my family sick from anything I do. I have the All New Ball Book f Canning and Preserving but now I’m hearing that the NCHF is saying that those recipes may no longer be safe. This is so confusing.
#7. I’ve been canning for 40 years. People who know I’m a canner GIVE me so many jars! Example: Mom died, she has boxes of jars. Family calls me and ask if I want them. So for new canners, once people are aware you are a home canner, eventually you will be given so many jars, I promise. At first, yes you will buy them. I still buy them LOL! But, I bet I have a couple hundred jars that have been given to me over the years.
You are my inspiration! I have just finished my 2025 Garden Plan, Pantry inventory and next week will map out my Canning Plan for the year. Thank you for everything you educate us on. I love your PROJECT PANTRY PLANNER. ❤
It's exciting to see your passion for food preservation!
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Thanks to you, I was able to go back to school and rely on my food storage to feed my family. I have pork butt and ugly chicken on my shelf that I bought on sale. I've also learned how to separate a whole chicken into pieces to cook a wider variety of meals, use the carcass to make bone broth, and render the fat into schmaltz so I don't need to buy fat to cook with. I've also made some pork stew from the video you posted last week. It smells so good!
My family thought I was crazy to start this, but I'm showing them that it's easier for me to cook when I'm tired and in a much better mood after dinner now. I bought a smaller basic Presto at Walmart on sale for about $75 (I have a glass top stove, so I was apprehensive about getting a larger one), and got a handful of jars, getting more as I saved up for them.
We also started growing produce inside year-round with a couple small hydroponic systems. And if the power or water go out, it's not a big deal. We have them set up to be able to manually water our plants and the reservoirs hold a good amount of water, and we only need to refill them once or twice a month. We have about 20 bell peppers starting on 3 plants, several tomatoes, and some lettuce now, but we plan to expand to even do potatoes and strawberries! I can't wait!
That sounds like a great system you have!
I’ve canned for over 42 years and it’s a great thing as my husband is diabetic, we hunt and I can Elk , and all proteins, I share with family and some friends, so far 682 wonderful jars of protein and fruits,and all that comes from my garden. Glad we can eat well and healthy, thanks for your positive attitude 😊
Ohhh... have you made elk bacon yet? Very excited to make it this year. It's not often that i hear anyone mention elk. Yummo!
Yep I do that also, when our hours get cut we shop from our extensive pantry, hours come back up I replace it , I work road construction at 62 so winter is always hard but my large garden, canning what we can’t eat fresh and can up the meat I process is such a saver, I have freezers full and when ready to process I take what’s left in freezer and can it up for those summer days of 12 hrs working in Texas heat just to tired it’s a saver.
@ yep gotta keep going one foot in front of the other my friend!! Blessings to you and yours.
@ no I have not? Not even heard of that before? Sounds interesting 🤔is it a smoked and the canned or processed
@@DebraMorris-q6r, some we freeze, some we pressure can. It's soooo delicious.
Yes, Yes, Yes!!! The day after the ice storm hit Kentucky, I pulled out a jar of canned chicken to make some gravy and noodles and my husband said "Thank goodness you did that!" pointing to the jar of chicken! Yes! And being stuck at home has really helped me test our food stores and has me thinking of what we need to improve on. That canning planner that you made and shared with us could not have come at a better time for me! Thank you so much! Tonight I'm cleaning out the freezer a little, making some tomato sauce and trying some canned baked beans for the first time! Happy canning y'all!
I'm so glad you found the canning planner helpful!
Thanks for posting this. I didn't know what to make for dinner and we're now eating ugly chicken and gravy over egg noodles with peas. All from the pantry!
Thank you I need to can up my blackberries I forgot about it till now lol I need to dig around my chest freezer and pull out the bags I threw in there last year
Part of my reluctance to start pressure canning was the initial investment, since I didn't know how much I would can for just one person. That really good Presto brand sale in June plus card rewards made it very affordable. I've already recouped the cost of the canner in six months, and expect to break even on the extra jars this year. That's at least a year faster than I had expected. And holy cow, I never knew how delicious Ugly meat of all kinds is!
Ugly meat is the best! Welcome to the ugly meat mafia!
A friend brought to me a quart jar of homemade limabean and ham soup! It was delisious and she told me to keep the jar! A double blessing.
One thing on my 2025 plan is chow chow. The last time I made it was 2021. I obviously made more than I should have, so have not made more.
However, Sunday at lunch with friends, one was talking about wishing they had some.
I took advantage of the opportunity. Said I had some canned in ‘21 ; warned them that the cabbage in it gets stronger with age; but that I would be glad to gift some.
Gave 2 jars; heard 2 days longer that it was already gone. What a simple gift to have available to give.
What is Chow chow?
@ it is a relish made from cabbage, green tomatoes, sugar, and a number of spices. My recipe came from a ball blue book.
Lisa, years ago, I made a number of quart jars of something the basic canning pamphlets called "tomato junk." Not glamorous, but I'll tell you that when I opened one of those jars in late January, the smell of summer filled my nostrils and it was a first level of Heaven. People who've never tried it are missing out. It was a simple, water bath recipe using fresh farmer's market tomatoes, a bit of lemon juice and seasonings, and I will never forget it. My Vitorio tomato squeezer is in my pantry room to this day (30 yrs later) and we'll be on a rant this coming summer when I grow my own organic heirloom beauties.
Sounds delicious! I love those memories of summer.
My journey with canning started during Covid. I love being able to make a store list and say I don’t need such snd such because I have that in my pantry 😊 love your videos, stay warm❤️
I totally agree!! I love knowing that I have healthy ingredients in my jars! I made dog treats today with canned carrots and freeze dried pumpkin and kale. They loved them!
Since I've been canning for a bit over a year now, I find that I made waaaaay to much fruit jam for our household. However, we use ugly chicken, beef chuck roast cubes, ground beef and beans a lot. The best reason Ive found for canning, aside from the important reason of a relyable shelf stabble food source, is the convenience and little effort involved with making dinners out of my canned food. One day of work gives me 9 or 10 easy meals. Thanks for EVERYTHING you have done and do for the canning community, Leisa. 🎉❤️
Great mind's!! I've been watching Canuary and taking notes. I found the chicken pot pie today and added it to the list. I absolutely love Canuary!!!
I do make alot of jelly, we have the fruit like you I make it and it leaves with the grandkids. Our kids visit and still shop at moms pantry and now because my son watched me growing up he's helping his wife. It's amazing to hand down the knowledge.
I got an electric canner as a gift a few years ago. It's definitely a game changer. I love it!!!
@girldboro9834 I'm so sorry you " love it". They are not tested or approved to be a safe way to can with.
@denisewilson8367 I did not hear that. I have strictly a canner, not a pressure cooker. Would you kindly let me know where you found that information? I went back and watched a couple more UA-cam videos and now I'm contemplating going back to my regular canner
I found a deal on ground beef, so I've currently got a canner full of chili meat and beef Bolognese. I also got a case and a half of quarts full of potatoes during the holiday sales. So thankful for your potato canning video!
You are definitely off to a great start with your canning!
I just bought chicken breast today for a good price in my area. It was $4.49 per pound. Much better than the $8/lb it usually is. I grabbed about 10 lb. I have lots of ugly chicken and chicken drumsticks canned so am planning soups and stews with this chicken. I just canned 18 jars of potatoes as some of mine were starting to get a little wrinkled. I love eating and sharing what I’ve canned. It is so tasty and so rewarding.
I can't wait to get my garden going because I know what I'm going to can.
Thank you for encouraging this community to always be prepared.
Thank you for taking the time to put together this canning plan. We quadruple dip at the first of the year by doing rotation, inventory, canning plan, and pantry organization. It's so important for a optimally functioning pantry! And you are so good at it!
When I was a child, we lived in the country here in N Indiana, and everyone had a garden. When the harvests were ready, we went to my granny's house, and all of us girls and women did all the canning. Many times, each summer. We always had food in jars. I am still canning with my original Presto, with only the weight.
I love Home Canning\ Food Preservation. That way I know what is in the food.
Someone I know was giving away All of their canning things. Canner,jars,rings everything. I had been talking about getting all this for a few years they knew I was trying to save for it. They gave it to someone who had multiple canners and all the bells and whistles already. Where I was going to use it and told them the first thing I was going to can they sold it all. I cried. Yes I know it was theirs to give to whomever they wanted but they sold it. Thats what made me cry. There's a whole big story that goes with that but thats the gist of it. That and I am going to be canning one day. I want to and I'm stubborn. Lol
May I make a suggestion? Purchase a small presto pressure canner first, look in garage sales and thrift stores for the best price.
@joanlaufnick9135 Thank You for your suggestion 🙏
@@virginiabirkett4980 glad I could help.
@@virginiabirkett4980 Estate sales! the people just want to get rid of grandmas stuff. I bought canners under $25 several times, got one for each of my kids. Generally people do not even do not know what it is! Get a picture of one , stick the picture on the fridge door and one will show up.
This past storm that rolled through the country last weekend hung up trucks from Walmart apparently. The majority of things I bought the last 2 shopping trips were not available. So listening to Leisa, I’m thinking that’s a reason to can! Thank you Leisa for the Canning Plan!
Yes at the beginning of canning it was expensive but sooooo worth it
TY so much for continuing to encourage & educate us about canning & shelf stable meals 😊♥️👍. You look great & recovered from ur surgery. Happy & God blessed new year 2025 to u both 💕
Excellent idea for a yearly canning plan. I do plan out my garden every year. I enjoy having canned meals in a jar on hand for convenience too. Thank you for this information and calendar plan template to download. Have a Blessed Day!!
Absolutely. It changes your way of thinking when you are grocery shopping, at least for me. 😊
I find that having a plan keeps me more organized and focused too.
I'm definitely along with you for the winter; however I will be sitting back to watch and not canning simply because we still have a lot to use up. This will be a relaxing winter knowing we have food security whether the power is on or off. Keep stacking
I love your burritos in a jar recipe. It’s one of my favorite. I opened a jar of corned beef for dinner tonight.
Leisa, I just wanted to weigh in on this topic. I learned to can beef with my mom from her mom. I am 64 years old and I remember my mom buying her first pressure canner from Sears Roebuck. Mom passed away seven years ago at the age of 95 but I am still using that canner. I have changed the gasket a few times over the years and had to put a new gauge on it a few years ago. I’m pretty sure that canner is 57 years old, such a great investment. I did buy myself a Presto a couple of years ago but when I’m doing big batches I still pull out moms old faithful! Thanks for what you are doing!
That is a wonderful legacy from your mother!
I resonate with all 10 reasons, that is why I started a garden last year, found space for a baking supplies pantry, and purchasing organics from Azure and Thrive. Thank you for the encouragement.
Thanks for sharing!!
Hey L . Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and information with us to help us save too!
I’m so glad you found it helpful!
The way I'm prioritizing what to plant in my high raised beds is: what do I love best that's also most expensive. Asparagus, berries, and it goes on from there. High beds are expensive to build, so my priority is best nutrition and flavor at lowest cost. btw, my fave way to save asparagus is to blanch and freeze.
A yearly canning plan is what I need in my ADHD life. Running off Willy nilly going ooh ooh ooh!…that’s so me and my canning impulses 😂
Great video! I still have some of my Grandmother's jars and I am glad I have extra jars because 2 of my adult Daughters "shop" my home canned goods...I cut them off last year until they returned the jars...lol ( I get bags of them back now.) I did can asparagus and didn't like it as a side- "reinvented " it as a cream of soup and it was great! Same with dilly beans- they are not great as a side-but phenomenal in 3 bean salad. Sometimes, the canned goods just need tweaked a little in a recipe...Canned 30 years and took a break, then Leisa inspired me to can it to the rafters....
That sounds like a delicious way to use dilly beans!
Love this, I was just telling my husband that along with the inventory of the pantries and freezers, it will give us an idea to know what to plant this spring (already planning the garden out) so we have enough to fill it to the rafters, as long as I can get the yield of what I intend. Nothing better than fresh asparagus but also having asparagus in December pickled fresh from May, awesomeness! May have to find more jars lol I'm with Phil, love beets, hubby not so much but that just leaves more for me lol
For me, canning is a good thing for three reasons. First, I must be gluten free so I can soups and meal starters that are gluten free without the premium price and the quality is so much better.
Second, I have congestive heart failure after a heart attack 2 years ago. I can control the salt in my food.
Finally, cost savings!! I buy what is on sale and can it, grow what I am able and can the excess. I have Ugly Pork that cost $.88 a lb on my shelf! I have canned tomatoes that I grew last summer. My favorite chicken is the 10 lb bags of leg quarters. This week they are on sale for $.57 a lb, perfect for chicken and dumplings, chicken stew and pot pie soup.
I have a small asparagus patch and dehydrate what I dont eat fresh for the winter months.makes great soup
I was wondering if one could dehydrate asparagus. Do you blanch it? If so how long. About how long do you make them?
I just received my canner off my wedding registry! Cant wait to start canning this year (though starting in Feb, too much in the next few weeks before the wedding)
I think i will start with beans since it is one of the most used items, but really want to do my own soups. When i decided i wanted to start canning it was because i regularly take a can of soup to lunch for work and am tired of sub par prepackaged soups. Now i can take my favorite soups!
I have to start searching my thrift stores for jars but dont mind buying a few batches of new ones to get started.
YES!!! Even as you do it you add something each year when going thru each thing...I inventory, and KNOW what I'm using the most, and WHAT I want to can, THIS YEAR ITLL BE TONS OF FRUIT...and add rotated meat and vegetables that I've gone thru...I shop my butchers sales, won't buy grocery store meats till they clean up the USDA AND FDA...I buy bulk, and I buy LOCAL!
Sounds like you've got a great system going!
Re: traditions, my now 55 yr old former U.S.Marine son remembers standing on a chair pulled up to the sink when we did things together in the kitchen, and he got to "help Mom make food." Sometimes we have NO idea the depth of the impressions we make on our kids.
Those are such wonderful memories!
@@SuttonsDaze Indeed, and as fate would have it, he did very well with basic skills in the Corps when other "boys" were struggling with how to feed coins into a washer, iron their own clothes, and polish their shoes.
I just started canning. I have done carrots, green beans, and potatoes. I haven't ate/tried them yet, but I need to. The potatoes were overcooked before canning them so they look mushy in the jar but I hope they still taste good. I am so excited to learn this skill! I would love to learn to can meat and whole meals!
I have two canners from ‘69 and ‘70. One was Hubby’s mom’s and the other was a friends. Plus I inherited my mother in law’s jars. I also have my grandmother’s canner but it’s not safe to use…but I still have it.
Lisa Swiss chard taste like spinach you plant it in early spring and it is a cut and come again till your hard frost 😊 I eat fresh, give to chickens and right b4 winter I harvest and can it up . I live in mid Texas where our summers get 115-118f and it does great , I love the Vulcan Swiss chard it’s so pretty.
I have jars that are well over 60 yrs and are better quality then the new jars. My canner is a presto 23 qt that I have had for about 30 years . I am one of the strange people that clean my stuff when done and put it back in the box it came in to store it. Love your videos.
It sounds like you have some great equipment to work with!
It helps also determine what to grow and how much to grow in your vegetable garden. Our plan always focus on green beans. I want enough green beans to have one pint per week from September to July. We also can or freeze lots of tomatoes/tomato sauce. Plus lots of pesto.
Looking forward to the canning spinach 👍😊
TY for mentioning cranberries bc I bought several bags on clearance for 99c a bag. I canned cranberry & cran raspberry juice in case of water shortage 😊👍
YES! I go to town about once a month (27 miles, and I hate it, lol) and it's usually when the Azure truck is there. Throughout the month the guys will pick up the milk during the week. Yup folks, it won't happen overnight, but it will happen with being consistent and persistent.
It's definitely worth putting in the effort to make it happen!
So looking forward to canning this season.
Sharing a couple thoughts in support of your message. #1- A few days ago we discovered a leak in our kitchen sink drain. Not an emergency or apocalyptic event by far, however it was a serious inconvenience, especially washing pots or pans. Because we have food preserves and pulled food that could be microwaved for easy warm up to avoid needing to wash any pots. It wasn't until after we ate that I wished I would have also brought out paper plates we have in our emergency preparedness stores.
#2-Safe canning includes annual dial calibration (I use a pesto canner). Every single state has a Cooperative Extension which is an amazing resource (growing, preserving,etc). Our extension in Alaska calibrates for FREE!
Lisa I have been canning several things since the new year started today I canned 8 1/2 pints of orange marmalade oranges from my tree I also juiced 2 gallons of juice plus my family picked several bushels of oranges I canned some broth today 7 pints and last week I canned collards from my garden only 7 pints but that's just enough for us for the year so every month or week I can something or freeze something so it's all good!!
Yes, Yes, and Yes 🙌🏻 ❤
Thank you, Leisa! I need to be more organized. When I first started canning for preparedness, I canned up a lot of things we hardly eat. What a waste!
Awesome presentation. Thank you.
Thank you for all your tips and encouragement. I’m in middle of inventory of pantry now and hope to go next week and buy bulk whole chickens to can next week to last a year or so. My hubby has red meat allergies so I have to get in gear so he has plenty of protein.😊
Thank you for this video!
You are so welcome!
I have never used a canning guide. What a clever idea. We did a major cleanup of our storage pantry and working pantry. I was surprised of what I do have on the shelf. I will be investing most of my time in everything tomato this year.
Love this! Definitely downloading the list ☺️
I'll have to get busy and go through my pantry and see what I need. Thank you lisa
So, so grateful for your encouragement, Leisa!
Now you have the wheels in my head!❤❤❤ I have a list started !! You are awesome!! Thank you!! ❤
You are off to a great start!
This is such good advise.. Know what you want have to know what you need. Thank you Leisa.
Your weather comment made me laugh, though I can't imagine living in -7 degrees. It was 32 in my part of West Texas, and our church choir director called off choir practice because the roads could
'get dangerous.'
I was waiting for chicken too. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve canned any and I NEED to!
Watch the clearances. I got chicken legs for 60¢/lb and breasts for $1.45/lb the other day.
What a good idea. A budget for food
Very helpful! Thank you!🎉
I have been canning for 40 years now. Going can this year too.❤love your videos ❤
Love to hear it! Happy canning!
Leisa, this is so helpful! I’ve been water bath canning for a few years and only got really intentional this past year, so any organization/planning tips are much appreciated! I am keeping a list of what we liked/did not like etc. so that is the start of a plan for me..Will definitely be working on it thanks to this video! PS-I did invest in a pressure canner so learning to use it will be a big and fun part of my canning this year😊-All the best from the PNW❤
I'm excited for you to learn how to use your pressure canner!
I'm so glad you shared this. I'm going through my pantry and looking at what we will need. I have a few things to can from the freezer, but you are giving me new ideas like grinding the pork butt, and making more salsa and less jams. Thanks Leisa!
Sounds like you are off to a great start!
Oh I just love the way you thumbed your nose up at “the powers that be!”…I feel exactly the same way! Having a plan, knowing the growing seasons and taking it from there is great! Awesome video!
It’s a great feeling of independence, isn’t it?
@@SuttonsDazeoh and then some! It’s almost orgasmic finding meat that’s reduced that I can just throw in the freezer till I’m ready to can it…hooyah!
Hi Leisa! No 99 cents/lb chicken this year?! I am bummed for you and your friends who always take advantage of this super sale. Thank you for all you do! I am enjoying Canuary! 😊
I am planning on canning soups and beets. I have a stockpile of Thrive fruits and vegetables, so I only buy fresh when they are on sale. Thank you for the worksheet.
Sounds like you’ve got a great plan.
Love all the information you share. Thank you
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much for the downloadable canning plan sheet!!! I love this idea and will definitely put it to use! You're amazing!
You're welcome!
Great idea , THANK YOU LEISA
You're welcome!
I canned chicken breast at $1.49/lb recently and that was a good price to find.
I found a fajita recipe for canning. I will be using Venison. Cut into thin strips. Mix meat and seasonings let sit in refrigerator overnight. Pack jars as tight as possible. Let sit until room temperature and add just enough boiling water to fill voids, debubble, and process. I made pints. It came out tender and tasty. I think you could use any type of meat. My next experiment will be a mixed meat jar of chicken, pork roast, and beef/venison. Dehydrated veggies, onions, and bell peppers rehydrate, heat meat, and veggies in a skillet with a little oil. On a flour tortilla and a little sour cream. Get creative ✨️
We had Elk fajitas tonite for dinner and they are awesome, you go girl😊
@DebraMorris-q6r it's amazing how wild game can replace domestic meats! We don't have elk in our area, squirrel season opens next month. We love squirrel casserole. Hugs
@ I’ve never tried squirrels, is it a lot like rabbit? If I could share Elk with you I sure would , blessings to all be safe
@DebraMorris-q6r Yes, squirrel is very similar to rabbit.
Making a slow cooker pulled pork tonight 🎉❤ great for these cold winter days. Winds howling outside in the teens
good time of the year to be doing this. I'm trying to find a way to figure out how much to plant in order to get the amount I need yearly to can. So far striking out. But I'll keep trying. I know already that I am wishing I had more soup canned up. Thought I'd have plenty of time but forgot I would rather use fresh veggies in my soups and stews when I can them. Plus I did a meal plan for this month and guess what? I'm putting a major dent in the soup and stews I did manage to get on the shelf. Live, eat and learn. This is my first Canuary and I was feeling pretty good until I counted how many jars of soup I know I'll go through this month. Yes, meal planning is important...I still don't like doing it.
I know the feeling!
Tip with spinach: do a cut n come again variety. You give it a hair cut & it grows back. I do 3 cutting for fresh & canning. Yum.😊
That is such a great tip!
Thank you
You're welcome
I am fixing to go through all my cabinets and inventory. I haven't had time in a couple of years due to work and medical issues, but next Thursday is my last day. Actually I am not on the schedule after Sunday, but I will probably get called in. Today, I started writing down recipes that I want to try from the 2025 Canuary collaboration. Abrian
It’s good to hear you’re taking some time for yourself!
I can and freeze seasonal garden items and look for meat sales. I have a husband that has 2 green thumbs. We also share extra produce with friends. Today I made chicken broth and canned it up. Got to pick up leg quarters at FoodLion for .79 lb for a 10 lb bag. I also have learned to make my own Mayo and yogurt.
That sounds like a great plan!
Last mouse nest (unoccupied) removed from basement today. Canning supplies/jars area is clear & organized. Also cleared & organized the cleaning supplies area. Tomorrow, other half of basement. Then inventory. 👍
I have always planned my garden based on how much canned and fresh produce I need for the year. For instance, I used to use 34 quarts of marinara sauce each year, so I would plant the necessary number of Roma tomato plants to insure I would have enough tomatoes to can that much sauce.
How many plants did you plant?
@@jeannainnc8390 18-20. They are heirloom tomatoes I get from a local nursery that has been growing them since the late 60s. No name plum variety and I don't know of anyone else who has them. The tomatoes are solid and the size of softballs!
Bought frozen peas, green beans and corn to dehydrate. Haven't tried corn dehydrating it so this is an experiment.
Also have about 5 pounds of carrots.
I am a Brit in Panama. I prep. This last week the local people are beginning to get concerned. Lots of supermarket items are from US. We import a lot of our food as we do not grow enough even of the basics. People are, generally, poor. The wage for many people is from $3 to $5 per hour.
I am being asked what should they store. Many do not have electricity so no fridges.
I suggest rice - the staple carb, beans, oil, flour, salt, sugar, tins of tuna, if they can afford tins of chicken, pkts of soup, coffee still cheap as we grow a lot, if they have a fridge minced beef, tins of vegetables, few spices.
Have you any other suggestions? These are to be survival rations. When the rains stop and it is warm enough for seeds to grow then we can plant some vegetables in our gardens.
I never considered the fact that I was CTN back on single use packaging! You are right though
Found a bag of tomatoes in my freezer. I'm going to can them up tomorrow. Then it's on to figuring out what and how many veggies to grow this spring.
My next project is burrito in a jar ❤
Great idea. What is in it?
If your already grinding meat you should make sausage. You don't have to put it in a casing the first time. I really enjoy making sausage.
I do this. We make our own sausage and leave it in bulk 1lb sizes.
I still have some of my Dad's centennial canning jars.