Preserving Bits N Pieces

[Red Doe]

I was hoping to get a pressure canner but didn`t, however, I`m going to try out Water Bath Canning, but was wondering if anyone knows where to get jar lifting tongs? I looked on Ebay, nothing apart from the USA, and the cost of getting even a wee thing like that here, ouch!
Looked on Amazon but all they do are the complete sets, with the tongs, jar lids etc, and I only need the tongs.
Ooh, speaking of water bath canning, maybe for any newbies at it like me, this link might be useful

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1jpyXPdCRE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KQJ-SV5FWo

I don`t have any specialist equipment, but I do have a couple of deep, big soup pots so will use those, plus a tea towel for the base, still got to buy some jars, but would really like to get hold of a jar lifter, so if anyone spots any please gimme a yell, thanks

[maryb]

I got mine from Lakeland.

or try this
http://www.preserveshop.co.uk/jam-makin ... jar-lifter

[Red Doe]

Great link Mary, many thanks!
I tried the Lakeland site, but they are sold out apparently
That`s great though, and not as dear as other places I`ve seen

[Teresa]

I have been canning using a water bath for about 20 years. There are many little tricks that you learn along the way that make things easier. I sterilize my jars in the oven for about 10 min that way they are completely dry and won't slip from your hands as easy. I also never cover my jars with water I only fill the pot with enough water so it comes to the bottom of the screw bands. The reason being is during boiling process the bands have a tendency to loosen and if it does then your jars will fill with water. I don't see any logical reason for covering them. The water bath does two things first kills bacteria and second softens the rubber ring to allow a seal during cooling. I would recommend when cooling cover your jars with a tea towel that way they cool slower, and leave for about 24 hours before you check them. Some jars take longer to pop then others. Right now I don't have the wire rack and I had never heard of having to keep the jars off the bottom of the pot before. As long as you use the correct kind of jars that are designed for presser canning it shouldn't be a problem. They are designed for high presser and temps. Such as Ball and Mason. I so far haven't had any explode (knock on wood).
I just ordered these reusable lids. I hate having to buy new seals it seams like such a waste of money. I also know that they are made without BPA so that is an added bonus. Postage from America is expensive but should be well worth it. They are suppose to last for 30 years or more.

Tattler reusable canning lids... http://www.reusablecanninglids.com/

I hope that helps you some and if you have any questions let me know and I will try to answer them for you.

[Red Doe]

That is a great help Teresa, thanks. My OH has just treated me to a huge ex army cooking pot, with lid, which will be great for water bath canning. I have an old Preserving book from 1947 with a section on WBC which shows how to make a false bottom with folded chicken wire or by using a folded tea towel.
Good idea re the lids btw...at the moment I only have a few of the Kilner jars with the snap on glass lids, if you know what I mean? Would rather have the `pop down` lids though. Incidentally, in my preserving book it also says just to cover the jars up to the base of the lids too.

[Teresa]

I just received my tattler lids today in the post, I can't wait to try them out. I ordered a case of pint jars last year from a local hardware store but the next time I will order online so it can be delivered to my house to save time and bus fare. This seams to be the cheapest place I have found so far... http://www.cookability.biz/home-discove ... /b_697.htm . I will let you know how the new lids work out when I use them. I was wondering what does OH mean? I have seen it in other posts as well.

[Red Doe]

Another link saved in my faves, many thanks.
OH means Other Half, when talking about our hubbies/boyfriends/partners/lovers.

[jean405]

I just received my tattler lids today in the post, I can't wait to try them out.

Hi Teresa, do let us know what you think of the Tattler lids when you use them. I'm thinking of buying some too.
I just ordered 12 half liter and 12 one liter jars today, I'm so lucky someone I know can order them at cost+vat, otherwise I only buy them when they are on offer from Netto, but then they are usually the Weck jars. Unfortunately you can't buy lids here in Denmark, so Tattler lids would do me fine.

Jean

[Teresa]

I just used my new Tattler lids and I must say... I love them Just as easy as the regular ones and no BPA...YEA.