Now that the strawberries are cut, our recipe calls for 7 cups of strawberries. Each group measures 7 cups of berries into their stockpot, adds the juice of one lemon, adds their measured amount of liquid calcium and brings it to a boil.
While the berries are heating up, the groups add 3 1/2 cups of sugar to a mixing bowl and add the measured amount of dry pectin and mix well.
A funnel is a must-have tool in my opinion. It saves time and mess.
The next step is to take your warm jars, lids, and rings and bring them to the table. Have paper towels ready to clean the rim of each jar after filling.
Do this process until you have filled the jars. If you have a little left over, place it in a bowl to chill and serve the group for tasting.
Canning can be easy and fun. It is worth taking the time to give it a try. Doing it with friends is even better and makes the experience enjoyable.
One of our moms sent me a message after the class to let me know what a wonderful experience the class was for her and her children. She said growing up, her mother had made her afraid of canning because of a bad experience she had. This translated through her life and she had been afraid to try it with her kids. She thanked me for taking away the fear and helping her children enjoy the experience. She is now excited to can other foods on her own.
This experience was more than canning strawberries. It was building friendships, and gaining confidence in new skills together. I am so blessed to be able to provide this experience for families.