What Not to Can! (BBB) | Chickens in the Road

Feb
10

You can find recipes all over the internet for just about anything, but it’s never a good idea to proceed without checking a known, reliable source. There are some foods that can be safely canned commercially using additives, preservatives and processing controls that aren’t available for home recipes. (To avoid the additives and preservatives in those foods, it’s best to either make them at home for fresh, immediate use, or in other cases, freeze to store.) Things you shouldn’t can at home include:

1. Bread or cake in a jar.
2. Herbs or vegetables in oil or oil infusions.
3. Chocolate/fudge sauces.
4. Pumpkin butter.

For more information about safe canning, check out the FAQs at the National Center for Home Preservation. Another handy source of reliable information is the BBB!

***

It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by Billie from No Crack Cream. Visit her here.

For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (February 10). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (February 11). Return to this post to claim your book if your name is drawn (or check the BBB Winners List).

Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.

UPDATE 02/11/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is #91, sal. Email me at CITRgiveaways(at)yahoo.com with your full name and address for shipping!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.

More posts you might enjoy:

146 Responses
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2-10
5:02
am

Yes, BBB please!

Richelle

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2-10
5:31
am

BBB, please!

zeitgewandt

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2-10
5:41
am

BBB, please.

Kathy in FL

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2-10
5:51
am

I would love to win. BBB

PossumManor

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2-10
5:52
am

BBB please – Thank you

Jean - MN

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2-10
6:41
am

BBB, please

Howard

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2-10
6:52
am

BBB!! : )

Jeanne

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2-10
6:58
am

Good mornin’ all…Well I am waiting for spring still (hope that groundhog was right) anyhoo, please enter me in the BBB
Thanks,
Mary

Mary Hall

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2-10
7:01
am

BBB, please!!

GaPeach

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2-10
7:05
am

I’m amazed at the list above. I have questions. Lots of questions. Why not pumpkin butter? Why can you can apple butter? So I’ll still have to pay gazillions of $$$ for fancy little jars of sun-dried tomatoes in oil? Was one of my husbands co-workers secretly trying to kill us when she gave us homemade fudge sauce for Christmas? Did she can it or did she just put in jars without processing? She did say to refrigerate it; we ate it, we’re still alive. Who’d want to can bread? Inquiring minds want to know.

Guess I’d better have a BBB so I can find the answers. Thanks.

lavenderblue

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2-10
7:08
am

I’d love to win it.

Connie

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2-10
7:13
am

BBB Please!

Connie

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2-10
7:13
am

would love to win a BBB!

Debbie

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2-10
7:16
am

I don’t need to worry about canning any of the items on the list. I would not use enough of any of those items to can them. Some items, like tomatoes I used to can by the hot water bath, but now I pressure can then. Why? The acid content in tomatoes is lower then it was when I first started canning. I wonder if anything else has changed? Maybe I need a new BBB………please.

Peggy

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2-10
7:17
am

BBB, pretty please.

Anke

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2-10
7:29
am

I NEEEEED one of these BBB’s!!! (please)

Gem

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2-10
7:30
am

BBB Please

jim

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2-10
7:36
am

BBB please.

sam

sam

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2-10
7:39
am

But I thought you COULD can pumpkin butter! Hmmmmmm BBB

Sandy

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2-10
7:50
am

I thought you could BWB pumpkin butter as well….guess I really am desperate for a BBB.

justdeborah2002

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2-10
7:55
am

BBB pretty plz

Melissa (N4M)

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2-10
7:56
am

Would love the BBB!

Betsy

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2-10
7:57
am

Today is my lucky day, maybe.
I need a BBB…

annabel52

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2-10
7:58
am

I read where lemon curd can’t be canned, yet I did see a recipe online that it can be. Anyone know? No BBB for me, DH bought one for me and it’s wonderful.

Valerie

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2-10
8:04
am

I would love to win the ball blue book! Please enter me in. I have heard that you can’t can apple butter but I saw someone do it recently….I forget where it was. HMMMM.

Brittany P.

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2-10
8:05
am

I meant pumpkin butter!

Brittany P.

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2-10
8:07
am

Oh I’m glad you posted this one. I had thought about doing the oil infusions for x-mas gifts. Hmmmm, maybe I’ll try my hand at jelly this year if I ever win this book!

BBB please.

lilac wolf

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2-10
8:11
am

I have a recipe out of a Walton WV cookbook for apple cake in a jar that I make regularly and haven’t died yet. Maybe because it gets eaten before it stays in the jar very long?

dalewestfallsgranddaughter

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2-10
8:11
am

I would love BBB!

Glenie

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2-10
8:19
am

What, no pumkin butter? How do you preserve it then? BBB, please!

Bonnie

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2-10
8:22
am

This inquiring little mind wants to learn more with a BBB!

Renee

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2-10
8:24
am

Sounds like you’re gonna have some “‘splainin’” to do, Suzanne. I also would love to know why these things shouldn’t be canned. BBB, please.

langela

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2-10
8:26
am

BBB Thanks Billie and Suzanne! Seems like I have a LOT to learn about canning.

Ladychef

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2-10
8:28
am

BBB please.

Sarah

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2-10
8:36
am

BBB please! I’m ready to start.

Amy I.

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2-10
8:41
am

I’d love the BBB!

Brigitte

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2-10
8:42
am

Yes, you can can apple butter. NOT pumpkin butter!

The link above in the post will explain why you should not can cake in a jar or bread in a jar, and herbs/vegetables in oil. You can also find more detail here:
http://www.pickyourown.org//canningqa.htm

Suzanne McMinn

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2-10
8:46
am

See,I learn something new everyday here. That’s why I always come back! Would love to try canning. BBB,please!

windspiritwhimsies

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2-10
8:51
am

BBB, Please!

Heidi

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2-10
8:53
am

BBB please!

Kelly F.

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2-10
8:54
am

So, strawberry/peach butter is alright to can? Yay! I need a Blue Ball book.

Marjorie Wolson

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2-10
8:54
am

BBB please! And thank you, Billie and Suzanne, for sponsoring this giveaway.

brookdale

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2-10
8:55
am

What?! Pumpkin butter can’t be canned? Oh dear, I’ve seen it for sale at the farmer’s market here….wonder what’s going on there! I’ve been canning for years without the benefit of a BBB. I think it’s High Time I got one!
Pleeeeeeze!

Tina

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2-10
8:57
am

BBB-Yes!!!

patrice

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2-10
8:59
am

NO PUMPKIN BUTTER?????? If I had a BBB I probably would’ve known that, lol…BBB PLEASE

Phyllis

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2-10
9:02
am

BBB please! Could really use this book to help with the produce I plan to grow this summer!

Patricialynn

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2-10
9:05
am

Isn’t it amazing the amount of push back you get when you try to tell people not to can pureed pumpkin? Or those cakes in a jar? Or not to water bath green beans? Or turn jars over? Why to people insist on arguing about these things?

Bethany James

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2-10
9:08
am

My grad student daughter turned me on to your site. Bbb please!!

Diana

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2-10
9:08
am

we recently canned 100 lbs of sausage! it is great and relatively easy to do! also did venison this year!

Jill from Spencer

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2-10
9:10
am

Yes, you will see canned pumpkin butter at community bazaars all the time. Don’t buy it!! See why here:
http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/pumpkinprecautions.php

Suzanne McMinn

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2-10
9:14
am

I’m with everybody else- lots of questions. But mostly I just want pumpkin butter now. BBB please.

Lacey

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2-10
9:16
am

Thank you! I see people suggesting canning crazy stuff all the time! BBB

viggie

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2-10
9:17
am

BBB Please!!! I was planning to expand my canning world this year, and it’d be nice to have on had the book that will be able tot ell me what I can-can and can’t-can

Rachel

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2-10
9:19
am

BBB please!

Teri

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2-10
9:23
am

I would be so grateful for BBB.

Deb Klenke

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2-10
9:24
am

BBB Please. I have an older one, but wouldn’t mind having a new book. Thanks Suzanne
Suzanne

Window On The Prairie

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2-10
9:24
am

I’ve never made pumpkin butter, but I too, was surprised to learn that you shouldn’t can it. Interesting…
BBB please.

LeAnn

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2-10
9:25
am

BBB for meeeee

iowacowgirl

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2-10
9:25
am

BBB Please

Amanda aka Salamander

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2-10
9:29
am

Let’s try this again, please.

Rockyshore

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2-10
9:31
am

The pumpkin butter recommendation was started after someone wrote a paper which made it suspect with no real proof as to what could potentially happen. http://homesteadgardenandpantry.com/canning/pumpkin-butter-2/

Angie

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2-10
9:32
am

BBB please

TeresaJM

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2-10
9:44
am

I would love me a BBB ~ thanks for the chance to win!

Lynette

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2-10
9:49
am

I would love a BBB! Big plans for the garden this year!! BBB me!

Deb Colucci

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2-10
9:50
am

I didn’t know about the Pumpkin Butter . . . . good information. If I had a BBB, I would know these things! BBB please!

prayingpup

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2-10
9:52
am

BBB please, please!!!!!!!!!

Laura Newton

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2-10
9:53
am

Thank you, Billie, for your generosity! Please add my name to the drawing for the BBB.

Kathleen

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2-10
9:55
am

BBB Please..

Luann

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2-10
9:56
am

BBB Please?

Zusiqu

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2-10
9:57
am

Please enter me! BBB

rileighsmom1

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2-10
9:59
am

thank you Billie for sponsoring this Ball Blue Book giveaway. It’s awfully generous of you! and thanks to you also Suzanne, for this giveaway and for simply being you. have I told you lately how much I love Chickens in The Road? well I do. it’s been a pleasure following you through the thick and thin times of Stringtown Rising Farm. have a beautiful day! BBB!

Miss Becky

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2-10
10:03
am

Please pick me for the BBB!

Gerry

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2-10
10:08
am

consider me for the BBB!!!

Mary from Baton Rouge

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2-10
10:10
am

BBB me please!

KristenA

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2-10
10:12
am

BBB please!

Faith

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2-10
10:24
am

BBB please!

mygirls01

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2-10
10:24
am

Thanks for the info about pumpkin butter! BBB for me!!!!

Abiga/Karen

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2-10
10:30
am

The pumpkin butter was a new one to me too; I’m definitely checking out the links to see why. This year I canned apple and pear butter. I also make lots of jams and jellies. Another thing you shouldn’t can is pickled eggs; those I just put in the refrigerator to keep safe.

Deb

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2-10
10:35
am

Just read the reasons why not to can pumpkin…another thing that makes you go hmmmm….BBB

Nancy Stickler

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2-10
10:36
am

I would love to win a BBB, please!

Jennifer S

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2-10
10:41
am

Billie — thank you very mush for sponsoring this BBB giveaway.

Suzanne – Please enter me in the drawing. And Thank You for all teaching you do (I’m a grateful and learning B student!)

Juliana (Mrs. Obe)

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2-10
10:47
am

Gosh, that’s the truth and also why waste the space trying to can some of the stuff that the internet says you can preserve…..

BBB sounds good to me.

Ramona

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2-10
10:47
am

I need a BBB, please!!

Nadeanne

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2-10
11:01
am

What about sandwich in a can?

Mike

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2-10
11:01
am

I need a new BBB

marymac

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2-10
11:02
am

BBB me please!

farmershae

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2-10
11:02
am

BBB Please

Naomi

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2-10
11:04
am

pretty, pretty please, oh random number generator, pick me for a BBB!

kindigo27

Flag this comment
2-10
11:06
am

There is more info here on the only recommended methods for canning pumpkin:
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can_04/pumpkin_winter_squash.html
Pureed pumpkin (as in pumpkin butter) is not recommended.

Suzanne McMinn

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2-10
11:09
am

Absolutely BBB:)))

Lisa

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2-10
11:16
am

BBB Pretty please? With sugar on it? I’d love to win this book, today, now. ;o)

sal

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2-10
11:18
am

I would like the BBB.

Diane

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2-10
11:23
am

Would love to win that BBB!

Amanda

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2-10
11:25
am

BBB please.

Sherri

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2-10
11:26
am

I would like to have the BBB please; otherwise I’m likely to can 4 gallons of chocolate sauce!

Linda T.

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2-10
11:30
am

BBB, please

Pam

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2-10
11:53
am

Please put me down for the BBB drawing. Knowledge is Power!

Terri Draeger

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2-10
12:01
pm

include me please

Mim

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2-10
12:09
pm

BBB please

Barbara T

Flag this comment
2-10
12:18
pm

I want to win this book so I can learn why chocolate/fudge sauce and pumpkin butter shouldn’t be canned. Inquiring minds need to know!

Sharon Dziekonski

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2-10
12:18
pm

BBB please! I’ve got big plans.

Sarah

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2-10
12:25
pm

Yes, I’d like to win, please!

Michelle

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2-10
12:26
pm

I could use a BBB Please!

Gidget

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2-10
12:28
pm

BBB, please!!! =)

KaraLeigh

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2-10
12:45
pm

Need BBB badly!

Wanda

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2-10
12:48
pm

0rlasha

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2-10
1:03
pm

I learn so much here Suzanne…thank you! BBB please!

BethAnn

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2-10
1:11
pm

I feel lucky—-BBB please !!!

rainss61

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2-10
1:31
pm

BBB please and thanks. Sorry to hear about your little goat.

Melanie

Flag this comment
2-10
1:54
pm

I’m new to canning and would love the BBB! Thanks!

Krista S.

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2-10
1:57
pm

I would like to enter to win the BBB!

Jackie Georgiou

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2-10
2:09
pm

BBB, please!!!!

cricketjett

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2-10
2:12
pm

BBB just for ME!!!

Tricia in Texas

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2-10
2:19
pm

I am just learning the basics…applesauce and orange marmalade.

BBB please.

Patricia Herman

Flag this comment
2-10
2:22
pm

I never knew these! I’d love to have a BBB book to tell me more!

Ruth C

Flag this comment
2-10
2:42
pm

BBB Please!! I am still learning all of this! I think I had heard that you could not can pumpkin, BUT I didn’t know why. Thankfully no one in the house likes pumpkin other than me so I really don’t have a problem there. Now the roasted seed we could eat all year long!

mammaleigh

Flag this comment
2-10
2:47
pm

Great comment about what not to can.
BBB thanks Cheryl

Cheryl McCloskey

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2-10
3:08
pm

Suzanne, I made my first foray into pressure canning this weekend! Beautiful jars of homemade chicken stock are mine all mine.

Gini

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2-10
3:22
pm

Would love the BBB!

Kathleen H in Indiana

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2-10
3:36
pm

I’d love a BBB!

Sarah Beth

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2-10
4:04
pm

I would love to win a BBB. Thanks

Linda Goble

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2-10
4:46
pm

I canned pumpkin butter and WON at the county fair! Thanks for the info…I won’t do it again. BBB please!
Thanks again for all the great information every day!

Cindy

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2-10
5:05
pm

I want to learn what I CAN can. (tee-hee can can, can you do the can can?) BBB please!

Martha in KS

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2-10
5:11
pm

BBB please!

Laurie

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2-10
5:19
pm

BBB. And truth be told…there are some things, that while ‘safe’ to can, really just shouldn’t be canned….depending on the cook. :-)

Miss Dana

Flag this comment
2-10
5:44
pm

BBB please! I wanna learn how to can beans this year!

LisaAJB

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2-10
6:07
pm

Thank you Billie for sponsoring this week’s BBB. I would like to start canning this year and could really use a BBB.

Clarissa

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2-10
6:09
pm

Suzanne, I’d love to have the BBB book. Last summer was a fun one canning great farm-stand stuff.

Hugh

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2-10
6:44
pm

BBB Please. Wonders if cookie will help my ODDS

ann/alba

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2-10
7:14
pm

Yes, please enter me for BBB. Thank you.

Linda

Flag this comment
2-10
7:25
pm

Canning safely via BWB is about acidity. If we know the rules about pH/acidity and know the pH of what we want to can and how to acidify foods that are borderline pH the cloud of mystery lifts and what can be canned safely becomes clear in most cases. Naturally acidic foods can be canned without added acid. Borderline foods need acidified w/lemon juice, citric acid, etc. Low acid foods must be acidified by methods such as pickling and if it’s not appropriate for pickling, then water bath canning is likely out of the picture. Learning the rules of acidity really isn’t complicated and is the baseline we all need for canning safely by BWB. And while I don’t always agree with/like everything the NCHFP/USDA says in their guidelines, I also do not ignore the results of their lab tests on specific foods and/or recipes.

wvhomecanner

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2-10
8:08
pm

BBB Please!

Elizabeth

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2-10
8:09
pm

Thanks for another chance to win. Count me in!

Leah's Mom

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2-10
8:15
pm

So much to learn! BBB please!

Carol Howell

Flag this comment
2-10
8:45
pm

Trying again, hope I get lucky this time! (crosses fingers!) BBB

Tammy F

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2-10
9:08
pm

BBB please. Thanks for offering it!

Chris Bredenkamp

Flag this comment
2-10
9:37
pm

enter me for a BBB.
Thanks Janice

Janice Jewett

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2-10
10:23
pm

I agree the Blue Book is the Bible of canning!!! I have one from the 70′s. I sure would love to win the newest addition.

marie in Amite

Flag this comment
2-10
10:54
pm

BBB please. Why would anyone try to can bread?????

Mary Fran

Flag this comment
2-10
10:58
pm

I would love to have the BBB! I have recently begun making jelly and would love to know how to can more: pickles, preserves, etc. Thanks!

Tammy

Flag this comment
2-10
11:47
pm

That pumpkin business made me kinda sad lol. Pickyourown said you could freeze it though, so that’s good. BBB please!

Lindsay

Flag this comment
2-10
11:52
pm

Thank you, Suzanne & the sponsor! I’d love to enter the BBB.

Shar

Flag this comment
2-11
5:12
am

Some of the recommendations are more opinion than anything else. Problems with canning pureed pumpkin or pumpkin butter don’t fit in that group. There is actual information regarding the potential issues with those.

David

Flag this comment
2-11
1:38
pm

I would love to win the BBB. I can weekly in the summer and at least twice a month in the winter.

Andrea Mueller

Flag this comment
2-11
1:40
pm

This giveaway is closed to entry. The winner is updated at the bottom of the post.

Suzanne McMinn

Flag this comment
2-12
2:57
pm

Thanks for posting the list of what not to can – it’s scary to read about what people will attempt to can, and tough to be a voice of reason.

Daria Walton

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