I’m happy when I’m baking bread. I’m happy when I’m canning. These are two things that feel good. Even if I’m having a bad day, they improve it. And a good day? That’s even better. It’s all about the creating, and for me, that is most true in the kitchen. This week, I canned up a batch of Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate in my steam canner–which I love, by the way. (It’s actually a dual-use canner, so you can operate it like a regular boiling water bath canner or use it as a steam canner. I only use it as a steam canner. In steam canning, you only use 2-3 quarts of water. I love that. No more heavy pots of water! In case you’re interested, this is my steam canner
Back to the Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate–I’ve been starting to get out in the gardens. It’s warm already here! Surprise spring! And I thought about all those warm (aka hot) days to come, and how I’d like a refreshing something after working outside. Mix this concentrate 50/50 with water, ginger ale, or even some vino over ice after a hard day hoeing. (I’m just kidding. I don’t hoe!) I picked this recipe out of the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving
It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by Gloria Elizabeth, in honor of her grandmother, Melissa, and daughter, Katherine.
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 copy of the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (March 20). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (March 21). 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.
NOTE: You must be registered to comment. If you’re not registered, you can register here. If you’re already registered but not logged in, go here to log in.
UPDATE 03/21/12: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment #9, countrygal. Email me at [email protected] with your full name and address for shipping!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED FOR ENTRY.
Bev in CA says:
That sounds so good on a hot day. Thanks for the chance and please enter me for the BBB.
On March 20, 2012 at 1:25 am
BethAnn says:
I’d like a glass right now! BBB please!
On March 20, 2012 at 1:45 am
Hrist says:
BBB! That sounds delicious.
On March 20, 2012 at 2:04 am
cindyinohio says:
BBB please. Yum!!
On March 20, 2012 at 3:48 am
Jiller says:
I would love to try that recipe and to be entered in the contest!!!
On March 20, 2012 at 4:21 am
propwashz says:
BBB please
On March 20, 2012 at 4:21 am
doxie says:
BBB please!! This book sounds wonderful! 🙂
On March 20, 2012 at 5:41 am
artgal says:
BBB please! 🙂
On March 20, 2012 at 6:05 am
countrygal says:
Love to win the book BBB
On March 20, 2012 at 6:10 am
D1BeachBum says:
I would love to win a new canning book. BBB Please!!! :hungry:
On March 20, 2012 at 6:20 am
JRR.Esq says:
BBB please!!
On March 20, 2012 at 6:21 am
NancyD in NH says:
me me me! :snoopy:
On March 20, 2012 at 6:39 am
Leah's Mom says:
Wow – I like that canner! I think I’m going to order one very soon.
Suzanne – if I purchase one through Amazon by clicking on your link will you get “credit”? I was hoping you would so let me know the best way to purchase :yes:
On March 20, 2012 at 6:51 am
justdeborah2002 says:
I may be moving soon, and would love to make up some of the strawberry lemonade for the movers at the end….BBB please.
On March 20, 2012 at 6:52 am
WVgal4ever says:
:duck: I do need this! BBB please! :duck:
On March 20, 2012 at 6:56 am
mommyby3 says:
I need this BBB please :woof:
Thanks
On March 20, 2012 at 6:58 am
kellyb says:
I’d love this book
On March 20, 2012 at 7:07 am
GaPeach says:
BBB, please!!
On March 20, 2012 at 7:18 am
JeanneB says:
I already have the Blue Ball Book but I would love to have the complete one. We are currently on our own odyssey into farm ownership. BBB
On March 20, 2012 at 7:28 am
kelly jo kirby says:
Please pick me for the BBB!
On March 20, 2012 at 7:34 am
Karen Patrick says:
If I don’t win the BBB book, how else am I going to get this luscious recipe? Can’t way to try it. Sounds very refreshing.
On March 20, 2012 at 7:38 am
Cindy H says:
Strawberry Lemonade sounds fantastic! I’d love to win a BBB!
On March 20, 2012 at 7:41 am
gfoulds says:
Please consider me me me !! I’d love to learn how to can ..
On March 20, 2012 at 7:42 am
doodlebugroad says:
Would love to be better informed in the canning realm … BBB!
On March 20, 2012 at 7:46 am
quiltinggranna says:
Yummmmm. BBB
On March 20, 2012 at 7:48 am
Beecie says:
trying to jumpstart my inner canner for the year. Please enter me!
On March 20, 2012 at 8:08 am
mrsjulietk says:
:turtle: I would love to make this!!!! BBB
On March 20, 2012 at 8:09 am
Harvest says:
:snuggle: Teaching my mother in law to can this summer. We would love for her to have an up-to-date book! Please enter us… BBB
On March 20, 2012 at 8:11 am
Linda Goble says:
I would love to have a BBB please. Thanks Suzanne and Gloria Elizabeth for donating book :happyflower:
On March 20, 2012 at 8:11 am
Miss Nellie says:
BBB please.
On March 20, 2012 at 8:12 am
Peggy in KY says:
That recipe isn’t in my old book. Would love a new BBB.
On March 20, 2012 at 8:16 am
CrystalGB says:
I would love to have this book. BBB
On March 20, 2012 at 8:21 am
brookdale says:
Would love to win this book!!! BBB pleeeeease!
The strawberry lemonade looks yummy.
On March 20, 2012 at 8:29 am
mygirls01 says:
BBB please!
On March 20, 2012 at 8:30 am
Kristen A says:
My kids love strawberry lemonade. BBB me please.
On March 20, 2012 at 8:34 am
carolynsimpson says:
You so inspire me! Is BBB available for Canadians?
On March 20, 2012 at 8:35 am
JerseyMom says:
Yum! the kiddos would love that too. BBB please!
On March 20, 2012 at 8:56 am
Sandyg says:
I really could use this book! Am trying to learn all I can about canning. Thank you for the chance to win!
On March 20, 2012 at 8:58 am
daywahyn says:
Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate would make a wonderful addition to our pantry! Love a chance to win, thanks. BBB!
On March 20, 2012 at 8:58 am
Bonnie S. says:
Time to can! BBB, please!
On March 20, 2012 at 9:13 am
AutumnK says:
BBB please!
On March 20, 2012 at 9:14 am
Kathi says:
Yum. Strawberry lemonade. . .
BBB me too, please!
On March 20, 2012 at 9:15 am
Andrea the Kitchen Witch says:
BBB please oh please! The strawberry lemonaid sounds heavenly!
On March 20, 2012 at 9:16 am
okstormy says:
BBB PLease!
On March 20, 2012 at 9:19 am
mollyclaire says:
BBB please! 🙂
On March 20, 2012 at 9:19 am
Kristi C says:
That’s a nice looking steam canner. I’ve never used a steam canner before. It is exactly the same as a pressure canner?
You said you only use it as a steamer. Does that mean you don’t process anything by the boiling water bath method?
Thanks for the info.
On March 20, 2012 at 9:34 am
ashmmorgan2 says:
BBB Please!
On March 20, 2012 at 9:36 am
DebrafromMD says:
I love anything with lemons in it so I would love to have this recipe. Please put my name in the drawing.
On March 20, 2012 at 9:37 am
TwistedStitcher says:
Oh, that sounds relish. BBB, please.
On March 20, 2012 at 9:38 am
Jane L says:
Yes please!
On March 20, 2012 at 9:51 am
WyldeChyldeChickenChasers says:
My Mom used to can and preserve every fall when my sisters and I were kids. I remember sneaking into the cellar to snatch a jar of tomato and zucchini with onions. That stuff was DELISH with crackers LOL! My Mom has gotten older and isn’t able to do those things anymore. She did tell me that she wants to can with me this year while she feels like she still can do a little. It would be awesome to have this book for us to go through and pick out some recipes to work on together. Thanks so much for YOUR generosity! :butterfly: (BBB)
~Sarah (Wylde Chylde Chicken Chasers)
On March 20, 2012 at 9:52 am
sandrazen says:
Ooh…Count me in for the BBB please. I’ve had my eye on this book for awhile. THANKS! Great blog.
On March 20, 2012 at 9:58 am
stacylee says:
I would love to win it, and I love strawberry lemonade!
On March 20, 2012 at 9:59 am
roosterrun says:
BBB please
On March 20, 2012 at 10:08 am
JReed says:
I want one! BBB!
On March 20, 2012 at 10:10 am
bsue54 says:
BBB Please! I was an honest canner and gave my friend’s Complete Book back to her last fall. SIGH… Santa didn’t bring me one… and I think I NEED this ;0}
On March 20, 2012 at 10:11 am
countrygirl221 says:
The strawberry lemon concentrate sounds ideal for a hot summer day. I would love to win the book. BBB please.
On March 20, 2012 at 10:21 am
cabynfevr says:
Tomorrow I am picking up two lambs. I love the name Annabelle (I bought a picture of yours that is framed in my dining room) but I couldn’t come up with another name I loved so one will be Anna, the other Belle. Hoping mine turn out as great as yours! BBB, please!
On March 20, 2012 at 10:21 am
rhubarbrose says:
I have not been aware of this type of steam canner. Hope it’s available in my part of the world because this is exactly what I should have, especially this summer when I’ll be canning a lot of Zucchini Relish for our daughter’s wedding favours! I too am happiest when canning and/or baking bread. Please enter my “number” for the BBB. Thanks!
On March 20, 2012 at 10:40 am
azladychef says:
BBB Please!
Thanks Suzanne and Gloria Elizabeth!
On March 20, 2012 at 10:51 am
Lana says:
Thank you, Gloria Elizabeth, and Suzanne! Please sign me up for the book!
On March 20, 2012 at 11:03 am
gerryvoland says:
BBB Please! Tomorrow is my 31st wedding anniversary, and this would be such a nice present!
On March 20, 2012 at 11:04 am
mamacarpenter says:
I have never heard of this book…sounds wonderful! Please enter me in the drawing.
Mama Carpenter
On March 20, 2012 at 11:09 am
bullyk9r says:
Strawberry lemonade sounds refreshing. Perfect summertime drink. I’m excited about this recipe. :shimmy: Please enter me in the BBB draw.
On March 20, 2012 at 11:15 am
Ramona Slocum says:
I always like to try new recipes. BBB for me too please.
MN MONA
On March 20, 2012 at 11:18 am
bonnie335 says:
I need it! Well, I would really like to have it.
On March 20, 2012 at 11:22 am
beforethedawn says:
I adore strawberry lemonade. mmmMMMmmm! BBB!
On March 20, 2012 at 11:23 am
sal says:
I think it’s my lucky day! BBB and BBB!!
On March 20, 2012 at 11:26 am
STH says:
Please enter me in the drawing for the BBB! Thank you!
On March 20, 2012 at 11:27 am
funfarm22 says:
:cowsleep: I have been following this site for about 2 years now. I was excited to see the list for strawberry lemonade as my daughter has been additated to it since she has had it when she has gone out to eat. So i was disappointed when i saw that there was no listing of the recipe in the blog. Will you be listing the recipe or do i have to buy the BBB to get it? :moo:
On March 20, 2012 at 11:37 am
Kbrenna says:
Sounds delish and hope to get the Ball Book some way or another this summer, as I live next to a strawberry and corn farm and also am planting a big veggie garden and plan on canning tons of goodies this year! BBB
On March 20, 2012 at 11:37 am
Nanna says:
BBB Please. Thanks
On March 20, 2012 at 11:41 am
marymac says:
P;ease count me in the BBB
On March 20, 2012 at 11:42 am
LisaAJB says:
BBB please!
On March 20, 2012 at 11:42 am
scollard says:
Hi, Suzanne–Please don’t enter me in the drawing as I have a copy of the book and it should go to someone else. I just wanted to say, though, that I have this steam canner, also, and I love it! My only problem is that I’m so short that I have to stand on a stool to read the dial when it’s sitting on my stove 😆 But not having to lug a BWB canner full of water from the sink to the stove is a godsend!
On March 20, 2012 at 11:55 am
Claudia W says:
I would love to have that BBB! Please. Thank you!
On March 20, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Almost Heaven, WV says:
Please! :snoopy:
On March 20, 2012 at 12:04 pm
aprilsinohio says:
BBB please! :fairy:
On March 20, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Rainn says:
:snoopy: Please enter me!!! :sheepjump: –Rain-
On March 20, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Squeegees Mom says:
I would love to have this BBB Book please.
On March 20, 2012 at 12:30 pm
atempleton says:
Would love to have this book…BBB, please! 🙂
On March 20, 2012 at 12:39 pm
dee58m says:
Today is the first day of spring, what a wonderful way to celebrate by winning a copy of this book! BBB yes, please! 🙂
On March 20, 2012 at 12:43 pm
mrsdmahogany says:
BBB please!!!
Dianna
On March 20, 2012 at 12:55 pm
kdubbs says:
Either I win one of the Ball Complete Guides soon or I will have to suck it up and buy one… BBB me please!
On March 20, 2012 at 12:55 pm
Shelly says:
Please add me.
On March 20, 2012 at 1:00 pm
oddgirl says:
BBB please, and post that recipe!
On March 20, 2012 at 1:14 pm
utroukx says:
i love strawberry lemonade! (bbb)
On March 20, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Gardengirl1 says:
That strawberry lemonade concentrate looks wonderful !!!
Please enter me for the BBB !!! :fairy:
On March 20, 2012 at 1:17 pm
emmachisett says:
I’m just now off to find that Chokecherry Jelly recipe on this site and would very much like to win that BBB book too! I’m gearing up for a good canning season and am so pleased to have found your directions to make violet jelly. I used to just dry the petals and use them in sugar cookies but now I can venture further afield. You are right, the blossoms only last a week or so! I got a chuckle out of your “picking pad” as I too use one of those spongey things to kneel on!.
On March 20, 2012 at 1:23 pm
melonhead says:
I’d love the BBB! Thanks.
On March 20, 2012 at 1:34 pm
sometimesOctavia says:
I DO need this book! BBB please!
On March 20, 2012 at 1:42 pm
ozone3 says:
Love to win the book BBB!! :snoopy:
On March 20, 2012 at 1:46 pm
JoyS says:
Inspired!! BBB plz! :happyfeet:
On March 20, 2012 at 2:00 pm
xlibbax says:
BBB Please! Strawberry-lemonade wine sounds incredible.
On March 20, 2012 at 2:22 pm
netakaye says:
I would LOVE love love to have this book. I need lots of help.
:woof:
On March 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm
moondragoness says:
Oooh me please! I would love to win the BBB!
On March 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm
AnnieB says:
BBB pretty please!!!
On March 20, 2012 at 2:36 pm
[email protected] says:
It took me FOREVER to become a MEMBER because I just dislike being members anywhere! I prefer to be a LURKER! BUT, Suzanne, since I look you up every single day I thought I better become a member!!!
But, secondly, I really want the BBB book! Please let me win this!
Alice
On March 20, 2012 at 2:56 pm
Blyss says:
this is the ONE canning book I keep picking up, then putting down because I have other things budgeted with my money (like wedding stuff!) So BBB please!
PS. Could you maybe post the recipe for those of us needing to clean out last years strawberries to make room for this years? I am on a bend lately where I love anything lemon, and this sounds SO delicious!
On March 20, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Merino Mama says:
BBB please! Also, I’m right there with #46 Kristi C. Is a steam canner the same thing as a pressure canner?
On March 20, 2012 at 3:18 pm
Grouchymama says:
Sign me up for the BBB I am ready to can! Thanks.
On March 20, 2012 at 3:25 pm
renee on the move says:
BBB, please!
On March 20, 2012 at 3:34 pm
muggle granny says:
this blog (CITR) is a daily “must read” for me. BBB
On March 20, 2012 at 3:47 pm
mafong says:
Would love to have a copy of this book. How do you manage to have a garden and don’t hoe?
On March 20, 2012 at 3:53 pm
meg says:
I was just thinking about a steam canner this morning…a girl can dream! BBB Please!!! Thanks for the chance!
On March 20, 2012 at 3:54 pm
Julia says:
BBB please
On March 20, 2012 at 3:56 pm
nessastorm says:
BBB for me please 🙂
On March 20, 2012 at 3:57 pm
mafong says:
I would love to have a copy of this book. A bigger question–How in the world do you manage to have a garden and not hoe??
On March 20, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Laurie P says:
The strawberry lemonade concentrate sounds wonderful. That is a good idea. I would love a Ball Canning book, I just started getting back into canning this last year and I am definitely going to do more this year. My husband works for a farm that does vegetable stands and brings home lots of vegi’s and fruits since our garden is very small. Whatever fits on our porch, we are in an apartment for now.BBB for me.
On March 20, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Abiga says:
BBB Would love to win it! Blessings!
On March 20, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Dori M says:
I am all excited about canning again since I found your site. I would love this newer book. Thanks for the chance@
On March 20, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Wendy says:
Oh WOW–Would Love this book!!! BBB
On March 20, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Utahnana says:
I would love to win this book!!! I live in Trenton Utah on 14 acres, with a hubby who loves to farm. We have raised everything to include ostriches! Started cooking at 9 and haven’t stopped yet. I love this site. Have a wonderful day.
On March 20, 2012 at 5:10 pm
marjohalleran says:
Id love it!!! BBB please!!!!!
On March 20, 2012 at 5:12 pm
hampgirl says:
BBB, please!
On March 20, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Hugh says:
BBB please.
On March 20, 2012 at 5:23 pm
lavenderblue says:
MMMMmmmm…strawberries. In anything! Please enter me.
On March 20, 2012 at 5:52 pm
autumn1952 says:
Suzanne, the Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate with the vino sounds great. From one gardener to another, would love for you to send the BBB my way.
On March 20, 2012 at 6:46 pm
ktbirch says:
Please enter me for the BBB! Thanks!
On March 20, 2012 at 7:12 pm
judydee says:
BBB please. Sounds wonderful!!
On March 20, 2012 at 7:16 pm
Goodnewsfarm says:
BBB Please! Thanks Jill
On March 20, 2012 at 7:16 pm
carebeargrannie says:
What a yummy Idea, I could go for some right now would love the recipe and the BBB book. bella
On March 20, 2012 at 7:42 pm
langela says:
I was hoping for the recipe, but I’ll settle for a chance to win the recipe.
On March 20, 2012 at 7:44 pm
collector1 says:
BBB please — thank you! :dancingmonster:
On March 20, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Canoe Corner says:
I’ve been reading your blog for a little while now but this is my first time commenting here. I couldn’t resist as this book looks wonderful. We bought an acreage complete with apple orchard 2 years ago and I’m just starting to get my head around canning.
On March 20, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Leila says:
I’d love to win it!
On March 20, 2012 at 7:56 pm
sourmilknightmares says:
Yummy, yummy! BBB please!
On March 20, 2012 at 8:07 pm
dezreen says:
Just thinking about what I’m going to put up this year….BBB! Thank you.
On March 20, 2012 at 8:12 pm
grandeb1956 says:
I’d love to own this! BBB thanks! From Louisiana!
On March 20, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Erin F says:
Planning on getting into the garden this week and weekend. A pea teepee, and seedlings are well underway already! I can’t wait to lay in some stores.
BBB me! 🙂
On March 20, 2012 at 9:44 pm
TeresaJM says:
BBB please!
On March 20, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Willamette Valley Girl says:
This sounds delic!!
BBB please! :snuggle:
On March 20, 2012 at 10:54 pm
Raiquee says:
Bbb please!
On March 21, 2012 at 12:00 am
boulderneigh says:
BBB, please – I NEED that recipe!
On March 21, 2012 at 12:03 am
kathy says:
8) Yes please. Me too.
On March 21, 2012 at 4:01 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
UPDATE 03/21/12: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment #9, countrygal.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED FOR ENTRY.
On March 21, 2012 at 6:06 am
Leah's Mom says:
Thanks Robin & Suzanne … Please enter me!
On March 23, 2012 at 9:56 am