How to Can Tomatoes Tomato season is winding down, but you still have time to jump in on the canning action. Late tomato varieties are still rolling in from the fields. Simply call different farms or produce markets in your area. For the past two years, I have paid around 50¢ per pound for larger orders of canning tomatoes. One quart jar will hold around 2.5 pounds. I love canning tomatoes for two simple reasons: They require no finesse. Using this method, you can cram the tomatoes into the jars whole, creating juice from the tomatoes themselves. They are so versatile. Canned tomatoes are the foundation for a hundred different winter Keep Reading

Peach Vanilla Bean Jam Studies have shown that preserving food by canning is intimidating for 99.9% of people who are trying it for the first time. Okay, I just made that up. I don't know of any studies, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that this is an area of homemaking that can be totally overwhelming. Head space? Processing time?! A bubble remover?!? Ack! Take a deep breath. You can do this, and jam can help. Seriously, it is a great place to start. Simply chop the fruit, add the sweetener and spices (which can be changed to fit your tastes), stir in some pectin, and simmer until the mixture has thickened into jam. Fill the Keep Reading