Canning Class

I love learning and if you read my blog, you know that I like to take some sort of garden-related class at least twice a year, if not more. Today I had a class in canning at the Morris Arboretum. The instructor was canning connoisseur, blogger, and author, Marisa McClellan. She demonstrated how to make Strawberry Vanilla Jam while talking about the canning process. I have never canned anything before and have always thought it would be neat to try. I was a bit afraid, though, after hearing my mom talk about jars breaking and lids popping off. This one-day class helped me overcome my fear and get excited about trying to can something...anything...sometime soon.

She brought her book with her, “Food in Jars.” I was so won over by the lovely book design by Running Press and the interesting-sounding recipes that I bought one and had her sign it. Here’s a picture of the book, along with the small jar of Strawberry Vanilla Jam that I brought home with me from the class. (We tasted the jam before it was jarred and it’s delicious! It’s best to let this set for a week, though. I hope I have the patience to do that!)

“Food in Jars” by Marisa McClellan

Some recipes in her book that I would love to try: Chunky Fig Jam, Oven-Roasted Peach Butter, Orange Vanilla Curd, Pickled Asparagus Spears, Dilly Beans, Gingery Pickled Beets, Caramelized Red Onion Relish, Boozy Canned Peaches, and Homemade Cultured Butter. That’s a lot! I better get started!

Marisa was a fantastic teacher and very personable. If you happen to get a chance to check out any of her classes, do. I think you’ll find you’ll want to can something, too! She also has lots of delicious-sounding recipes on her website.