Answering Your Questions :) & Updates

Most of these have to do with Canning Potatoes post. This post is the most read/looked up/searched for post on this blog. Which to me is a little funny as I have canned potatoes for 10 plus years. Now more and more people are canning more than just jellies and  vegs.

Tanya: love your web site…I too am into canning and have gotten a friend of mine into it but she came across a problem that I have never had so wondering if you have…She canned potatoes and at least half of them the lid actually popped up..later when they cooled off they went back down but left wrinkles in the lid..do you think they are safe and has this ever happened to you…thanks for any help are suggestions///

Tanya,

Sometimes this happens to me too, at least one time a canning season. I think it’s the lids (weak). If the jars have sealed, they are still good. But I do use those with the wrinkled tops first. If they didn’t seal put in the icebox and use as soon as you can.

Katye Birdsong:  Becky, Do you have a recipe for canning peppers? chili and banana peppers?

Katye,

No, I don’t. I usually freeze mine.

 

Oscar:  Good afternoon Ms. Becky I hope you and your family are well. I would like to can the makings of a potato soup/stew. Can potatoes be canned along with other vegetables such as onions and carrots….or beef?
Take care. O.W.

Oscar:

Yes, you can can potatoes with all you listed above. But I have found it easier here at our home to can them all by them selves, as you can do more with them not mixed. When I make Beef stew- in a pot put a jar of: potatoes, carrots, beef(meat), and any thing else you like in there, cook to warm up and eat. But if you want to mix them look in a canning book and see which takes the longest and can for that time for mixed things. This goes for all things you mix to can, use the longest time. Hope this helps, if not let me know and I’ll try again. ok

Yvon:  Becky, I just got a pressure canner and was very eager to try it. Mom has done her veggies all her life in a water bath but thought I would do the safer thing and get a pressure canner. I just tried to can to qts of potato for my first try. One didn’t seal so I thought I would taste them. I’m a potato lover and I have to say I have never tasted worse potatoes in my life. They almost had a burnt taste without being burnt or over cooked. What did I do wrong. I followed the Bernadin book. It’s early June and used old potatoes, could that be the problem? Thanks   Yvon, a newbie at canning.

Yvon:

It is best to pressure can most vegs, some are safe to hot water bath, but not many. Old potatoes are your problem for sure.  I have at times used store bought potatoes on sale but they must be hard still, with no eye growth. Most times I can the potatoes out of the garden, dig up one day and can them the next. Good luck and let me know how it goes canning this year please.

 

Katye Birdsong:  Becky, Have you ever thought of writing a book? Your website is so interesting! I’m sure it would sell! My husband came up with that idea.

Katye:

Ok Lord, I get the hint. Katye you see, you and your husband are not the first to say that. My late husband being the first( 2 1/2 years ago.) and then other readers here.  But that would be stepping out of my comfort zone. And second, I have not the faintest clue were to start, or how to put it in a book form.  So for now you all get it free here. :) But as this writing a book thing keeps come up all around me, I will look more into. But please pray for me in this area, that the Lord’s will be done, as this is why I started the blog here.

 

Updates:

  Tasha’s baby, Gabby, is now about 6 1/2 lbs as of today, and is due in under 3 weeks. We are ready and trying hard to wait on her. Tasha had an ultra sound today, the last one. Little Miss Gabby is head up and feet down. Please pray that she will turn the right way soon. Thank you for all your prayers for me and my family.

    I’m doing good most days, more so than a month ago. Thank you Lord. I really miss my better half, a lot. And I’m learning to live again, one day at a time. I’m finding me. (Only moms and wives will understand this.) Some how we lose ourselves over the years. The girls are doing great. We are waiting for our blessing from above, Miss Gabby.

   The farm is doing good. I have made bigger chicken pens. I need to make 2 more different pens. We are chicken sitting for about 8 weeks. Now that’s a true farm, chicken sitting (watching for a out of town friend). Really starting to miss the fresh cows milk. I have a few gallons in the freezer for when I get the withdraw shakes for fresh raw cow’s milk.  :) :)

   I have not found any new tips, hints, money savers lately. I only planted tomatoes and strawberries this year. Our food barn is full ( only 3 girls eating and no men, should last us way longer than a year), and it’s been a long time since I/we have enjoyed a summer, more than 10 years. So the girls and I are going to see what we can do besides hoe and weed all summer. I think Tommy knew this too, when he had me start stocking foods 3 years ago. But next year will be garden time again. This will be a easy summer for us because of Tommy’s insight.

   Well I better go for now. Thank you all very much for reading my blog. May God bless you all. Have a great day.

Becky

Becky’s Farm Life

Update and A new find to save money

I’m still kicking. But boy, oh boy is it cold here. It’s 6 degrees this morning. And I can stay in the warm house, as we no longer have the milk cow. So no more frozen fingers and noses. At 6 degrees outside, I’m really glad we sold the cow. Yesterday it did not get above 30 all day. I have seen where some of you are having it colder than me. And even some of you with lots of snow. Burrrrrr.
Tommy’s had good days and bad days. The pain comes and goes from his knees and chest. The morphine seems to help most times. Please keep praying for him.
The farm is still doing good. The chickens are still giving us a lot of eggs, which we are sharing. The beef bull is getting bigger. Hopefully by early summer he can go into the freezer.
My step-son told me about iPod Shuffle player, as I told him when I laid down to rest my mind kicked in on all I had to do. So I got one and downloaded books to it. It has made my rest time better. As hard as I try to stop my mind, well it’s hard to do. Am I worrying? I don’t think so, just going over everything that needs to be done. I have also loaded the iPod with parts of the Bible. And found out my library will allow you to download books free for a week at a time, off their Internet site, as long as you have a library card. They allow 5 books out at a time. They have adults and kids books, this find was a blessing. This is a money saver too. You might want to check with your library too, about this. As I know most kids and adults have some kind of iPod or MP3 players. You can also listen to to books from your computer or burn to Cd’s to play on CD players. I just found out about this last week. So I thought I share what I found out. TommieLynn loves it, as do I.
On another note: For those of you that can foods. Have you stocked up on canning lids? I try and keep about a year’s worth on hand. You never know when you will need them. They store forever, and you can usually buy them year round. Try and buy a pack or two every time you go to town, or when you can. You may not have money this summer to buy them, or power may go off for to long. You may not know when someone will bless you with meat and veg’s, at any time of year. It a small thing, these lids, but you can’t can without them. I ran out once during canning, a lesson learned well.
I have been keeping up with you all here, and glad you all are well. It seems to be a busy time for everyone. Trying to finds ways to save money, stretch what money you do have, looking for jobs, etc. Thank you all for the ideas and ways you have posted as they have helped me, too. This Internet is a blessing too. I have meet wonderful people, made new friends all over the world, got new ideas, and have learned so much.
Well I had better get this day started.
Becky
January 16, 2009 - Posted by Becky Canning, Stocking up, ideas, making do, saving money, update, winter Canning, making do, saving money, Stocking up, winter 4 Comments

4 Comments »
Hi Becky ~Glad to see that things are holding steady for you all. My husband found out his job is being done away with at the end of the month, so we’re sort of in don’t-know-what-to-do mode. Like you always say, God will provide.
I didn’t know about the books! Is it like an audio recording of the books? Or do you have to have one with a little video screen to read the books?
Take care,Denita~~
Comment by D. January 17, 2009

hello Becky.
I came across your website looking to make cheese.Thankyou for sharing this with people.Very generous of you.Im sorry to hear about your husband Tommy and his illnes.This is heartbreaking.How are you holding up thought this???This must be such a huge burden for you to bare.We sold our house in the city and moved to the country and bought a Jersey and Holstein.Im sorry you had to sell your jersey.
You have some fabulous ideas on your website.Im sure I will be watching it daily im addicted!!!
Take care Karen
Comment by karen January 17, 2009

Oh I wanted to ask you if you have ever made hard cheese???
Comment by karen January 17, 2009

Denita,It’s so good to hear from you again. I am sorry about the job loss. But our Lord WILL provide. My family and I are living proof. I will keep you all in my prayers. As for the books: they are audio recording that you can listen to on your computer, or down load to an MP3 player. Most have free download software.( like windows media player or i-tunes)
Karen,Thank you very much for stopping in. I am doing ok, I take one day at a time, and have grace for everyday. How much milk are you getting a day? And no, I have not made hard cheese yet. Tommy was working on a homemade cheese press just before he got sick, and did not get it done. But I have watched a friend, and it looks easy enough.
Becky
Comment by Becky January 17, 2009

Road Ahead - Canning Meats - part 5

Ok, you find a great sale on meat but don't have room in your freezer; a friend is sharing their deer meat with you.

I have canned meat. Talk about a quick meal: open a jar of beef, potatoes, carrots, put in a pot and add some seasoning and you have beef stew. Open a jar of chicken and add noodles, a great soup.

Canning Meats

This is raw packing meat( which means you don't cook the meat first), beef, pork, chicken, deer, veal, mutton, lamb. Cut meat off the bones.(save meaty bones for canning broth below).

Cut the meat into jar length chucks or slice into 1" slices, cube it like for beef stew.

Pack into jars loosely.

if desired add 1/2 teaspoon salt to pints, and 1 teaspoon to quarts.

pour in hot broth or water over the meat: leaving 1" head space.

remove air bubbles, put lids on.

Pressure can at 10 pounds pressure:

Pints: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Quarts: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Canning Broths or Stock

Meaty beef bones or deer bones or chicken bones:

boil and simmer 2-3 hours, remove bones, skim off excess fat off the top, strain the liquid.

pour into jars, put lids on.

Pressure can at 10 pounds pressure:

pints: 20 minutes

quarts: 25 minutes

Or the broth can be frozen if you have the room.

Waste not,want not. I try to use everything. And after the meaty bones are done into a broth you can also can the meat off them, the bones go to the dogs and cats.

Happy canning,

Becky

Technorati Tags: canning,Road Ahead,saving money,self sufficiency,stocking up

Comments:

Becky, Please help me out with canning chicken. I’ve done beef before, but never chicken. You say that you pack it raw, too? Do you cut it into chunks like the beef? Canned beef is the best…and it’s easy. On short notice, I can open up a can of beef add some green peppers, onions and even some potatoes. Add some noodles or rice and its a quick, hearty meal…almost fast food. Thanks for the tips on broth, too. I appreciate all your insights!! Linda J Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot.com/ October 20, 2008

Linda J, chicken can be packed raw. You can cut it into chunks or slices(breast meat and thighs). Hope this helps. Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 21, 2008

Thanks so much–You are a BIG help!! Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot.com/ October 21, 2008

Thanks so much for the information, Becky. I have wanted to can meat for a while now, but I’m a bit afraid to. I keep hearing scary stories about getting botulism from improperly canned meat. I’m concerned that I might make my family sick… or worse. Is there some way to know if the meat is alright before you eat it? On another topic…how is Tommy doing? I continue to pray for you both. Blessings, Joyce Comment by Joyce October 21, 2008

Joyce, If you handle the meat just like you were cooking it for your family, you will have no problems. If you open a jar of canned meat that smells funny or looks bad, throw it out. In the 10+ years I have canned meat, I have never had any go bad. If you are still concerned, you can always cook it a bit before canning it.Cook it until it’s half done then can it to the times above. But it does not need to be cook first. To find out now Tommy’s doing click this link:
http://caringbridge.org/visit/tommyjordan or Under Jordan’s Family Sites click on “Updates on Tommy’s Health” this is were I keep the updates on how he is doing for family and friends. Thank you very much for your prayers. Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 22, 2008

Thank you, Becky I’m hoping I can get over my fears and give meat canning a try. I have canned meat at an LDS cannery several times, so I do have a nice supply of tinned meat, but I’ve never done canned any in my own kitchen. Thanks for the link to updates on Tommy,
Joyce Comment by Joyce October 22, 2008

Hi Becky, Thanks for keeping us posted on both you and Tommy. It is good to know how to pray. Thanks, too, for the help with canning chicken. I was able to pick some up on sale and canned some. It looks like it worked! I realize that canned meat is not what some would call ‘beautiful’. But having it adorn my canning shelves makes it a thing of beauty! Thanks for all your help and encouragement. Linda J. Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot.com/ October 26, 2008

Joyce, Please try canning the meat, as it is so worth it.

Linda J., Thank you for your prayers, as they get us through each day. I like canning the chicken the best. You can do so much with chicken. Drain it off, and add BBQ sauce, and you have BBQ sandwiches, or main meat for a meal.
Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 28, 2008

Becky , Love this site. My question is when you can the chicken ,do you take the skin off first & the other meats do you trim the fat off beef ,deer , pork , ect. Thank You Kris Comment by Kris December 8, 2008

Kris, Thank you very much. And thank you for stopping in here.
As far as the fat on meats: at times I leave a little fat on for flavor, then take all extra off. So really it’s up to you and your family’s taste. When taking the chicken skin off, save skin and bone: boil skin and bones to make a broth to can for later use(chicken broth). Hope this helps.
Have a wonderful day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm December 8, 2008

Becky, I know of people who can their meat but they don’t pack in water, they put in jars raw (uncooked) add 1 tsp. salt per quart jar or 1/2 tsp. per pint jar put on lid and pressure can at 10lbs. for 90 mins for quarts and I think 45 mins for pints. Have you ever heard of that? It must be obviously safe as they are older than me and are still alive. Just wondering about your input on that. Comment by plantinthings December 8, 2008

Becky, Hi again, I have another question. I was wondering if you have ever canned Home noodles & chicken. If so How did you do it. If not do you think it would work? & would I make the noodles & dry them , then add them & the cooked chicken into jars with salt? What do you think? Thanks again Kris Comment by Kris December 10, 2008

plantinthings, I have canned meat without water, and it’s turned out fine. I use this meat to make BBQ, fry with potatoes, etc. The meats with water, I use in stews and soups. So it can be done how ever you need it. Hope this helps. Have a great day.

Kris, I am not sure about this. But I would not dry noodles then can. I would try a small batch in pint jars, first. And see if you like it. When I try something new I always start with a small batch first. If we like it, I make big batches. I know it’s been done in the past, but I’ve not done it yet. If you make it please let us all know how it turns out. Have a wonderful day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm December 11, 2008

Farm Life - 9/15

We received a big box of apples, oh what a blessing, thank you Carol.  I did get all the onion sets planted.  Pulled up my garlic to dry. And the Lord sent a light rain last night. We have built a new chicken pen for the young chickens to go into.

We pulled up the hallway carpet (to many dog messes), and I scrubbed the tile that was under carpet. Now I looking for washable rugs to put down in the hallway. If I can't find what I want then I guess I'll start sewing them.

Our daughter came by yesterday and brought us lunch. This was a treat, thank you Sissy. Hamburgers and milk shakes, mmmmm.

I have also been weeding out the house. Throwing things away I no longer need or use. Tommy wants to take photos, as he says I never throw away any thing. But I'm tired of all this stuff getting in my way. We have an old school bus, that we use for storage. I have gone through things in there too. I already feel lighter. Some called it fall cleaning, I call it weeding the house.

I have frozen more eggs, canned more potatoes and milk.  I'm not sure how much longer the chicken will lay and the cow give milk??? And winter seem to be coming a lot faster this year.

I am working on knitted socks for this winter. And making gifts too. I think this would be a great year to start a nothing but homemade Christmas. With money so tight with everyone, maybe this will happen. And it's so much fun, even my 11 yr. old is thinking up things to make. But my job is to find her what she needs or come up with something else to use.

I have started cutting down on how much meat I put on the table for dinners. And this hit my 11yr. old hardest last night. As we had what she loves most, fried chicken. She usually eats 2-3 pieces, she really likes fried chicken. But I had to tell her it's 2 nights of chicken not 1 night.  I told her she could have more vegs.  She was not to happy, but she handled it pretty well.  Her dad and I tried again to tell her about hard times coming and making things stretch so they would last longer.  Our frozen chicken is very low and the chickens in the yard are not big enough yet to kill.  This is our first time of stretching food, as I use to put 3-5 lbs of meat on the table. We ate a lot of meat when the other 2 kids were home too. We always had enough, and even left over's.  We have always lived pay check to pay check.  But I have never before had to watch/cut back on meals.  All this mess with high prices and no jobs, how do you get your kids to understand??? She never gotten everything she wanted, but even a trip to the park in town cost more with gas prices up. She is use to the simple things in life, but now the simple things cost more too.  Yesterday, her little friend came over for the day. Do you know what they came up with, and had a blast doing? They filled up two 55 gallon steel drums with water, and played in them for hours. You could hear them laughing in the house.  I really love the simple life.

Becky 

Technorati Tags: food prices,food storage,ideas,making do,self sufficiency

Comments:

1. We are having to cut back in ways that the kids are feeling too. There’s a part of me that just hates that but the other half of me knows it’s just the way it has to be. As for meat, my husband was just talking tonight about saving up to get a cow for the freezer. But at the same time, that’s a lot of money. So we’ll just have to see how it goes. Hope you have a good week, Mrs.. D.D. Comment by D. | September 15, 2008 |

2. I think the “weeding” bug has hit me too! I’ve been purging through my house for the past several days, listing stuff on Craigslist, BluJay and Free cycle. I have also been trying to get through my “Fall To Do” list. Yesterday I finished making up the last of my mixes. I also recycled some towels that were given to me into dishrags. I just have to hem three more and I should be set for a while. I was down to just 3 dishrags…definitely needed more and instead of buying them I made them! I’m learning this self sufficient stuff one step at a time!  I have been trying to cut down on food at mealtime too. My DH and DS have noticed, but whatcha gonna do? Something has to give and the food budget is the easiest thing to stretch. I am really, really dreading this winter. Our winter gas/electric combined bill sometimes hits $400/mo. I can’t imagine what it is going to be now. Speaking of which, I have GOT to get that denim quilt finished for the family room! Hopefully we can all snuggled under blankets/quilts and keep the house a little cooler. Keep the posts coming…you are inspiring me and giving me the little “kick” I need to prepare! Thank you,Linda  Comment by Linda | September 16, 2008 |

3. Becky, have you seen the book, THE MAKERS DIET? We are have to stretch our meat too, I am able to get enough meat from the breast meat for hubby’s work lunch and then we get at least two other meals out of the remaining meat on the carcass. The most health giving thing about the way I cook the chicken is the broth. I detailed this method in a post on my blog titled PUPPY TRAINING. If you type that in the search box on my sidebar you can get the recipe. The gelatinous broth will help Tommy heal. Love your mozzarella post, and the milk cow post also, people always think we are crazy for having a cow, but I think they are crazy for not having a cow. Comment by matronofhusbandry | September 21, 2008 |

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another week on the Farm - Winter is Coming Fast

I have stayed busy. Tommy has had a bad week but thank God, I think he's getting better. I have canned more potatoes, froze more milk and cream and eggs, and made a big batch of mozzarella cheese for the freezer. The mozzarella cheese photos and recipe, I will post in a few days.

I have 3 lbs. of onion sets that need to be planted. I could not get any this past spring. So hopefully they will have enough time to grow this fall. I have never grown onions in the fall, so this is my something new this year. We eat a lot of them. And two weeks ago at the store they were $2.?? for 3 lbs., used to be less than a dollar.

I am at the point were I hate, hate going to the store (any store). The prices on everything are up to unbelievable. Enough to make all sick. Thank God for my food barn, milk cow and chickens. I know a lot of you don't have these things, and I am racking my brain on tips and hints for you. For right now, my tips are buy very wisely and learn to cook from scratch. I'll be posting some easy from scratch recipes soon.

The chicken are slowly slowing down on their eggs. But I'm freezing a lot too. The milk cow is down to 3 gallons a day, and should keep going down now. We have a cow in the freezer. Chickens to kill this fall when it cools off more.

Winter is on the way. And I'm almost ready, or should I say as ready as I can get. This summer has flown by. There are leaves all over the ground here. At times, I would love to put a hold on the winter coming, Saying I need a little more time to get ready. But the good Lord knows what's He's going, so I pray I'm putting up enough for the winter. And if not, He'll find a way to supply what we need, not want. I have felt like the ants in the Bible, more this year than ever before. And we have lived like this for years. Does anyone else feel like the ants this year?? I feel we all are in for the longest, hardest winter world wide.

I would like to thank everyone for all your comments and your prayers. These blogs have been such a blessing to me in more than one way. To be honest, I didn't think I would be able to help any one. But the overwhelming numbers are unbelievable. The canning potatoes post has reached 497 hits. Are there any potatoes left out there? Thank you all again. I am just here to help you all any way I can. There are so many people looking for ways to make it through all this mess. And my heart goes out to you all. I wish I could give you all a big hug.

Well it's time to start another day. May God bless you all to overflowing today.

Becky

Technorati Tags: canning,eggs,food storage,food prices,freezing,homemade cheese,making do,self sufficiency,winter

Comments:

1. Oh I am definitely feeling a push to “get my house in order”. I just don’t have enough hours or enough energy to do everything I want to get done. At the same time my job is getting very busy. Since I am self employed I really need to take advantage of the abundance of work and earnings right now. So time is my biggest problem. This weekend I really want to cook up all of the chicken leg quarters I have in the freezer and pull the meat off and freeze in portions that we use for “comfort food” in the winter like chicken n’ dumplings and casseroles. The next time I go to the butcher I will try to get even more chicken leg quarters. They sell them at $.19/lb with a $15 purchase. I will also use the bones to make a large supply of chicken stock for my freezer. I have never learned to can food and really wish I knew how. I did buy a water bath canner last year but haven’t gotten up the nerve to try it. Now why am I so hesitant? I even have a bunch of strawberries in my freezer…just need to take the plunge. Thanks once again for your encouragement. Linda Comment by Linda September 12, 2008

2. Linda,
   What a great deal on chicken!! Here the cheapest leg quarters (on sale) is $1.09 a lbs. I might have to come and visit you. The water bath canner is easier then the pressure canner, you just can’t can as many things in the water bath. But it’s a great place to start. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 13, 2008

Amanda said... I had no idea you could freeze eggs. How do you use them after they've been frozen? Can you still scramble and fry them or only use them within recipes?

September 12, 2008 7:58 AM

Becky said... http://jordansfarm.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/freezing-eggs-farm-fresh-and-store-bought-with-photos/ here is were you can get answers September 12, 2008 10:53 AM

Things are a little tighter so far this month.

The  disability check didn't go far this month and this month is not even half way over yet. Why? I'm not really sure. I have been trying to figure that out. And the only thing I can think of right off hand is more trips to doctors, GAS. No extra trips (fun,just to get out,etc.) to town. Ok,time to get more creative with what I have. We just trade one of our big trucks for a smaller stick shift truck, but will have to wait until next month to get it on the road. That will help a great deal on the gas. Our food supply is good, Thank you, Lord. We have a roof over our heads, power is on, clothes on our back, and we will make it through this month. God has never let us down, and He's never left us. So why am I posting all of this? Well this is my life on the farm and in this world. Just maybe it'll help someone else make  it another month, or they'll become more thankful for what they have. I know some of the blogs I read and keep up with, do that for me. I see that there are others out there like me or are in worse shape then me. I learn from others along the way and pray for those in need.  Sometimes something in some one else's blog- renews my strength and brightens my day, or just brings a needed smile to my face. So I am not sure what you, the reader, will get from this post, but I pray you are blessed in some  way.

I have been canning more potatoes, and milk, freezing cream. It really needs to cool off some here so as I can make butter. It's still in the 90's at 5pm here.  My freezer is almost full of cream. The garden is almost done for this year, I have two rows of potatoes left to dug up. But it's been really hot and we do not have a cellar, and I wanted to have some uncanned potatoes for the winter.  So I'll leave them in the ground just a little longer. 

Our friends had to move out of state to find work. So they blessed us with a new looking couch( Tommy lays here to take his breathing treatments, and our old one had him just about laying on the floor. We really needed a new one), a bunk bed set( twin on top and full on bottom. which I put in our other room, for when family comes), an outside glass top table with four chairs, a gliding rocker, and a few other things. All these things were a wonderful blessing. It felt like Christmas. Our friends will be greatly missed, but they said they'd be back. The Lord used them to bless us. He's still watching out for us.

On to a brighter note: 387 + people in the last 30 days have looked at the Canning Potatoes post. That's a blessing to me. I know here potatoes have went way, way up in price. So if you find them on sale, can some.  If you canned potatoes for the first time, please let me know how it went for you.

In the recipes tab at the top: Comment #7 from Stacie tells how canning butter turned out. I have not try it yet but she did and lets us know how it went. Thank you Stacie.

There are a lot of you who are first year canners, How is it going so far?

Well this was just on my mind and had to get it out. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Until next time, and God bless you all,

Becky

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for the give away. Please allow me to bless one of you.   Click here to find out more. Drawing is tomorrow evening.

Technorati Tags: canning,disability check,low income,making do

Comments:

1. Thanks for the update, Becky
   I will keep your family in my prayers. I know from personal experience that the Lord will always provide. When my Dh lost his job a few years ago, we leaned on Him completely and He saw us through to this day.
   I am preparing our pantry for the winter right now. We need a lot more flour, so that is my priority right now. Tomorrow I will shop, today I’m making cottage cheese kuchen(old German recipe)and freezing some of the sweet bread dough base.
   Blessings, Joyce Comment by Joyce | September 8, 2008 |

2. I remember when I was younger going through those tight times, and I remember how stressed my parents were. We made it through, and I know you guys will too. I’ll send good thoughts your way. I’m always looking for new farming blogs to read, and I found yours through a search for Google. Now I’m off to look at your ‘canning potatoes’ page. Comment by Jen @ J&J Acres | September 8, 2008 |

3. Becky -  Your positive attitude when facing these things is the biggest blessing to me. Yes, I do know the Lord will watch over us and provide what we need…I just sometimes have difficulty staying positive and proactive in the face of (what are in reality)my LITTLE problems. To see you, and other blogs I visit, where people stay so proactive in the face of significant challenges humbles me and makes me realize that my life is GREAT and this too shall pass. You keep me positive, proactive and motivated. Thank you!  P.S. I’ve been working on my Fall To Do List and actually crossed one off this weekend…yippee! Linda Comment by Linda | September 8, 2008 |

4. I just wanted to say that I love your blog. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope you can make it through the rest of the month without any trouble. I too have been dealing with tight times and I agree that a positive attitude and being thankful for what you have goes a long way. Comment by Jessi | September 8, 2008 |

5. Those were some wonderful blessing you got from your friends! Isn’t it wonderful when things work out like that?  Hope you have a wonderful day! Comment by D. | September 9, 2008 |

6. I was wondering if you have a solution for medical insurance on a small budget? Comment by Georgene | September 13, 2008 |

7. Georgene,
   Thank you for stopping in. I really don’t have a solution. But I do pray a lot. In GA, they have Peach Care for kids, TN has Ten Care for kids. Our family doctor, takes your income and works on a sliding scale. But for adults, there is nothing I know of. And oh how I searched and searched. I wish I did have the answer, because I know so many people really need it. I believe this area is where our government has failed the people. We have been fighting for months, trying to get anything for Tommy (my hubby). When he was approved for Disability for prostate cancer that moved to the bones and COPD, they took away his Medicaid. Here in GA you can only make $430 a month to get adult Medicaid, his check is $996 a month. Only thing for you to do is check and see what your state has. This is not much help I know, and I’m sorry. Have a good day.
   Becky Comment by jordansfarm | September 13, 2008 |

8. Hi Becky,
   I’m stunned that they took away his medical insurance. We live in California and I know they offer different state insurances. I did some calling once and found a place that would help but I think we made too much, also. My husband is still working at this point but his health is declining so I’m checking out options ahead of time. God bless you! Thank you for responding. I’m amazed at what you are living on. It gives me hope. Comment by Georgene | September 13, 2008 |

9. Becky, I enjoyed reading some of the things that you have on your site. I feel for you and the problems that you are having. You mentioned that money was tight and I was wondering if you have ever tried to have some of your works published in magazines like Backwoods Home magazine? With money being tight, it might be a way to get a few extra dollars. Good luck and our prayers will be with you and your family. Robert Andrews and family. Comment by Robert | September 21, 2008 |

10. Robert,
    Thank you for stopping in. I started this blog to help others make it, in the hard times ahead and now. I am not much of a writer. I just write what I know and what I feel and think. The Lord has blessed this site, and I give Him all the glory. I don’t know were this blog is going from day to day, I leave it in His hands. If the Lord wants me to publish, He’ll have to open the doors. As I am just a simple housewife, servicing Him. Just knowing this blog is helping people and they are learning new things is a wonderful blessing to me. The Lord has always blessed us, and we have had all our need meet. Thank you for your prayers, as they help us from day to day.
    God bless you,  Becky Comment by jordansfarm | September 22, 2008 |

Canning Potatoes

You can use garden or store potatoes to can. Our potato plants died to soon, so we did not get the crop we usually get. So when potatoes go on sale, I will buy a bunch and can them.

These are our new potatoes dug this year. The small ones, I wash really good and can. These are good when it's cold outside.

The above canned potatoes are from this year. The below are from last year. The starch (the white coating on potatoes below) is just washed off, and potatoes are good. The chopped potatoes are used in : beef stew, put in a pan and fried with butter and onions, in a pan and eaten as boiled potatoes, drained over night and used in potato salad, and more.

To pressure can Potatoes:

Small ones: just wash well and pack loosely in jars.

Large ones: Peel and cut into a brine water ( 1 teaspoon salt to a quart of water) , then rinse and pack loosely in to jars.

Then add 1 teaspoon of salt per quart and fill with water.

Process 40 minutes for quarts at 15 lbs.

Happy Canning!

For those of you who do not have a pressure canned, the potatoes can be froze, put in the cool part of your refrigerator. But please do not use a hot water bath canner as it is not safe.

See comment #25 below on how to freeze potatoes.
( more answers can be found in the comments here)

Becky

Comments:
becky. when canning potatoes can you use table salt or do you have to use canning salt? also do you have to cook the potatoes before putting in jars or do you just wash , peal, and pack then pressure cook? thanks kathy Comment by kathy August 31, 2008

Kathy,I use table salt in the potatoes and in the brine.And no, you do not have to cook the potatoes before putting them in the jars. I just wash, peel, pack LOOSELY in jars and can them. Hope this helps, if not let me know.Becky Comment by jordansfarm August 31, 2008

Becky,Thank you for your response on the salt. I done just what you had said and now I have another problem. After I took my potatoes out of the pressure cooker their were some jars that like half of the brine is gone. We made sure that all the seals were on good and tight and filled all the jars the same before putting them in the canner. What happened? Can I break the seals on the jars that the brine is gone in and put more brine in them and reprosess or are they ok like they are or do I just need to go ahead and fix those to eat soon. Only had like 4 jars out of 44 jars to do this. They all look good. Thank You again for all your help. We will be praying for Tommy and your family.Kathy Comment by kathy August 31, 2008

Kathy,Your potatoes are fine. The potatoes soaked up the water and some times the water leaks out. But if they have a good seal, they are fine. Mine do the same thing, and it’s ok. And great job, 44 jars is alot of peeling. Thank you very much for your prayers.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 1, 2008

BeckyI had always heard you could can potatoes, but I have never tried to do them. This year my brother gave me a good supply of potatoes and since it is just my husband and me know I wanted to can them. How long to you process pint jars?I grew up on a dairy farm, seven kid in the family and still can a lot. My boys are grown and moved on but I still can some things for them and they love the cost savings on their food bill.Thanks for your siteSandy
Comment by Sandy September 1, 2008

Sandy,Pints are canned for 35 mintues. And thank you very much for stopping by. Please let me know how your potatoes turn out, ok. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 1, 2008

I do not have a pressure cooker, so I would like to know if anyone has used the cold bath method for potatoes. Also, has anyone ever made salsa and either cold bathed or froze the salsa. Sure am glad I found this site!!!Rochelle Comment by Rochelle September 4, 2008

Rochelle,It is not best to cold bath the potatoes, it’s not safe. They need to be pressure canned. Can you borrow a canner from a friend? I am not sure about the salsa as we do not eat it. But hopefully one of my readers will know. And thank you for stopping by. Have a great day.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 5, 2008

Becky….I would have never guessed that you can can potatoes…..such a good idea as I don’t use very often and the bag usually goes bad.Thanks for the idea. Comment by plantinthings September 6, 2008

Rochelle,Yes, last year I cold bath canned and also froze salsa. Tomatoes are acidic so it’s safe to cold bath can. Hope this helps ya. Comment by plantinthings September 6, 2008

Becky,Do you cook the potatoes before you can them or just pack them in jars and process? I have seen a few other recipes that require you to boil them for ten minutes first and then pack and process. Comment by Lee Snyder September 7, 2008

Lee,I do not cook my potatoes first. I pack them loosely in jars and then can them. And have done so for 10 + years. Yes, I too have seen those recipes and know people who boil first. But for us, when you are looking at a few 100 lbs. of potatoes, to us that’s just extra work. So I canned some with out boiling them first and it worked, and the canned potatoes lasted well over a year. So I guess it’s up to you which way you want to do it. We try and find the fastest, safest way to do things here on the farm, as there is so much to do. I hope this helps you. Maybe some of my readers will put in their thoughts on this. Hope you have a great day.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 7, 2008

Becky,Do you fill the jars with cold water or boiling water? Thanks for your wonderful tips. I’m canning for the first time and came across your site. It’s been very helpful.Blessings,Kimberly
Comment by Kimberly September 7, 2008

Good morning Kimberly,I fill the jars with hot tap water. More and more people are canning now. good luck with your canning and if you have any more questions, just ask, ok.Have a wonderful day.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 8, 2008

Good morning Becky,Thanks for the great information. So far I’ve put back 200+ jars of canned goods, not counting what’s in my deep freeze. I’m not done yet. Not bad for my first year. Anyway, I canned the potatoes last night, just guessing about the water. I ended up using hot tap water just like you said. My potatoes went from being white to having a yellowish gold color. My husband purchased a 50 pound bag. These were russets I believe. Is this okay? Yours still look white and I was wondering what the difference might be. Thanks again…I’m sure I’ll be visiting your blog often.Kimberly Comment by Kimberly September 8, 2008

Hi Becky-Found your website and it is so good to read-just like having a neighbor and friend next door talking to me. Thanks for the great information on canning the potatoes. We have more in our garden than we could keep good for the winter so decided to pressure can them. They ended up having the milky looking water. Glad to know it’s just starch and no problem with the canning. My husband and I also canned sweet corn and green beans for the first time this year. Scary but fun. I followed the directions to a t in the canning book for time and altitudes, etc. so they should be good. Take care-I’ll be keeping you and your family in my prayers. God bless-Marlys Comment by Marlys Zimbelman September 9, 2008

Hey Becky, It’s Cammy here. I am wondering about how many pounds of store bought potatos it would take to can 7 quarts. I have been running crazily and would like to just do one canner at a time. Thanks, and by the way would this work for Sweet potatos you think? You are such a wonderful person to help out all of us “newbies” to canning. Thanks and God bless you and yours! Comment by Cammy Harbison September 12, 2008

Cammy,Good morning. I think it’s about a pound per qt. but the little bit let you could cook for dinner. Or put in pint jars and put another canning rack on top of the qts. and put 4 pints and top. BUT make sure your canner will close. Only one of my canners can I do this with. YES, you can do sweet potatoes in a syrup, but I’ll have to check the time on cooking them. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 12, 2008

Thanks so much for what you are doing! I have been canning for years, but have never canned potatoes–this will be a first. Your information is very helpful! Since I’m so visual, it is so wonderful to have pictures! There is nothing better on a cold January evening than to serve dinner from your own canned goods. A full cupboard of canning jars is a beautiful sight…a testimony to God’s goodness! Blessings to all! Comment by Linda Johnson September 15, 2008

Hello, fellow Becky!!I have been canning for a few years now but this is my first year trying potatoes. I did my first 7 quarts - used Yukon Gold and they looked beautiful when I pulled them out of the canner. When they cooled and we were putting them away, we noticed that the water had gelled - probably from the starch. Just wondering if this has happened to you and if the potatoes are still good. P.S. Love your website!! Comment by Becky S. September 16, 2008

Becky S.The potatoes are fine. Just wash off the gell/starch before eating/ using. It’s not harmful, I have always just washed it off. You did a wonderful job. And thank you for stopping in.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 17, 2008

Hi Becky,I don’t have a pressure cooker, but have been processing my dill pickles and salsa in boiling water in large stainless steel pot. Can I do this for the potatoes. I have never had a problem with my other canning goods. Thanks for your time. Great website!
Comment by John Szedlak September 18, 2008

John,It is NOT SAFE to process potatoes without a pressure cooker,they must be pressure canned. Can you borrow a pressure canner from some one? Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 18, 2008

I want to can my small potatoes whole. I do not have a pressure canner. I accept your advice about not being safe to can without pressure but I was wondering if I can a few and keep the jars in the refrigerator until I am ready to use them, would that be safe.
Comment by Nancy September 19, 2008

#25: Nancy,Potatoes are a low- acid food that must be pressure canned to destroy all bacteria and etc. I looked up an other way to store them safely.
freezing them:wash thoroughly, can peel. blanch 3- 5 mintues, depending on size. drain. cool. pack potatoes into can or freezer jars or plastic freezer boxes/ bags. seal, label, freeze.
Or they will stay in the cool part of your refrigerator longer than out. Hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 19, 2008

I loved your nice pictures of canned potatoes. We have a great crop of red and also gold potatoes this year so I wanted to preserve them somehow besides just in bins. Your information is very helpful. It’s great to know that I don’t have to blanch them first.It’s great there are others who believe it’s important for mom’s to be able to be home with their children. My last one of six just graduated this year and I have loved being home with my children (and doing all the neat homemaking stuff as well)God bless you,Helen R. Comment by Helen Robinson September 20, 2008

Becky,Well, I put up 20 Quarts of potatoes for the first time. Hope they come out. I tried reds, whites and russets. Also had some small onions, garlic, beans, peas and corn left from the late plantings so I did 10 quarts with some of the veggies in the potatoes. Also made a beef stock and used that as the canning liquid. Hope to have a nice soup base for this winter. Will let you know how that works out. Friend gave me a recipe for salsa, and it is the best I have ever had. If you want it, let me know. My family uses more salsa than anything else so I had to put up 68 pints. 30 hot, 20 med, and 18 mild. Well, back to preparing the garden for next year. Thank you for your help and will check back later to let you know about the soup. Comment by Lee September 21, 2008

HI,
All the recipes i have found say you have to peel the potatoes as they will produce a bacteria, but i see you can without peeling some. What are your thoughts on this? Comment by Kim Barth September 22, 2008

Kim,If you wash the potatoes really good first before canning, you should have no problems. I never have. Just wash them well. hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 22, 2008

Thanks to all your good advice I have put up many many quarts of Yukon Gold Potatoes! I left the skins on - washed them really well and cut off any bad spots. The Yukons seem to have more starch than the reds so most of my jars have “gelled”. Last Sunday we had to try a jar before I made the decision to can what’s left in my garden. I drained the jar and rinsed them well with cold water. When they were done draining (after the rinse) I fried them. My family absolutely loved them! Even my finicky 6 year old!! It’s so wonderful to “live off the land” and not rely so much on processed food. God Bless you and your family. Happy Fall!! Comment by Becky S. September 23, 2008

Becky S.,I am so glad you all like the canned potatoes. Try allowing them to drain over night after rinsing them, then deep fry them like french fries. We really like them this way. Or after draining over night - make potato salad, prefect potatoes salad every time. And thank you for letting me know about your canned potatoes. Have a wonderful fall.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 23, 2008

Becky,I, too, am reporting in that canning my red potatoes went well! Thanks for your help and insight.The tomatoes are about done and now it is on to applesauce–my favorite!! The whole house smells so wonderful! Thanks, again. You are in my prayers. Comment by Linda J September 23, 2008

Linda J,Your welcome. I am so happy they turned out right for you. How did the applesauce go?I made apple butter, apple jelly, both for the first time this year. Boy, there is a lot of work in both. But I like to try some thing new every year. I started apple sauce about 4 years ago, now mine won’t even look at the store bought stuff.Thank you very much for your prayers.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 25, 2008

If I freeze my potatoes wont they go mushy when thawed out?
Comment by sharon d September 25, 2008

Sharon D.,I have never froze potatoes. I always can them. The freezing potatoes came out of the Ball canning book, for those who don’t have a pressure canner. I was giving another safe way to put up potatoes. Sorry I could not be of more help on this.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 27, 2008

Hi..this willl be my first time canning potatoes. I am very excited about it..Thanks for all your tips.
Comment by Joyce September 29, 2008

Joyce,Please let me know how your canning goes.Have a great day.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 29, 2008

mami wand to can potatoes but do not want them cooked. i like to fry them later. i like them hard when i fry them. is this possible?lil Comment by dale stratton October 2, 2008

Lil,Once the potatoes are pressure canned, they are so what hard. I fry the canned potatoes in a pan, and deep fry them, and they do not fall a part. And they are hard enough for potato salad.Hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 2, 2008

Hi Becky, love your site - love to see someone milking by hand too! We milk goats by hand, raise our children and our food here on our farm in Michigan too! God Bless you for what you are doing for our next generation. I love the blogs from you and all of your visitors about canning. I am going to do potatoes for the first time. I have been told by several people to wash them in the washing machine on gentle cycle. Ever heard of this? I was also wondering about the draining them overnight for potato salad. Do you just leave them out in a strainer at room temp, or what exactly. I got the point loud and clear about pressure canning so I wil be borrowing a pressure canner. Thanks again and prayers for Tommy and your family.Sherry Comment by Sherry October 4, 2008

Sherry,Nice to meet you. Sounds like you have your hands full too in Michigan.Never heard of useing the washing machine, sorry, I just wash them by hand.Draining the potatoes for potato salad: Leave potatoes in the strainer and put potatoes and strainer in your ice box over night to drain. Happy canning, let me know how they turn out. Thank you for your prayers.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 4, 2008

Well I was just given a couple hundred pounds of potatoes Give or take. SO I guess I will be canning potatoes for my first time. Its been awhile since I canned anything. My question is how much water do you put in your pressure cooker. I kinda forgot. I am also from Michigan and greatly appreciate your time and effort you have put in your web site it’s a god send. I think allot of us would be lost without people like you helping out…..Thank-you Comment by Becky October 5, 2008

It’s more like 400 -600 pounds lol of potatoes too bad you did not live by me I could give you a couple hundred. Comment by Becky October 5, 2008

Becky,What a wonderful blessing you got.With the jars in the canner, then fill with water until the canner is half full of water. Hope this helps. Please let me know how many quarts you get? That is a lot of peeling.Happy canning. And thank you for stopping in.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 5, 2008

help I don’t have a pressure cooker i only have cold pack
Comment by cindy October 8, 2008

Beckythank you for helping I don’t have a pressure cookerand would like to use my canner to do potatoes Comment by cindy October 8, 2008

Becky,I was wondering if when you bottle potatoes do you have to put the salt in. I’m doing the red potatoes. My husband can’t have salt on his food. But I really want to do them. Thank you Jeanne
Comment by Jeanne October 10, 2008

Cindy,Potatoes have to be pressure canned. Please see if you can borrow one from someone, as this is safest way. Or see comment #25 here for freezing them and storing them.
Jeanne,I am not sure about not adding the salt. I don’t know how safe that would be. I’m sorry I can’t answer this question for you. Maybe you can freeze him some (see comment #25 here). Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 11, 2008

Becky,I was wondering if you could give me insight. I canned my yukon golds with the directions you gave. The potatoes are very soft. They are great for mashing but not fried or salads. Is there a reason that you might know of? Is it because they are yukons or maybe because they are home grown? Any help would be great! Thanks again for you input! Blessings, Melinda Comment by Melinda October 15, 2008

Melinda,I am not really sure why your potatoes are soft. For I can the Yukon golds potatoes that are homegrown for years. How old were the potatoes? But I’m not even sure if age is reason. I am sorry, you have me stumped. Mine have never been soft. Could you have cooked them too long?Sorry I could not be of more help.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm October 16, 2008

Hi BeckyI love your web page. I have been canning for 6 years now. This will be the first year that I try canning potato. I have alot of sweet potato (yams) to do but I don’t know how to do them. Please help. The red and white one I will start working today. This year I have put up about 300 quarts of green beans, 30 quarts and 15 pints of tomato, 34 1/2 pint of strawberry , blackberry jam plus bags in the freezer, froze 15 bags of cabbage, made sauerkraut and apple butter for the first time, froze hot and green pepers, canned hot peppers and make cabbage rolls for the freezer. I canned beets,froze turnups and dried my onions, so all I have left is these potatos. Comment by Alice October 18, 2008

Alice, you have been busy.
Sweet Potatoes canned:Boil first for about 5 min. so as the skins will rub off.Leave small ones whole/ or cut,pack into jarsFill with water or med. syrup( med. syrup: 3 1/4 cup sugar and 5 cups water= 7 cups syrup)leave 1 inch head space, remove air bubbles`Pressure can 10 pounds for:pints: 1 hour 5 minutesquarts: 1 hour and 30 mintuesHope this helps. Please tell me how you freeze your cabbage.
Thank you for stopping in, have a wonderful weekend.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm October 18, 2008

BeckyI cut mine in 1/4 and blench it for 10 minutes. let it drain. pack it in bags. I like leaving it in 1/4 what way I can cut it up anyway I want when I get ready to use it. 1/4 you can use in roast, chop or shred is great in soups or fry. The secret is let it thaw and drain the water before using it.thanks for your help
Comment by Alice October 18, 2008

Alice,You are an amazing woman!! 300 Qts. of beans!!
Becky,Thanks for the Sweet Potato idea…I’ll need to watch for sales. Linda J Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot October 18, 2008

Becky I’m canning with large mason jar some deer meat.I can’t remember how long to cook them to seal the lids.I could use some help thank you for last time with trying to bottle some potatoes with out salt.Jeanne Comment by Jeanne October 19, 2008

Hi Becky,
I was reading on another website that forcing depressuring (manually letting the steam off quicker) could spoil your canned goods. Do you have any comments on this? This is my first time canning with a pressure canner. I have always did the water bath or hot pack methods.Thanks,Myrna Comment by myrna October 23, 2008

Myrna,I have never heard of this. I always let the pressure cooker cool by itself. Which usually takes about an hour, I’m for safety first. Now in my 4qt.pressure cooker when I’m cooking corn on the cob in it, I do run it under cool water to cool it down faster. But I would never do it with canned foods I’m going to store.hope this helps,Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 25, 2008

Becky,Our local market had 2 boxes of small red potatoes marked $2.00 a box. I am guessing there was at least 25lbs to a box. How could I resist. So we canned the potatoes for the first time.I cut them into 1/4s and placed them in the quarts with water and salt. Processed for 40 min after the giggle at 15lbs. Some of the bottles in each batch lost about 50% of the liquid. The potatoes looks soft and are falling apart. We had 1 jar that did not seal so we tried them for breakfast this morning and they were great fried. They were kind of like using the leftover potatoes from a roast, that kind of soft. Just think it is strange that some lose the liquid and why they seem over processed. I hope you have some ideas. Thanks for the help. Comment by Karen October 26, 2008

opps guess that would be jiggle not giggle but that is fun too.
Comment by Karen October 26, 2008

I have canned for over 20 years..I put up around 1500 jars of food this summer and filled up 3 deep freezers..I have a large family..(expecting my tenth)..and gardening/canning is no hobby for me but a necessity!!..You should never try to “cool” your pressure canner down quickly by releasing some of the pressure…Your jars never seal in the canner until after they have cooled..by releasing the pressure you can lose some of your fluid inside the jar and can also take a significant risk of breaking your jars by decreasing the temperature too rapidly!!..I have 2 stoves and 3 pressure canners I use in the summer..and I ALWAYS just turn off the stove eye and let my canners cool on their own..Some people suggest moving them to a table or counter-top to cool off..but the least amount of jiggling the contents can break your jars!! Patience will pay in the end!!! Comment by jana October 26, 2008

Also, I have had tremendous luck canning sweet potatoes, but have never liked white/gold/or red potatoes after canning them..They have always been too mushy for me. Sweet potatoes however are a different story and do very well!! Comment by jana October 26, 2008

Karen,I’m not sure about the soft potatoes, as mine are always hard enough for potato salad. And it times some of the water comes out of my jars. And once in a while a jar will not seal, and I’m not sure why. At times I think it’s just a bad lid. What a great deal you got on the potatoes. Sorry I could not be more help. Thank you for stopping in. Have a great day.
Jana,I thought I can a lot, 1500 jars is a lot. I too, fill 3 freezers. But my family is no longer that big. Now there is just 3 of us. I agree with you about cooling down the pressure cooker, as this is what I do. And Tommy loves the sweet potatoes canned. Thank you for stopping in and your comment.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 28, 2008

What is the shelf life of canned potato’s.
Comment by Marcy November 6, 2008

Marcy,I know mine last for a year, harvest to harvest. We have never had any left longer than that. Hope this helps.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm November 7, 2008

Becky,
You have answered all my questions from past comments.I’m really nerves on the pressure cooking. I (My father and step mother) used my pressure cannier (canned beef) for the first time but I had my family’s help. But still nerves to do it myself. I have had a garden for 2 years now and it sure is a good feeling when the finish product is sitting on the self. My Aunt Ada would be proud of me!!! I’m putting you on my favorites so if I have any questions I know where to coming (HERE).I also stay home with my kids.
Thankyou and God Bless,Amy Comment by Amy November 14, 2008

Sorry wrong email address. This is the right one
Comment by Amy November 14, 2008

Amy,The more you use the pressure canner the better you will feel. Just give it a little time. It’s the best thing you can learn to do, and will help you out the most. Please keep me updated on how you are doing with it, ok. Have a great week end. Thank you for stopping in here.God Bless you and your family,Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 15, 2008

I canned potatoes last year, they look great and pretty as yours! BUT…I didn’t know about the pressure cooker and just water-bathe them for 45 minutes. What do you think? Should I just discard the 20 jars of it or try them and see? I’m afraid now! Comment by Marcie November 16, 2008

Marcie,This is what I would do, but you need to do what you feel is right and safe for you. I would open a jar and smell them if they did not smell bad or look bad, I would reboil them GOOD before using/serving. Then taste one, to check taste. I am sorry I can’t just come right out and tell it’s ok, because I am not sure on this one. Trust yourself on this.Hope this helps you some.Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 16, 2008

I have finally finished my potatoes. 167 quart jars. It feels so good, and so reassuring. Thank you for posting this. It was exactly what I was looking for. I have almost bottled 500 jars of fruit, and veggies this year.
My husband will need to have surgery on Monday for a ruptured disc in his back. I will be living on our food storage for the 6-8 weeks that he is out. It is nice to know that it is there. The reduced paycheck will only pay for bills and now I will still be able to feed my family. thank you and my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Comment by christie November 20, 2008

I noticed you left the red peels on do you have to peel russets or can you leave the skins on? Comment by Laurie November 25, 2008

Laurie,You can,if you wash the skins VERY well. I only leave the skin on the small potatoes, as peeling them would not leave much potato. Hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 26, 2008

Becky,
I just wanted you to know you’ve inspired me - I canned 7 quarts of potatoes for the first time today. ) I’ve canned lots of other things, but never thought about canning potatoes until I found your blog several months ago. Thank you! I have so many other things I want to try canning (cheese sauce, dried beans, etc.), and I feel like time is running short. I really appreciate all of the information you’ve shared on your blog. It is truly so helpful!
Continuing to lift you, Tommy, and your family up in prayer.
Stacie Comment by arksoaper December 9, 2008

Stacie,You are more than welcome, I am glad to help. I have been reading your blog and you are doing a great job with everything. My best find this year was the canned cheese sauce and the clothes soap. Thank you very much for all your prayers for us.Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.Becky Comment by jordansfarm December 10, 2008

Becky, Just got done canning 7qts of potatoes, Looks like they are over cooked, (soft) When you talk about processing for 40 minutes. Is that once the canner starts to jiggle. Or Do you start timing when you put the canner on the stove? Thanks Cara Comment by Cara January 3, 2009

Cara,Yes, you start timing when it starts to jiggle. Hope this helps.Becky Comment by Becky January 7, 2009

Love this site, first time here, will can next year. here is a tip for potatoe fry lovers. Cut the taters as you wish raw, soak in in sugar water, for a hr or so before frying. You will never make french fries again with out this method I’d bet.YUMM Lots of sugar,sweet water. Rod Comment by Rod January 7, 2009

This is excellent; I like knowing how many pounds to quarts. Thank you! Comment by Prudent Homemaker January 19, 2009

Gave my wife a pressure cooker for Christmas and I ended up wanting to play with it. I thought potatoes would be a good first start. I’ve got a question if you don’t mind. I thought I’d experiment with just 15 lbs. of potatoes but ran out of time after my first batch. I’ve got the unprocessed potatoes in their jars with no water in them. Would it be alright to put them in the fridge overnight and start the process up again another day? I’m sure I need to let the jars warm up before just putting them in hot water. Will this work or should I try something else in the future? Again, this was meant as an experiment so if I need to start over, that’s fine. Thanks, Bill Comment by Bill February 2, 2009

Bill,I am not sure about this. I always make sure I have time set aside for canning, usually a whole day. I would think that just putting jars in fridge with no water in them would turn the potatoes colors. I , myself, would not pressure can them. Maybe you could cook them for a meal, but add water so as they don’t turn colors. I really hope this helps some.Becky Comment by Becky February 2, 2009

What's Stored, What's else is needed for at least 1 year?

Ok, I have check on what and how much I have stored this far. So I will know just what else I really need to store to go at least a year. This is only for canned foods I've canned, not store brought goods.  This list and how many jars needed for a year is for 3 people and I figure for not being able to go to store at all , so my numbers are really a little high( so it might last more than a year).  Some of this is from last year. But due to time and strength, I did not want to can more than we really used from the garden.

GREEN BEANS:(use 3 qts. a week)  have 159 qts. ( might can more)

SWEET POTATOES: (only 1 person eats) have 25 pts.

POTATOES: ( use about 2 qts. a week)  have 13 qts. ( need about 91 more qts.)

SHARP CHEEDAR CHEESE:  have 6 pts. and 5 jelly jars ( want to can more, if they go on sale again)

CHEESE SAUCE: have 42 jelly jars ( want to can more, if they go on sale again) ( one jar makes mac and cheese for 4 people.)

MILK: ( use about 3 qts. a week) have 56 qts ( need about 100 qts. more)

CARROTS: have 30 qts. (only used it stew and soup, have enough)

TOMATOES: ( use about 1-2 qts. week) have 44 qts. ( will can more if tomatoes do good this year)

FRUITS(use about 2 qts. a week)

APPLE SAUCE:  have 48 qts.

APPLE SLICES: have 27 qts.

PEAR CHUCKS: have 45 qts.

JELLIES AND BUTTERS: ( use about one pint a week)

APPLE BUTTER :  have  9 pts.

APPLE JELLY: have 17 jelly jars

PEAR JAM:  have 40 jelly jars

MIXED JELLIES:  have 5 jelly jars

STRAWBERRY SYRUP: have 3 jelly jars

STRAWBERRY JAM: have 6 jelly jars and 2 pts. ( 7 gallon freezer bags in freezer to make more jam) 

I am so thankful for all my stores. I know I have stated before that I was going to can every thing I could get my hands on, but well this was really stressing me out. I know how to garden and have seed for next year already, so why stress myself out? And all this will last us more than a year.  And I'm slowly running out of shelf space in the food barn.  I do not want  3 years of apples and no potatoes or green beans, ect.

Our beefalo (bull cow) is going in the freezer within the next 2-3 weeks.  And 1 cow would last us a year with 5 people (2 adults, 2 teenagers, 1 child)eating. Now only 2 adults and one child, should last us much longer. We have about 26 young chicks that should be ready for the freezer by winter. If we need more, we'll kill as needed. I can get 2-3 meals out of one chicken for us. We still have about 1 pig in freezer from last year, so we are good on meat.

My next post I'll do store bought goods and how much I have and need for a year for 3 people. Hope this helps someone. If you need any help or have any questions, just let me know.  If you can figure out about how much your family eats a month, that's the place to start, even a week is a good start.

Hope you all have a great day.

Becky

Technorati Tags: canning,food storage,garden,self sufficiency,stocking up,stockpiling food

Comments:

Wow! Becky, you are so well prepared!I didn’t know you could can potatoes. Do you use a pressure canner? Is there a varieties that are better to use than others?I’m looking forward to your store bought list, since this is mostly what we have stored right now.Thanks for sharing
Joyce Comment by Joyce | July 20, 2008 |

That’s awesome! Where do you keep it all? How many freezers do you have? Do you have grains (wheat, oats, flour, sugar, etc.) too? And, the fact that you do it all mostly by yourself is amazing to me! You are quite the woman! Comment by Darce | July 20, 2008 |

Great list Becky, I think most people have no idea how much they need for an entire year. You putting all this down will help people just starting to stock their own food supplies.
It takes a huge effort, don’t work too hard and take care. Comment by matronofhusbandry | July 21, 2008 |

Joyce: yes I pressure can the potatoes. I am not sure about varieties, I just can what comes out of the garden.
Darce: I have three freezers in the food barn, I have photos here:
http://jordansfarm.wordpress.com/2008/06/19/why-what-how-i-am-storing-and-stocking-up-food/I do have grains, but they are store bought, and will be listed in next post, ok. Comment by jordansfarm | July 21, 2008 |

Thanks, Becky! Hope you’re not working too hard today. I’m making a birthday dinner for our daughter today. She would want fried chicken on such a hot day. Off to finish the potato salad and carrot cake. Joyce Comment by Joyce | July 21, 2008 |

Joyce,
We do fried chicken for birthdays too, but I’m lucky because it’s in Jan. when it’s not hot.
And for some reason when I make potato salad, the potatoes are to soft or to hard. But I found a way to make perfect potato salad every time. I use my canned potatoes, it’s great. I make carrot cake too, but just for birthdays. Hope you all had a great day.
Becky Comment by jordansfarm | July 22, 2008 |

Thank, Becky Everything went wonderfully! I nearly melted into the kitchen floor…but other than that…Joyce Comment by Joyce | July 22, 2008 |

Might want to run a thin strip of wood along the outside of your shelves if you are in an earthquake prone area - don’t want all of that work to fall off and break ! Comment by Debra | July 22, 2008 |

You are amazing! Comment by Jodi | July 26, 2008 |

Could you tell me how you can your carrots? I bought some baby carrots on sale and am thinking about canning them. I’d appreciate your thoughts! I consider you to be my canning guru!  D

Thanks so much!
Stacie  Comment by arksoaper | September 16, 2008 |

Stacie,just wash, can cut in half of leave whole,
cook: at 10 lbs pressure, pints 25 mins and qts. 30 min. Good luck
Becky  Comment by jordansfarm | September 17, 2008 |

Thank you so much, Becky! Have a wonderfully blessed day!
Stacie Comment by arksoaper | September 17, 2008 |

Why are you not canning your beefalo and chickens? I have done it and it is so easy! Comment by other canning mom | October 3, 2008 |

Other canning mom,
I do can some meat, but not a lot. I seem to only have enough canning jars for vegs, fruit, jellys, etc. Have a great day. And thank you for stopping in.
Becky   Comment by jordansfarm | October 3, 2008 |