Category: Preserving

An image of frozen peas, corn, and carrots.

How to Use Up Vegetables in Soup Mix Freezer Bags

We’ve all been there… We’ve all had the best intentions of meal prepping or eating healthier and then either never started or only used half the veggies we bought. The rest sat in the refrigerator until they were either going bad or were beyond the point of saving, and we had to throw them out. Well, I have the perfect solution for how to use up veggies that will not only save time later but will help you eat healthier too!

You can use these to make my staple “chicken” noodle soup recipe or this delicious curry soup!

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Soup Mix Bags

When my celery is starting to wilt and my mushrooms have been sitting in the refrigerator way too long, I gather all of the vegetables in my refrigerator, take out my food processor, and get to work making soup mix bags! It only takes a few minutes, and then I have bags of vegetables ready to pull out of the freezer any time I’m hungry for soup. If you don’t have a food processor, you can cut your vegetables by hand. It will just take a little longer.

Items Needed to Make Soup Mix Bags

You don’t need anything fancy to make these soup mix bags, but there are a couple of items that make creating these soup mix bags much easier!

First, I love reducing waste by utilizing reusable, resealable freezer bags. These are my favorite!

I also recommend these stands that hold reusable or disposable freezer bags open so you can fill them more easily!

This is the food processor I use as well. It has an 8-cup capacity and is a great option on a budget!

What Vegetables Work?

The great news is that these soup mix bags are customizable to what you like to eat in your soup and what you happen to have in your refrigerator! My favorite combination just contains the staples I use in almost every soup I make–carrots, celery, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and mushrooms.

Below is a comprehensive list of vegetables that freeze well and that you could include in your soup mix bags:

  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Mushrooms
  • Corn
  • Broccoli
  • Zucchini
  • Green beans

Vegetables With Special Preparation

Mushrooms will need to be fully cooked before freezing, while zucchini and green beans will all need to be blanched.

Instructions

  1. Wash all vegetables and peel the vegetables that need peeled.
  2. If any vegetables require special preparation, like pre-cooking or blanching, complete that preparation and set the vegetables aside to cool.
  3. Using a food processor with the slicing plate attached, slice the remaining vegetables you would like to use in your soup mix bags.
  4. Evenly divide the vegetables into reusable sandwich bags.
  5. Store in freezer for 4-6 months.
  6. When you’re ready to cook, simply take bag out of freezer and dump vegetables into hot pan.
  7. Allow to thaw and then cook to desired doneness.
  8. Continue with soup recipe.
Image of hand holding jam in a jar.

No Sugar Added Blackberry Jam

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No sugar added blackberry jam is so easy to make! And it’s even easier if you own a Ball freshTECH Jam & Jelly Maker (J&J Maker for short)! I LOVE my J&J Maker! But I was tired of being limited by the few recipes that come with the Jam & Jelly Maker, so I decided to experiment. This recipe is a Bernardin recipe and you can find the link here. But, if you want to learn how to make it in the Jam & Jelly Maker, keep reading!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why Use the Jam & Jelly Maker?

The Jam & Jelly Maker is so easy to use because it stirs for you! It also doesn’t require that you use your stovetop, which is a bonus if you work full time and do all of your cooking, canning, and baking on the weekends like me! It is so nice to be able to keep a large burner clear for lunch, dinner, or whatever I’m meal-prepping!

If you are interested in another way to save stovetop space or if you have a glass stovetop and don’t want to put a heavy canner on top of it, I highly recommend purchasing either a steam canner or the Ball freshTECH Electric Water Bath Canner and Multi-Cooker! The awesome thing about this canner is that is can easily hold 12-14 half-pint jars!

What Do I Need to Can?

The simple answer is that you need jars, lids, bands, and a large pot that will allow water to cover your jars by 1-2 inches. However, I do have some favorite canning tools that make life easier. You can find the list here, and below is a list of the tools I use in the video.

How to Make No Sugar Added Blackberry Jam in Jam & Jelly Maker

Instructions

  1. First, mash 4 cups of rinsed blackberries.
  2. Prepare other ingredients–1 cup unsweetened fruit juice and 49 grams of Ball or Bernardin Low or No Sugar Pectin.
  3. Sprinkle pection on bottom of Jam & Jelly Maker, spread blackberry mash evenly over the top, and add in fruit juice.
  4. Press “Jam” and press “Enter.” The J&J Maker will start stirring.
  5. After 4 minutes, the J&J Maker will beep. If you are adding any sweetener, pour it evenly over the top of the mixture. If you’re not adding any sweetener put the lid on.
  6. For the remaining 17 minutes, watch the J&J Maker carefully. If at any time it looks like the mixture may overflow, take the lid off and allow the mixture to cool.
  7. The J&J Maker will beep again when it is finished. Take the lid off and either store jam in refrigerator or continue with canning instructions.

    8. Canning Directions

  8. Fill clean, warm jars with jam mixture, making sure to leave 1/4-inch headspace.
  9. Debubble and double-check headspace. Add more jam, if needed.
  10. Clean rim off to ensure no jam is on it.
  11. Put a clean lid on and screw on band until fingertip tight.
  12. Put in water bath canner.
  13. Fill remaining jars until jam mixture is gone.
  14. Water bath process for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude.
  15. Remove jars and set on towel or wooden cutting board to cool for 12-24 hours.
  16. Remove bands and check seals. If any jars failed to seal, store in refrigerator and use first.
  17. Wash jars and store without bands on.
Image of 6 jars filled with various color fillings.

Canning Supplies I Love!

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If you’re serious about canning, check out this list of my must-have canning supplies! Now, you don’t necessarily need any of these items (except maybe the jar lifter), but they sure make life easier and canning projects go by faster!

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What Canning Supplies Do I Absolutely NEED?

The simple answer is that you need jars, lids, bands, and a large pot that will allow water to cover your jars by 1-2 inches for water bath canning. That’s really all you need!

Video

But, after probably hundreds of canning projects, I have discovered a few canning supplies that are completely worth the investment if canning is going to be a part of your preserving plan. By “investment,” I don’t mean to imply that any of these canning supplies are necessarily pricey. But they do have a cost and take up precious space in your kitchen or wherever you store your canning items.

For me, these are the items that are worth spending money on and giving space up for!

  • Cherry Pitter – If you plan on using fresh cherries for a canning project, you’ll be so happy you bought this cherry pitter! It pits 6 cherries at a time! I love it for making Chocolate Cherry Preserves, which is one of my family’s favorites!
  • Jar Lifter – This might be the one canning supply you actually do need. It helps you put jars in and take jars out of boiling water. If you don’t have a jar lifter, I don’t know how you’ll be able to remove the jars after processing!
  • Heat Resistant Gloves – These aren’t really a necessity either, but I use them almost every single time I can and they have definitely kept me from getting burned! If you plan on using reusable canning lids, such as the Tattler reusable lids, then I really do recommend getting some of these gloves. Tattler reusable lids require you to tighten the bands after your jars have processed, and these help protect your hands from those hot jars.
  • Bottle for vinegar to wipe rims of jars – This one is definitely not necessary, but it has helped me save time, money, and a LOT of messes! Gone are the days of trying to carefully dump vinegar on a paper towel just to have half of of the bottle dump all over the countertop, the floor, and me!
  • Canning Funnel – This canning funnel is my favorite because it has headspace measurements on it! It’s also very heavy duty, which is a must if you’re not going to use stainless steel, as you’ll be working with super hot jams and jellies at times!
Photo of oranges

Easy, Low Sugar Orange Marmalade

I grew up listening to Paddington on cassette and, if you know Paddington, then you know he loooves marmalade! I have wanted to try it since I was a child, but it is quite difficult to find in the southern United States. So, when oranges came into season and went on sale, I knew I had to make my own. If you’ve been around long or know me at all, then you know I’m always looking for a way to lower the amount of sugar I consume. And this easy, low sugar orange marmalade recipe did not disappoint!

What Does Marmalade Taste Like?

Marmalade is bright and citrusy, sweet and sour, and absolutely delicious! I’m personally not a huge fan of citrus-flavored items. Between a lemon poppy seed cake and a carrot cake, I’ll opt for the warm spices of the carrot cake any day! But this orange marmalade is perfectly balanced, and I would choose it over my trusty blueberry jam!

Is This Recipe Safe?

This is a safe, tested recipe! You can find the original recipe here on the Pomona’s Pectin website. I did make some approved changes, like using orange instead of the half grapefruit it calls for and doubling the recipe (which is safe when using Pomona’s Pectin), but nothing that would change the safety of the recipe.

How to Eat Marmalade

The traditional way to eat orange marmalade (in America) is on toast or a biscuit. However, there are numerous ways to use marmalade! Below are some of my recommendations.

  • Mix into yogurt
  • Make a marinade for orange chicken by mixing orange marmalade, soy, and some brown sugar
  • Serve on (or in!) blueberry scones–I think the citrusy orange will perfectly balance with the blueberries!
  • Serve as a spread on a charcuterie board
  • Use it to make a simple vinaigrette
  • Add in a teaspoon or two to my favorite glaze recipe! It’s delicious on sweet rolls, dessert bars, and cakes!

What Do I Need to Can?

The simple answer is that you need jars, lids, bands, and a large pot that will allow water to cover your jars by 1-2 inches. However, I do have some favorite canning tools that make life easier! Here’s a list of the tools I use in the video.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you are interested in a way to save stovetop space or if you have a glass stovetop and don’t want to put a heavy canner on top of it, I highly recommend purchasing either a steam canner or the Ball freshTECH Electric Water Bath Canner and Multi-Cooker! The awesome thing about this canner is that is can easily hold 12-14 half-pint jars! It’s the only thing I use to water bath can!

Recipe Video

How to Make Lower Sugar Orange Marmalade

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Peel 4 oranges with a vegetable peeler.
  2. Use a paring knife to remove the white pith from the back of the peels.
  3. Cut the peels into thin strips, about 1/2 inch long and put into large pot.
  4. Cut all 9 oranges in half. Use paring knife to separate pulp/fruit from the membrane and peel. Scoop pulp out with a spoon and squeeze remaining juice into pot.
  5. If you prefer chunks of orange in your marmalade, put the triangular pieces of orange in the pot with the peels. Otherwise, chop to desired size.
  6. Add orange juice to sauce pan. Bring to boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. If you have more than 12 cups of the orange mixture, remove it until you have only 12 cups.
  8. Add calcium water and lemon juice to pot.
  9. Bring mixture back to a boil over high heat.
  10. While waiting for mixture to come to a boil, mix sugar and pectin powder.
  11. Once mixture is at a full boil, add the sugar mixture slowly until dissolved.
  12. Once mixture comes to a full boil, remove from heat.
  13. If you aren’t canning this marmalade, pour into jars and store in refrigerator for 4-6 weeks.

    14. Canning Directions

  14. Fill clean, warm jars with marmalade, making sure to leave 1/4-inch headspace.
  15. Debubble and double-check headspace. Add more marmalade, if needed.
  16. Clean rim off to ensure no marmalade is on it.
  17. Put a clean lid on and screw on band until fingertip tight.
  18. Put in simmering water bath.
  19. Fill remaining jars until jam mixture is gone.
  20. Water bath process for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude.
  21. Remove jars and set on towel or wooden cutting board to cool for 12-24 hours.
  22. Remove bands and check seals. If any jars failed to seal, store in refrigerator and use first.
  23. Wash jars and store with bands off.

No Sugar Added Blueberry Jam

1 Comment

No sugar added blueberry jam is so easy to make! And it’s even easier if you own a Ball freshTECH Jam & Jelly Maker (J&J Maker for short)! I LOVE my J&J Maker! But I was tired of being limited by the few recipes that come with the Jam & Jelly Maker, so I decided to experiment. The first recipe I tried is my husband’s personal favorite–no sugar added blueberry jam! It’s a Bernardin recipe and you can find the link here. But, if you want to learn how to make it in the Jam & Jelly Maker, keep reading!

Image of jar with dark filling. Lettering says "Canning Blueberry Jam, No Sugar Added, JamminandCannin.com".

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why Use the Jam & Jelly Maker?

The Jam & Jelly Maker is so easy to use because it stirs for you! It also doesn’t require that you use your stovetop, which is a bonus if you work full time and do all of your cooking, canning, and baking on the weekends like me! It is so nice to be able to keep a large burner clear for lunch, dinner, or whatever I’m meal-prepping!

If you are interested in another way to save stovetop space or if you have a glass stovetop and don’t want to put a heavy canner on top of it, I highly recommend purchasing either a steam canner or the Ball freshTECH Electric Water Bath Canner and Multi-Cooker! The awesome thing about this canner is that is can easily hold 12-14 half-pint jars!

What Do I Need to Can?

The simple answer is that you need jars, lids, bands, and a large pot that will allow water to cover your jars by 1-2 inches. However, I do have some favorite canning tools that make life easier! Here’s a list of the tools I use in the video.

Recipe Video

How to Make No Sugar Added Blueberry Jam in Jam & Jelly Maker

Instructions

  1. First, mash 4 cups of rinsed blueberries.
  2. Prepare other ingredients–1 cup unsweetened fruit juice and 49 grams of Ball or Bernardin Low or No Sugar Pectin.
  3. Sprinkle pectin on bottom of Jam & Jelly Maker, spread blueberry mash evenly over the top, and add in fruit juice.
  4. Press “Jam” and press “Enter.” The J&J Maker will start stirring.
  5. After 4 minutes, the J&J Maker will beep. If you are adding any sweetener, pour it evenly over the top of the mixture. If you’re not adding any sweetener put the lid on.
  6. For the remaining 17 minutes, watch the J&J Maker carefully. If at any time it looks like the mixture may overflow, take the lid off and allow the mixture to cool.
  7. The J&J Maker will beep again when it is finished. Take the lid off and either store jam in refrigerator or continue with canning instructions.

    8. Canning Directions

  8. Fill clean, warm jars with jam mixture, making sure to leave 1/4-inch headspace.
  9. Debubble and double-check headspace. Add more jam, if needed.
  10. Clean rim off to ensure no jam is on it.
  11. Put a clean lid on and screw on band until fingertip tight.
  12. Put in water bath canner.
  13. Fill remaining jars until jam mixture is gone.
  14. Water bath process for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude.
  15. Remove jars and set on towel or wooden cutting board to cool for 12-24 hours.
  16. Remove bands and check seals. If any jars failed to seal, store in refrigerator and use first.
  17. Wash jars and store without bands on.
Image of braided garlic.

The Easiest Way to Preserve Garlic

With the pickled garlic recipe by Ball rumored as unsafe, garlic preservation methods are somewhat limited. If you’re someone who only follows by-the-book, safe, and tested preservation methods (which I do), you need options! Preserving garlic in oil and honey have been popular, but those methods pose botulism poisoning risks. That’s why, this year, I took advantage of some extra freezer space to preserve garlic that is ready-to-sauté! It only took a few minutes of prep work and an overnight stay in the freezer. After breaking the cubes apart, I have garlic ready to go anytime I need to toss some minced garlic in a dish!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Mince Garlic

If you’re planning on freezing a large batch of garlic, it is time-consuming to hand-mince it all with a knife. Using a food processing is faster, if you have one. However, I prefer to use my OXO Good Grips Garlic Press. Part of the reason I love this method is because I can save the leftover garlic “shell” for my stock bag, which I freeze to make stock with at a later time!

Preserve Garlic in the Freezer

After the garlic is minced, put it all in a sandwich bag or mince it directly into the bag like in the video below by purchasing these holders. I prefer to use reusable bags, like these, but I was worried about removing the garlic smell afterwards. You’ll seal the bag, flatten the garlic, and then use a chopstick or some other long, cylindrical kitchen tool to separate the garlic into squares. Freeze overnight, break apart, and store in the same sandwich bag!

Using Preserved, Frozen Garlic

Using your preserved garlic is as easy as pulling one or two cubes out as needed–no need to thaw! They taste great in soups, stir fries, and pasta sauces!