Summertime Small Batch Canning Fun for the Whole Family

This small batch canning post is sponsored by Newell Brands, makers of Ball® Home Canning products; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own

I dread the day my girls don’t want to hang out with me. The thought of our days being so busy that we don’t have time to hang breaks my heart.  So back in January and February when everyone was planning summer camps (yep that’s a thing apparently). I was planning the ultimate “Anti Summer Camp Summer.”

Instead of spending hours in the car getting them to places to make sure they are entertained all day, we are going to instead figure out how to make the days seem as long as possible. Full days spent at the pool, in the yard playing in the dirt, having movie days, sticky fingers from time spent in the kitchen, game days and tea parties galore.

Small batch canning is such a great summertime activity to do with the kids, we added it to our list once again.  We are carrying on this age-old tradition and this year made Strawberry Lemonade Marmalade. Remember our jam recipe from last year? It was such a hit, but we wanted to spice it up a bit.

Full disclosure we had to buy store bought strawberries because time management isn’t my thing and we just planted our strawberry seeds. I can only imagine how much more fun small batch canning will be for the girls knowing that they grew fresh ingredients they are putting on their toast.  An epic farm to table tea party will be had by all.

Why Small Batch Canning?

Since fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant we can take them and preserve them in Ball® Jars at the height of freshness, then use them all year is fun. Knowing we are making something from things we already have around the house is also something I need to teach my children more.  

Not to mention they make perfect gifts just in time for Mother’s Day, end of school teacher gifts, or just the neighbor watching your house while you go on vacation. Plus their Granny loves to can and being able to teach them a hobby they can share with her, makes my heart happy. You can grab the Ball® Home Canning Starter Kit at Target that contains everything you need to become a canning professional. Let’s get started!

Strawberry Lemonade Marmalade Recipe

A sticky kitchen will totally be worth this sweet, yet tart marmalade.

Preserving Method: Water Bath Canning

Makes about 7 (8 oz) half pints

YOU WILL NEED:

• 1/4 cup thinly sliced lemon peel (about 2 large)
• 4 cups crushed strawberries (about 4lbs containers)
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 6 Tbsp  Ball® RealFruit™ Classic Pectin
• 6 cups sugar
• 7  Ball®(8 oz) half pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands
• Optional: Ball® freshTECH Electric Water Bath Canner + Multicooker

DIRECTIONS

1. PREPARE boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil.  Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside.
2. COMBINE lemon peel and water to cover in a 6- or 8-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and boil for 5 minutes, until peel is softened. Drain and discard liquid. Return peel to pan.
3. ADD strawberries and lemon juice to peel and mix well. Gradually stir in pectin. Bring mixture to a full rolling that can not be stirred down, over high heat, stirring constantly.
4. ADD entire measure of sugar, stirring to dissolve. Return mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off foam if necessary.
5. LADLE hot jam into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight.
6. PROCESS in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.

Farm to Fresh Tea Party

Since we had the marmalade, we decided a tea party was in order to try it out. Avocado toast is a favorite of ours so we decided to spice it up. Keep in mind, my taste testers are 4 and 6 so their palettes aren’t nearly as refined. But they both said this taste like peanut butter and jelly. So if you are looking for a nut-free version of pb& j this is your jam (see what I did there?)

Boujie Avocado Toast Recipe

• Strawberry Lemonade Marmalade
• Avocado
• Goat cheese
• Arnold Whole Grains Health Nut Bread

This year is the 135th Anniversary of Ball®. So let’s all celebrate these iconic jars we use and love and teach our kids how to small batch can. Next time you are in Target, purchase Ball® jars.  They have all sorts of deals in store and Ibotta. Especially these beautiful Ball® Aqua Vintage jars that were created to celebrate their heritage.

Fun fact: In 1880 Frank and Edmund Ball purchased the Wooden Jacket Can Company for $200 they borrowed.  Now that’s a good ROI.

We just got a lavender bush, so get ready because that’s the next flavor we are going to add to our canning resume.