Canning

[helomech]

We had this wall that was useless because of the attic ladder. So we built these to store cans. Wife wants to put doors on them, but I don't see that happening. The quart jars fit on the bottom 3 rows and pint jars fit the rest. I think it will hold almost 400 jars. We killed 28 4h broilers this week and canned all of them, I think it was close to 100 lbs of meat.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii247/helomech1973/home/481375_2882594640208_276055002_n_zpsfc49a288.jpg

[bacpacker]

Good looking storage area. I've been thinking about building out an area on the walls going to our basement similar to that. Not sure how much it would hold but the temp is pretty stable right there and would free up space for more canned goods.

Thats a bunch of meat you put away. About how long did it take to process that much?

[helomech]

Thanks, it took about 2 days to kill, process, and can it all. Could have done it all in one day, but that would have been a very long day. We are probably going to build more areas like this. We also have another 25 broilers being given to us next week. So I should have almost another 100 lbs of meat next week, and it's free. Didn't even have to feed them.

[Echo2]

That's awesome....Could we get some info on construction?

We lost a bunch of home canned good a few years back.....because Echo2 was an idiot....and didn't brace enough....:(

[helomech]

It is just 1X6 boards from lowes. The upper shelves are 5 3/16" apart, and the lower quart shelves are 8"s apart. The rest was just built to fit on that wall. We had to leave a spot for the A/C control. We used a craig jig http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=kreg+jig&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3667614685&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13243230261494897097&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_74i0guk8vt_b to put it together. It makes great joints.

[Kodiak]

I like the door idea to avoid breakage.

[helomech]

I like the door idea to avoid breakage.

Yeah, but it is going to be a challenge to pull it off.

[Taz Baby]

Looks like it is just a couple sheets of plywood, hinges and paint? Or maybe some folding doors like those closet doors?

[helomech]

Looks like it is just a couple sheets of plywood, hinges and paint? Or maybe some folding doors like those closet doors?

The challenge is making them so that they don't warp over time, close good, and are not to heavy so they don't sag. I am thinking some tall skinny doors will be best. We also have to leave the spot by the A/C control open.

[Taz Baby]

These look sturdy enough to me.


http://79.170.44.110/perfect-uk.com/wp-content/plugins/Premium_Gallery_Manager/uploads/pgallerybyfold2.jpg

http://www.ltlhomeproducts.com/images/malibu-folding-door-large.jpg

[helomech]

Good idea thanks.

[Taz Baby]

Of course those you would have to buy but they are custom fit.

[helomech]

Of course those you would have to buy but they are custom fit.

The first one would work, but it is very dusty here and the wife said way to many spots for dust to settle. The second pic has to be mounted to far from the shelves. If you look at the hinge half of each panel goes into the closet, but in our case there is no room for that. It would work if the hinge was mounted all the way to one end.

[Sniper-T]

if you just nail a strip of 1/4 X 1-1/2 slat to each shelf, so that it is sticking up, that will prevent the jars from falling off. Then consider a simple decorative curtain to cover it:

http://www.google.ca/search?q=decorative+curtain&hl=en&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4ADFA_enCA427CA428&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=YEQ-UZS_Dcf9qwHD7YCYCw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1306&bih=860#imgrc=EeV1RDvKxx6ZdM%3A%3B9TdA77Il1JLSbM%3 Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcreative-furniture.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252FHLIC%252F8bfdef3d567a95a0e 47e4b2f7e174514.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcreative-furniture.com%252Fmazzo-modern-decorative-curtains-design-from-jeroen-vinken%252F%3B530%3B447

or something 'prettier' for the mrs:

http://www.google.ca/search?q=decorative+curtain&hl=en&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4ADFA_enCA427CA428&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=YEQ-UZS_Dcf9qwHD7YCYCw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1306&bih=860#imgrc=kPTHUEfM0tvDsM%3A%3BXIXbsPEV0h-lPM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fi01.i.aliimg.com%252Fwsph oto%252Fv0%252F640698501%252FHalloween-supplies-haunted-house-bar-font-b-decoration-b-font-props-voice-big-1-7-meters.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.aliexpress.com %252Fpromotion%252Fhome-office-tools_decorative-curtain-ideas-promotion.html%3B800%3B800

awesome job, btw!

[helomech]

Thanks, now that is easy and cheap.

[Sniper-T]

yep. covers nicely for any visitors, and can make a conversation pc.

[Taz Baby]

How To Can Ground Beef



http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CrJpNEvaigU

[Taz Baby]

Canning Carrots N Potatoes


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ahh-iJtvWx0

[Sniper-T]

can't say that I've ever had canned potatoes... review?

[Taz Baby]

I'll give ya one as soon as I try it. I never have either.

[Katrina]

Taz's would taste better of course but try a can of potatoes (Delmonte, Dole etc) from grocery. Won't be home canned but it might give you some idea as to flavor and texture. I use the diced when I make recipes that need diced taters like white chili, or minestrone soup and don't have fresh on hand, they're okay but bland. Sliced are a bit rubbery but the small whole ones do taste like boiled potatoes and mash down pretty good on the plate.

[Taz Baby]

Thought I would share this.
The art of canning started back in the early nineteenth century when Napoleon, who was looking for a way to feed his troops, offered a cash award to any inventor who could figure out a cheap method of preserving large amounts of food for the military.

Canning Jar and LidSince that time canning practices have evolved and become a lot safer, but the basic principles of canning remain the same. Today we are going to look at one of the oldest methods; the Boiling Water Bath Method.


http://offgridsurvival.com/canningfoodsboilingwaterbath/

[Sniper-T]

Up until last month, that's the only thing I have ever done (boiling water). And my mom taught me. And her mom taught her, and her mom... well they were French, so I guess it goes back to Napolean. at some point.