08.09.11
Condiments, Giveaway, Recipes
107

Giveaway {Ball Canning Discovery Kit} | National Can-It-Forward Day + Peach Jam

There was a time when canning was something grandmothers did. Or at least I thought so.

Canning was about as foreign to me as black and white television.

But one day, about 10 years ago, I found myself with a sackful of homegrown plums. I knew exactly what to do with them: make jam.

And it was as though the world of canning, the art of preserving, was suddenly revealed to me…in technicolor.

Canning was one of those first kitchen projects that made me feel as though I had conquered something, like I deserved a notch on my kitchen apron belt. And you know what? It was easy.

I recently transformed some gorgeous summer peaches into this glistening Peach Jam. There’s nothing more rewarding than stirring a sweet pot of sticky fruit, or better yet, enjoying the taste of summer in the depths of winter. Of course, I couldn’t wait that long to try the jam. I had some the next morning on my pancakes.

Have a bite?

Truth be told, canning is the kind of thing I do maybe once or twice a year. To me, there is still a nostalgia when it comes to canning. But it is something I would like to do more often. As in my last post with making homemade Lemon Curd, there is nothing like making your own preserves. There is a whole world of canning – jellies and jams, conserves and chutneys, pickles and syrups! It really isn’t that complicated, so if by chance you have not dabbled in canning, I encourage you to give it a try.

Can It Forward

The kind folks at Ball contacted me recently to see if I could spread the word about their effort with the nonprofit organization Canning Across America to host National Can-It-Forward Day on August 13. This Saturday will be the first celebration of its kind, where Canning Across America members will teach the basics of water bath canning and some of the most popular summer canning recipes. The day-long event is free and open to the public and will include several how-to canning demos that will be streaming live from Seattle’s Pike Place Market on the Ball brand website, FreshPreserving.com from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PST. Viewers will be able to ask questions and post comments in real time.

The Ball brand website also contains exclusive offers for canners, and even a step-by-step guide on how to host your own home canning party.

To spread the canning love, Ball is giving away a Ball Canning Discovery Kit to one of you. I tried out the kit to make my Peach Jam, and I know you’ll love it. It has all the essentials needed to demystify the home canning process and make fresh preserving accessible for even the most novice canner.

Scroll down for Peach Jam recipe.

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How to Enter

This giveaway is officially closed. Thanks to all for entering!

Ready to try your hand at canning with a Ball Canning Discovery Kit? Here’s how to enter:

  • Leave a comment on this post, and let me know: Do you can?
  • For additional entries, pick one or all of the following (leave a separate comment for each bonus entry):
  • Entries/Comments accepted until 10 pm Pacific, Saturday, 13 August, 2011 (National Can-It-Forward Day!).
  • One winner will be randomly selected and notified by email.
  • This contest is open to US residents only, my apologies to my other international friends!

* Disclaimer: Ball will provide one winner with a Ball Home Canning Discovery Kit. I am not affiliated with Ball nor was I compensated for hosting the giveaway. All opinions are my own.

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Peach Jam Print Friendly and PDF

Makes 2 pints.

INGREDIENTS
  • 4 cups peeled and diced peaches
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons pectin
  • 5 cups granulated sugar (3 cups if you want less sugar)
  • 3 tablespoons bottled lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon butter (optional), to reduce foaming
METHOD

Prepare waterbath canner, jars and lids according to manufacturer’s instructions, if preserving.

Combine peaches and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Gradually stir in Ball®RealFruit™ Pectin. Add butter, if using. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, over high heat, stirring constantly.

Add sugar, stirring to dissolve. Return mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim foam if necessary.

To preserve in a waterbath:

1. Ladle hot jelly/jam into hot jars, one at a time, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars. Apply bands and adjust to fingertip tight.

2. Place filled jars in canner, ensuring jars are covered by 1 to 2 inches of water. Place lid on canner. Bring water to gentle, steady boil.

3. Process jars for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat, remove lid and let jars stand for 5 minutes.

4. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed. Clean and store jars according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Recipe adapted using Ball Fresh Preserving Pectin Calculator.

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by Liren on August 9, 2011
107 Comments

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107 Responses to “Giveaway {Ball Canning Discovery Kit} | National Can-It-Forward Day + Peach Jam”

  1. Melissa @ thefauxmartha — August 9, 2011 @ 9:56 am (#
    1
    )

    Been dying to learn how to can for 2 years now! Still don’t know how. Maybe this will get me started!

  2. KrisDub — August 9, 2011 @ 9:58 am (#
    2
    )

    I tried canning just the one time. I gave strawberry/rhubarb preserves a whirl. They ended up a little sloppier than I would have liked, and it was difficult not having all the equipment. (tongs are not the best for picking up hot slippery jars) I’ve been dying to try again as I’ve been busy pickling and trying to make various kimchi.

  3. Nicole — August 9, 2011 @ 10:06 am (#
    3
    )

    I do not can but I would love to. And I’m sure the kit would give me the means to make some great things.

  4. Nicole — August 9, 2011 @ 10:07 am (#
    4
    )

    I liked Ball canning on Facebook.

  5. Nicole — August 9, 2011 @ 10:08 am (#
    5
    )

    I liked Canning Across America on Facebook.

  6. sherri@crunchtimefood — August 9, 2011 @ 11:26 am (#
    6
    )

    This is the year. I’m enlisting the family to make tomato sauce for the winter. Getting my supplies and so desperately want the kit you’re offering. Thanks. Love your blog.

  7. Elizabeth @ Saffron Lane — August 9, 2011 @ 12:26 pm (#
    7
    )

    I’m not entering the giveaway, but I just wanted to comment on how lovely your peach jam looks. “Glistening” is the best way to describe it. And, serving it over pancakes? Heaven.

  8. Christine — August 9, 2011 @ 2:09 pm (#
    8
    )

    No, I don’t can, not sure why. My mom used to can all the time.

  9. Hester aka The Chef Doc — August 9, 2011 @ 3:01 pm (#
    9
    )

    I love canning! I probably do it about once or twice a year, too. There’s always such a satisfactory feeling after it’s all done :-) Your peach jam looks absolutely scrumptious!

  10. Crystal's Cozy Kitchen — August 9, 2011 @ 3:31 pm (#
    10
    )

    I haven’t started canning yet… I’ve been a little overwhelmed by all the stuff I need to get to start (the fact that we’ve been on grad school salary is part of it:).

  11. Mack — August 9, 2011 @ 3:31 pm (#
    11
    )

    I am beginning to collects the tools for canning, hope to start before the good summer harvests are gone!

  12. Mack — August 9, 2011 @ 3:31 pm (#
    12
    )

    Liked Canning Across America on Facebook.

  13. Mack — August 9, 2011 @ 3:33 pm (#
    13
    )

    Also liked Ball Canning on Facebook

  14. Elizabeth — August 9, 2011 @ 3:45 pm (#
    14
    )

    I love canning! Learned from my Mom, who canned with her grandmother, now my sons are learning…and they actually like it. Peach Jam is one of my very favorite. I do it the chunky way and there is nothing quite like opening up a jar of sweet jam on a snowy winter morning! Blueberries are quite easy also. Check out some easy preserving recipes at Preserved and Pickled Blogspot. Look forward to your upcoming canning adventures.

  15. Heidi @ Food Doodles — August 9, 2011 @ 3:52 pm (#
    15
    )

    Mmmm, your peach jam looks delicious. I do can so this would be awesome!

  16. Leanna @ Raptortoe — August 9, 2011 @ 4:28 pm (#
    16
    )

    Beautiful!! My mother used to can everything we grew when I was a child. I should get started sometime!

  17. Becca H. — August 9, 2011 @ 5:08 pm (#
    17
    )

    The only canning I’ve done was making freezer jam. It was lots of fun, but I would love to learn how to make REAL preserves!

  18. Becca H. — August 9, 2011 @ 5:08 pm (#
    18
    )

    I liked Ball Canning on Facebook!

  19. Becca H. — August 9, 2011 @ 5:09 pm (#
    19
    )

    I liked Canning Across America on Facebook!

  20. Hezzi-D — August 9, 2011 @ 5:09 pm (#
    20
    )

    I can’t wait until Can It Forward! I’ll probobly make spiced peach jam or strawberry lemon marmalade. Your peach jam looks awesome!

  21. Nelly Rodriguez — August 9, 2011 @ 8:00 pm (#
    21
    )

    I don’t can, but wish I did and this would help me start!

  22. Ann — August 9, 2011 @ 8:01 pm (#
    22
    )

    Wow – your peach jam looks incredible! Canning is something I’ve read about, dreamed about, but haven’t done. It is definitely on my life time list of things to do….Next year, we’re going to have a large garden and I WILL DO IT! I may do some this year – and buy extra at a farm stand…you’ve inspired me!

  23. Jaime — August 9, 2011 @ 8:09 pm (#
    23
    )

    I love canning! Just last weekend I put up about 4 lbs of Bing cherries in bourbon syrup. They’re tasty.

  24. Jaime — August 9, 2011 @ 8:09 pm (#
    24
    )

    I signed up for Can It Forward.

  25. Jaime — August 9, 2011 @ 8:10 pm (#
    25
    )

    I liked Ball Canning on Facebook.

  26. Jaime — August 9, 2011 @ 8:11 pm (#
    26
    )

    I liked Canning Across America on Facebook.

  27. Arlene @ Flour On My Face — August 9, 2011 @ 8:22 pm (#
    27
    )

    yes I do can. Up until this year I only made jams or jellies. But this year I tried out refrigerator dill pickles and they turned out wonderful.

  28. Arlene @ Flour On My Face — August 9, 2011 @ 8:23 pm (#
    28
    )

    I have signed up for National Can-It-Forward Day

  29. Arlene @ Flour On My Face — August 9, 2011 @ 8:24 pm (#
    29
    )

    I already like the Ball Canning facebook page

  30. Arlene @ Flour On My Face — August 9, 2011 @ 8:24 pm (#
    30
    )

    I already liked the Canning Across America Facebook page.

  31. Lin C — August 9, 2011 @ 9:12 pm (#
    31
    )

    I’ve never canned myself, although I grew up watching my grandma can everything under the sun. Now that I have a few good jam recipes and a wonderful pickled beet recipe down, I’d love to start canning myself and have these all year round.

  32. Terra — August 9, 2011 @ 9:18 pm (#
    32
    )

    I have never canned before, but I keep reading beautiful blogs about canning, I believe that is a sign:-) Your peach jam looks delicious! Take care, Terra

  33. Terra — August 9, 2011 @ 9:19 pm (#
    33
    )

    I liked Ball canning on FB!

  34. Terra — August 9, 2011 @ 9:20 pm (#
    34
    )

    I liked Canning Across America on FB!

  35. Kirsty — August 9, 2011 @ 9:43 pm (#
    35
    )

    novice canner but will definitely be making this peach jam!!j

  36. Kirsty — August 9, 2011 @ 9:43 pm (#
    36
    )

    liked Ball canning of fb

  37. Stacy R. — August 9, 2011 @ 10:06 pm (#
    37
    )

    i have never tried canning…but i definitely would love to attempt it!

  38. Ashley J — August 9, 2011 @ 10:08 pm (#
    38
    )

    I’ve been trying to think of something to do with the great peaches this year. I’d love the kit to get started.

  39. Frank M — August 9, 2011 @ 10:18 pm (#
    39
    )

    I was actually just looking at canners on ebay. I have never done it before but thought about sending out sauces for Christmas.

  40. Frank M — August 9, 2011 @ 10:19 pm (#
    40
    )

    I liked Ball Canning on Facebook.

  41. Frank M — August 9, 2011 @ 10:20 pm (#
    41
    )

    I liked Canning Across America on Facebook.

  42. Frank M — August 9, 2011 @ 10:20 pm (#
    42
    )

    I signed up for Can It Forward.

  43. Julien — August 9, 2011 @ 11:01 pm (#
    43
    )

    I loved canning with my mom when I was younger, but I haven’t bought the gear since moving out. I could totally get back into it… like next week!

  44. Rose Jam — August 9, 2011 @ 11:58 pm (#
    44
    )

    Oh man, I just shove my jams in any old jar and keep them in the fridge, thankfully I eat them before they go bad! But now friends want me to make jams for them and I can’t really give them it in an old jam jar I washed out! I would LOVE a canning kit! :) PLUS how good are peaches right now!!!

  45. donna jackson — August 10, 2011 @ 12:10 am (#
    45
    )

    I canned with my grandmother when I was a little girl. Would love to “put some things up’ now!!

  46. donna jackson — August 10, 2011 @ 12:14 am (#
    46
    )

    I signed up for National Can It FORWARD DAY.

  47. donna jackson — August 10, 2011 @ 12:16 am (#
    47
    )

    I liked Ball Canning on Facebook!

  48. donna jackson — August 10, 2011 @ 12:17 am (#
    48
    )

    I liked Canning Across America on Facebook!

  49. Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet } — August 10, 2011 @ 6:30 am (#
    49
    )

    Liren – this is right up my alley! In fact, I made Peach Jam about a month ago. Yours looks simply divine. With the season in its peak, it is a perfect time to can this treasure to enjoy year round. You have inspired me to make another round. :)

  50. Heather — August 10, 2011 @ 6:31 am (#
    50
    )

    I have been researching and even signed up for an online canning course! However, I haven’t purchased any supplies yet! I really do need to get started.

  51. Heather — August 10, 2011 @ 6:32 am (#
    51
    )

    I “liked” Ball Canning on Facebook.

  52. Heather — August 10, 2011 @ 6:33 am (#
    52
    )

    I “liked” Canning Across America on Facebook.

  53. Puppydogs — August 10, 2011 @ 7:15 am (#
    53
    )

    Hi,
    Yes, I have been canning for about 10 years. I had never canned before and wanted to try to catch that summer fresh peach taste. I was hooked!

    I also only can 2 or 3 times a year, but find it incredibly satisfying to look at the rows of food in the pantry.

    thanks for the links. I never considered looking at the bell site before.

  54. Suzanne — August 10, 2011 @ 7:21 am (#
    54
    )

    I just canned some salsa, and I love to can but don’t do it as much as I used to. I canned some lemon curd in the winter and it was wonderful to have on hand. Your peach jam looks tasty, I’ve made peach and pear butter and they are the best!

  55. Suzanne — August 10, 2011 @ 7:24 am (#
    55
    )

    I liked Ball on FB

  56. Suzanne — August 10, 2011 @ 7:25 am (#
    56
    )

    I ilked Canning Across America on FB

  57. anthony — August 10, 2011 @ 7:44 am (#
    57
    )

    want to can!

  58. Ronna — August 10, 2011 @ 8:01 am (#
    58
    )

    I love canning. i have been to canning partys and love canning apple sauce.

  59. Lucas — August 10, 2011 @ 8:03 am (#
    59
    )

    I’ve only canned twice in my life. I found two gorgeous baskets of seconds peaches and nectarines at the biggest Farmer’s Market here in Baltimore City. I made on large jar of peach/nectarine preserves and a large jar of vanilla bourbon peach preserves. They turned out great, but the process was a little labor intensive because I was working with the wrong sized jars, pot, and other tools that weren’t meant for canning. I’ve found some beautiful vegetables this summer and hope to put some up. And I’m always on the lookout for those tasty seconds to turn into a nice preserve.

  60. Lucas — August 10, 2011 @ 8:06 am (#
    60
    )

    I signed up for the National Can-It Forward Day!

  61. Lucas — August 10, 2011 @ 8:06 am (#
    61
    )

    I liked Ball Canning & Recipes on Facebook

  62. Lucas — August 10, 2011 @ 8:07 am (#
    62
    )

    I liked Canning Across America on Facebook!

  63. Andrea — August 10, 2011 @ 8:16 am (#
    63
    )

    I have only canned once in my life and actually am planning on trying again with salsa tomorrow! I don’t really have any of the essentials and just work with what I have, so this kit would be a HUGE help to me!

  64. Susie — August 10, 2011 @ 9:20 am (#
    64
    )

    I liked the face book sites, Like Ball Canning on Facebook and
    Like Canning Across America on Facebook I also signed up for National Can-it-forward day. I want to win so I can have all the canning things I need to get started.

  65. Jason — August 10, 2011 @ 9:38 am (#
    65
    )

    I do not can, but would love to learn/try it. My mom used to make the best strawberry jam ever… might have to find her recipe if I win!

  66. Jason — August 10, 2011 @ 9:40 am (#
    66
    )

    I signed up for Can-It-Forward day!

  67. Jason — August 10, 2011 @ 9:42 am (#
    67
    )

    I liked Ball Canning on FB…

  68. Jason — August 10, 2011 @ 9:43 am (#
    68
    )

    I liked Canning Across America on FB…

  69. Susan — August 10, 2011 @ 12:45 pm (#
    69
    )

    I have tried canning.

  70. Kasey — August 10, 2011 @ 2:21 pm (#
    70
    )

    I have been canning things here and there, but I am really excited to get more into it…And peach jam? Only the best there is!

  71. Liz Barbo — August 10, 2011 @ 5:43 pm (#
    71
    )

    Funny enough, I’m planning on canning your fiery peach BBQ sauce this Saturday!

  72. spcookiequeen — August 10, 2011 @ 7:28 pm (#
    72
    )

    Really nice giveaway Liren, I already have the kit and I just made some peach jam too. Love your version. It is addicting isn’t it.
    -Gina-

  73. Natasha — August 10, 2011 @ 8:46 pm (#
    73
    )

    Love canning. I am still a newbie though so I am saving this recipe stat. :)

  74. Emily @ Life on Food — August 11, 2011 @ 4:42 am (#
    74
    )

    I just started canning and I am loving every second of it.

  75. Rebecca — August 11, 2011 @ 6:35 am (#
    75
    )

    I recently started canning. So far I’ve done pickles and watermelon jelly.

  76. Rebecca — August 11, 2011 @ 6:35 am (#
    76
    )

    I liked Ball Canning on FB

  77. Rebecca — August 11, 2011 @ 6:36 am (#
    77
    )

    I signed up for National Can-It Forward Day!

  78. Rebecca — August 11, 2011 @ 6:36 am (#
    78
    )

    I liked Canning Across America on FB

  79. purabi naha — August 11, 2011 @ 7:00 am (#
    79
    )

    This giveaway sounds great but I have little experience in canning! But just wanted to tell you that you rock!

  80. Patty — August 11, 2011 @ 7:04 am (#
    80
    )

    I do can and recently fell in love with canning chicken. Never thought it would be so easy.

  81. Patty — August 11, 2011 @ 7:31 am (#
    81
    )

    I liked Ball Canning on FB.

  82. Leah — August 11, 2011 @ 8:57 am (#
    82
    )

    I love canning! I’m really new at it, but we’ve done a variety of jams and I’m super excited to maybe try my hand at tomatoes or something more savory!

  83. Leah — August 11, 2011 @ 8:59 am (#
    83
    )

    Liked Ball Canning on FB.

  84. Leah — August 11, 2011 @ 9:00 am (#
    84
    )

    Liked Canning Across America too!

  85. Beverly L — August 12, 2011 @ 3:54 pm (#
    85
    )

    Hi! I Can when I am hanging out with my grandmother! love it! I “liked” Ball Canning on the FB as well.

  86. Diane Z. — August 12, 2011 @ 4:19 pm (#
    86
    )

    I have canned a couple of times but not every year.

  87. Haley — August 12, 2011 @ 8:44 pm (#
    87
    )

    I got some peaches today as a matter of fact! You really can’t beat homemade preserves/jams!

  88. DC — August 13, 2011 @ 9:28 am (#
    88
    )

    There is a couple of reasons I took up canning. 1) We need to show the generations growing up the uses of canning. 2) its fun to do with your family and 3) In the current state of our economy, it’s best we go to canning our own foods so when the economy gets worse. we have food to eat. Thank you Ball Canning!!!

  89. Teresa Chester — August 13, 2011 @ 9:36 am (#
    89
    )

    I have been canning for over 30 years now and I am still using the first pressure cooker that I bought all those years ago! Just last night I was up until 1am canning green beans fresh from the garden. I can’t imagine serving my family anything else but produce that we have grown. The Ball Blue Book is my “Bible” when it comes to canning and I recommend it to anyone just starting out!

  90. Teresa Chester — August 13, 2011 @ 9:37 am (#
    90
    )

    I liked Ball Canning on Facebook!

  91. Teresa Chester — August 13, 2011 @ 9:38 am (#
    91
    )

    I liked Canning Across America!

  92. Liz — August 13, 2011 @ 10:01 am (#
    92
    )

    I can!

  93. Liz — August 13, 2011 @ 10:01 am (#
    93
    )

    I like Ball on FB

  94. Liz — August 13, 2011 @ 10:02 am (#
    94
    )

    i SIGNED UP FOR NATIONAL CAN IT FORWARD DAY!

  95. Liz — August 13, 2011 @ 10:04 am (#
    95
    )

    i LIKE CANNING ACROSS AMERICA ON FB

  96. Jaime S. B. — August 13, 2011 @ 11:30 am (#
    96
    )

    Not only do I can, but I LOVE to can!! :) Last year was my first year canning, so I’ve already learned the basics and this year I have been enjoying trying new recipes and setting higher goals! I love to share my knowledge and my canned treasures with others! Thank you for doing this giveaway! :)

  97. Jaime S. B. — August 13, 2011 @ 11:33 am (#
    97
    )

    Signed up for National Can-It-Forward day and I already have 6 quarts of diced tomatoes that are about ready to come out of the canner! ;)

  98. Jaime S. B. — August 13, 2011 @ 11:34 am (#
    98
    )

    I like Ball Canning on FB! :)

  99. Bob — August 13, 2011 @ 11:34 am (#
    99
    )

    Well of course I can :) Doesn’t everyone???

  100. Jaime S. B. — August 13, 2011 @ 11:35 am (#
    100
    )

    I like Canning Across American on FB!! Thanks again!! :)

  101. Sarah @ pão e queijo — August 13, 2011 @ 12:48 pm (#
    101
    )

    I’ve canned with the help from others! I’ve canned tomato sauce and blueberry jam, then just today I ventured a little farther and without much help I made an amazing peach-vanilla bean-apricot jam that is to die for!

  102. Sarah @ pão e queijo — August 13, 2011 @ 12:48 pm (#
    102
    )

    I like Canning Across America on Fb.

  103. Sarah @ pão e queijo — August 13, 2011 @ 12:49 pm (#
    103
    )

    I am also a fan of Ball Canning on Fb.

  104. Sheila — August 13, 2011 @ 3:18 pm (#
    104
    )

    I just love to can, I am looking for new recipes. My garden this year got burnt with 100 plus temps for a month. I miss making my salsa. Would love the new Ball Canning discovery kit. I use the old canner my grandma used.

  105. Jani — August 15, 2011 @ 9:39 am (#
    105
    )

    I surely do can and use only the best ingredients and recipes to assure myself of a great outcome. Ball canning products have been around forever and speak loudly when one thinks of home preservation. LOVING your newly found site…. WOW. Jani

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