Why Mason Jars Are Still Popular Today For Preserving Food And More

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Before refrigerators became widely available, one of the most common methods for preserving food was canning. Oddly enough, when most people say they can foods at home, they actually mean that they're preserving food in jars. The type of jar most often used in canning is the mason jar.

People have been using canning jars since the 1850's. The term "mason jar" comes from the inventor of such jars, John L. Mason. Mason didn't invent the glass jar, of course. What he did was design and patent the metal screw-on lid for such jars, which made preserving food in them possible.

Mason jars used for canning have three parts. First is the glass jar itself. They typically come in one of two styles: regular and widemouth. The glass jar is usually clear, but they've been manufactured in other colors as well. Another common color is aqua. However they can also be found in pretty much any color. It may surprise you to learn that there are collectors who specialize in collecting antique mason jars. The colored ones are the most valuable as they are the rarest kind.

The second part to the canning jar is the metal screw-on ring. This ring is not as important as you might think. In fact, many experienced canners store their jars with the rings off. The main purpose of the ring has nothing to do with sealing the jar. It's just there to protect the center portion from being knocked off. Also, if the seal breaks, the metal ring will help keep the contents of the jar from going all over your cupboards or pantry.

The third piece to the mason jar is the metal center cap. This cap is ringed with a sort of rubber sealing compound which is what actually seals the jar and keeps the food inside from spoiling. Again, this piece is what seals the jar. The metal ring is there just to protect the center lid. People store their jars without that ring because it can hide a bad seal and they're prone to corroding. By storing your jars with the ring off, you can quickly ascertain the integrity of the seal.

If you ever have any doubt as to whether or not the seal's been broken, throw out the jar of food. It's best to not risk it. There is plenty of information available to assist you in determining if a seal is broken, but the advice you're going to hear and read again and again is, "When in doubt, throw it out."

Another popular lid for the mason jars is the bail closure. While not the most common form of lid, it's still fairly common. The bail closure uses a strong somewhat spring metal wire clip which when closed forces the lid down and holds it shut.

Mason jars aren't just for drinking out of! Many people use them for preserving food. That's what they're intended for, but they can also be used as decoration, especially the valuable colored ones.

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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as other kitchen things [http://www.kitchenthingsplus.com] at [http://www.kitchenthingsplus.com].

Canning Supplies Q & A - Which Canning Supplies Can I Use From Last Year?

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Q. Which Canning Supplies Can I Use from Last Year?

A. You can safely use canning jars and bands year after year. However, always use new lids when home canning to get a proper seal.

Canning jars can be used again and again. You will want to inspect them before each use for any cracks or chips, especially around the rim of the jar. If you have any old canning jars that are colored do not use them for canning. They probably have lead in them because that is how they used to make the colored glass.

Canning bands or rings, as they are sometimes called, can also be used from season to season. You will want to make sure they have not been bent. Test each one to make sure it screws on to a canning jar properly and it will be good to use again this year.

Canning lids should never be reused for canning. You will always want to use brand new lids when doing your home canning. You can, however, use old used lids when dry-packing in jars that you use for vacuum sealing.

Reusing your canning supplies is a great way to save money. Saving money is one of the main benefits of preserving your own food. If you give some of your canned goods to family and friends for gives throughout the year, don't be afraid to ask for the jars back when they are finished. They will certainly understand and they probably won't use them anyway unless they do home canning themselves.

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And if you would like more information about canning and canning supplies please visit our website at http://www.jrkfamilyoutdoors.com/canning You can receive 18 free videos that answer many questions about home canning just by signing up for our newsletter.

By: Rhonda Percell - Wife, Mother of 3, and Owner of JRK Family Outdoors

Finding the Perfect Free Mason Ring to Show People

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It is only natural to be proud of something if it makes a positive difference. There are many reasons why people are interested in Freemasonry. There are those who are curious about esoteric topics and those who want to become involved in charitable work. These are two very common reasons for individuals becoming interested in masonry and wanting to join Masonic lodges.

In order to be a contributing member, takes a lot of self discipline. This is exhibited in the study that is involved. This is a system that requires a great deal of contemplation and reading. As the Freemason becomes more knowledgeable about this ancient system they also take part in raising funds for worthy causes and actually carrying out charitable good deeds. Many people find this is a most rewarding way to spend their time.

It is a well known fact that Masonic lodges do raise a lot of money to benefit the less fortunate. This makes Freemasons very proud of their association to Freemasonry. Often this pride is exhibited in the form of a free mason ring.

A Freemason will understand it is very important to wear a ring that has an accurate symbol. For those who are uninitiated but want to buy a ring to present to a family member or loved one as a gift it is advisable to use an official source. An official source would be a gift shop that is under the management of a Masonic lodge. There are many such gift shops that also offer an online shopping service. It is great to have an easy means of getting such a ring. However, the fact you will be getting a ring with an accurate symbol from an official source is most important of all.

When you look through a catalogue of rings you will see the signet ring is very popular. A Masonic ring will be formed with a metal surface that is flat and unadorned. You can choose the symbol you want on the ring. The most popular is the Masonic square and compass. This symbol can be with or without the central G. Your symbol of choice will be pressed onto the flat surface and it will leave a raised design.

When you choose your free mason ring you can make it as ornate and eye catching or as plain as you want. The ring is a piece of jewellery and so it can be made of silver, gold or platinum. The modern signet ring is no longer used to seal documents with wax and so you can have your ring decorated with precious gems if you so choose.

It could be said masonry is a way of life and so wearing a specially designed ring is a means of expressing your devotion. Make sure your free mason ring shows the world an accurate and official symbol. A ring is usually worn every day and you want to be confident you are showing an officially recognised Masonic symbol.

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Letchworths is a company that can offer you a chance to improve your dedication to your club with a Free Mason Ring. For more information and answers to questions you have please visit the website at http://www.letchworthshop.co.uk/

Cakes in a Jar Make Great Gifts

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If you have been trying to think of gifts that you could give to some of your friends, relatives, neighbors, and coworkers that would not cost a lot of money, then you need to learn how to make cakes in a jar. These delightful treats are baked in a regular canning jar and they are sealed so that people can store them for several months. They are easy to make, they do not cost a lot, and people adore homemade treats. Do not be surprised if the recipients of your gift return your empty jar and make subtle hints that they would enjoy a refill.

You really do not need a lot of fancy things to make these treats. You will need to have a recipe for a cake that you like or you can buy a cake mix. The choice is yours. You will need some regular canning jars like people use to preserve fruits and vegetables in. Some people call these items Mason jars but Mason is a brand name. The jars are also made by Kerr, and Ball, and several other companies.

When you pick your jars you will want to get the pint-sized ones. You will also have better results if the jars you use are wide-mouthed jars rather than the regular ones. The wider opening on the wide mouth jars makes it easier for the recipient to get their treat out of their container. Prior to baking in the jars you will need to place boiling water inside them to sterilize them. Then allow the containers to air dry so you do not introduce germs from a towel or cloth.

Mix the batter for the cake you are placing in these containers just like you would normally mix it. Make sure you grease the inside of the jars before you put the batter in them. Place no more than one cup of batter into each jar, making sure that the rim of the container is left clean. Place the containers on a cookie sheet in an oven that has been preheated to 325 degrees. Bake these treats for 40 minutes.

Twenty minutes before the treats are done you will need to place the lids to your jars in boiling water and sterilize them. When you remove the cakes from the oven place a sterile lid and ring on the top and allow them to sit until they have cooled. The lids should make a popping sound when they seal.

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5 Tips For Cleaning Delicate Objects

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Most households acquire precious objects over a length of time. You might inherit something from your grandparents or even something from your great-grandparents though your own parents. We all cherish these family heirlooms.

But, do you know how to take care of them? Older things are often very delicate, whether that comes from the fact that they were made that way or because time has made them fragile does not matter. However, in general, older items often suffer from a lack of moisture, although a lack of moisture is good for some objects. This makes it a tough call to simply guess.

I have put together five tips for taking care of delicate items below and I really hope that you find them useful and that they help you to learn how to preserve your family heirlooms so that your next generation can enjoy them too.

Silk Flowers: you can easily clean artificial silk flowers in the following way. Take a pillow case and pour into it one pound of dry salt. Take your artificial silk flowers and insert them head first into the pillow case without touching the bottom. The stems must protrude from the pillow case opening. Now, you have to decide whether our artificial flowers are so delicate that you have to do one at a time or a bunch. No matter. Grip the stem, poking out of the pillow case opening and hold it sealed. Shake it up and down for a few minutes. Inspect your flower, it should be as good as new, no matter how old it is. Blow off any adhering salt.

Vellum Bindings: and Masonic aprons. The bindings on old books (and old Masonic aprons) will get very dirty through prolonged use or even the lack of it. However, they don't usually look dirty until you see them clean. Take some cotton wool or soft lint cloth and dip it in milk. Rub in circles, small circles, one at a time and you will be really amazed how much grime is lifted. The oil in the milk does the skin good too. Dry it off in a polishing action with another cloth.

Spitting Image: similarly, on oil painting picks up grime and dust on its uneven surface. This is difficult to spot building up as it happens so gradually. Spit on your painting and rub it clean with a soft clean cloth in circular movements. You will soon see the benefits of your work. Again, your natural oils will benefit the painting and the oil in the colours will prevent the moisture damaging the canvas.

Olive Oil Bath: pearls are delicate and must be taken care of, if they are to maintain their value. Most people will tell you that the best maintenance is wearing them, so that your skin's oils will nourish them and that is true. However, that is like wshing your hands often during the day, but showering only twice. To 'shower' your pearls, give them a bath in olive oil. Polish them with a soft cloth.

Ring True: finger rings get amazingly dirty. They, don't show it, but you can believe that they do, can't you? The easiest way to clean a ring is to scrub it with an old toothbrush dipped in warm water with a drop of detergent. Dip in surgical spirit to remove smears.

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Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on several subjects, but is currently involved with the Plantronics CS50 Headset. If you would like to know more about our special deals, please go to our website at Plantronics CS50 Headset.

10 Uses For Used Canning Lids

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Since it is unsafe to reuse a used canning lid to seal another canning jar, what to do with all of the used lids? It may not seem like a big problem for the occasional home canner who puts up a couple of batches of tomatoes, jelly and a jam each year.

If you get into the habit of canning a lot of stuff you will end up with a pile of used lids. Instead of throwing them into the trash and adding to our landfill problems, here are ten creative ideas for repurposing used canning lids.

1. Mobile
Spray paint the lids bright colors. Drill a hole through each lid about a 1/4 of an inch from the edge. Tie the string to the lid and then to the coat hanger.

2. Matching game
Create a matching game. Print out two of each letters, numbers, pictures of animals, shapes, colors, characters, etc. Cut out the items and glue them to one side of the lid.

3. Wind chime
Drill a small hole near the edge that is wide enough for the string to fit through. File off any rough edges that the drill bit created while boring through the lid. String them together at different levels but close enough so that they will touch each other. Optionally you can spray paint the lids different colors before assembling.

4. Children's toy
Drill a small hole near the edge that is wide enough for the string to fit through. File off any rough edges that the drill bit created while boring through the lid. Use string ribbon or string to tie the lids together. Don't use any rusted lids or paint them. The paint could flake off.

5. Scarecrow
Polish the lids with #0000 steel wool to give them a nice bright shine. Hang them with string around the garden to keep the birds away.

6. Refrigerator magnets
Print out family pictures. Cut them to fit the lid. Glue the picture to the lid and a small flat magnet on the back side of the lid. They make great Christmas, birthday and grandparent's day gifts.

7. Mixes in a jar
Put together the dry mix for a family favorite recipe (cookie, cake, baked beans, etc.). Discount retailers sell inexpensive canning jars. Fill the jars with the dry mix seal with the used canning lid and ring.

8. Dry Goods Storage
The used lids work well for sealing mason jars filled with dry pasta, sugar, flower, noodles, etc. You don't need a vacuum seal, just enough of a seal to keep the dust and weevils out.

9. Christmas Yard Art
Drill or punch two small holes on the ends. Spray paint or buff the lids. String them together into strands. Another idea is to create garland with drop downs of 3-5-7 from the main strand.

10. Christmas ornaments
Make a series of Christmas ornaments out of the lids by punching different patterns into the lid. Be creative by punching in patterns such as snowmen, snowflakes, Santa Claus, Christmas tree, cross, etc. Take lace and glue it to the outside circumference of the lid.

I hope these ideas will provide you with some creative uses for used canning lids. Don't have enough canning lids to make these crafts?

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Follow these simple canning instructions [http://www.canningperserving.com/canning-instructions-40.html] an you will be on your way to canning and storing up vegetables, jams, jellies and fruit.

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November, The Month of Venison

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Every year at the end of October, I receive requests from hunters wanting to know how to process venison. They want different ways to take care of the deer besides the usual butcher shop or sausage maker ways. Bringing the venison to someone to have it processed is the typical thing to do. Everything is done for you and you pay by the pound and take it home to your freezer.

I come from a family of hunters and we have done venison the old way for years. When people taste my venison they always want to learn how it is made. I usually invite them over to assist in the process. Hands on experience is the only way to learn something new. Once they help they are able to do it themselves.

Years ago when everything was done on a wood cook stove the processing time was 3-1/2-hours in a boiling water bath canner and needless to say the house got a bit steamy. I did it that way one time and quickly purchased a pressure cooker which greatly reduced the time required for meat. The flavor of the venison remains the same as if a wood stove was used.

To can venison you need regular canning quart jars. I prefer the wide mouth as they are easier to get stuff out of. Never use mayonnaise jars in a pressure cooker as they tend to break. The jars must be clean and free of chips around the mouth of the jar. Lids must be new, never re-use mason jar lids as they are made for one time use only.

The venison should be field dressed properly and cooled as soon as possible. The meat is de-boned for canning. The hide must be taken off the deer within an hour of field dressing. Leaving the hide on for show and tell will only guarantee you a very wild tasting product. Remove as much of the tallow as possible, it serves no worthwhile purpose in canning the meat. Cut the venison in uniform size pieces, usually 2-inch chunks. To each quart jar add 1 bay leaf on the bottom followed by a slice or two of onion, then chunks of venison. Fill the jar with alternate onion and meat to within 1-inch of top of jar. Add 1-teaspoon of canning salt (no iodized salt). Do not pack the meat too firmly. Do not add any liquid, the meat will make enough. Wipe the rim of the jars with a clean cloth. Put hot sterilized lids on the jars. Put canning ring on but be sure to tighten only finger tip tight or your jars will not seal. Place in pressure cooker, close according to directions. Bring the pressure up to 10-pounds and process 75-minutes. Turn off pressure cooker and wait for the pressure to go down. Remove the jars and let cool away from drafts. Check to make sure all of the jars are sealed.

Venison will keep in the cupboard for a year or longer as long as the seal is not broken. Refrigerate any unused part of an opened jar. Canned venison is handy when you want a quick meal. Heat it up and serve with potatoes and a salad. Some people prefer to use it right out of the jar with crackers or home made bread. This has been a tradition in my family for generations, try it and maybe it will become a favorite of yours.

You can find more cooking tips at http://www.pothaven.com

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