Weberberry Jam

For the past few years I have wanted to learn how to can. Along the way I have been discouraged many times, even before I had a jar in my hand. I was told I for sure needed a dishwasher. I was told I would need to purchase a pressure canner (120 bucks, seriously!). I was told that it is very scientific and complex.
The good news is that only the last one is true. And since I am not a scientist, I don't need to invent the recipe, just follow it. I have looked into a few canning classes over the years but they are always expensive. I know a few people who make preserves but our timing was always off. My quest to learn how to can was coming up fruitless (that was for you Ashh. You get one), until now!
I was speaking with some family friends and mentioned my Quest (it gets capital letters now). They dispelled all the nasty rumours I had heard about canning being a terrible chore that only cheap old people do. I didn't need a dishwasher or a pressure canner, and most importantly I would have their guidance. Hurray!
First you need some kind of fruit or veggie. I like raspberries and they are in season. Perfect. I was graciously given some by a friend and for the rest I went to a u-pick. Props to the family members who were nearly carried off by mosquitoes while picking raspberries with me. I was going to make a 'fruits of your labour' pun, but Ashh, you only get one.

These Raspberries are Waiting Patiently to be Turned into Syrup

Step two is canning. With the raspberries, we made a jam and a syrup. The recipes my dear Friend found on the internet. I will link them below, so you may follow the steps there. To sterilize the jars, Friend suggested washing in hot soapy water and then pouring boiling hot water on them. Her tip is "so long as the fruit is hot, the jars are hot, and the lids are hot, everything should seal up nicely. Knock on wood". It worked! I should mention that the syrup was given a water bath, while the jam was only left to cool.  All eleven jars sealed up nicely!

I am Envious of their Bath

 I haven't gotten to eat any yet. It seems that canning requires some amount of self restraint. Since I did not can chocolate I think I can handle that. Now that I think about it, I do have a jar of dark chocolate spread that would go fabulously with the syrup. I will keep you posted on that self restraint thing.

Awaiting Consumption

Links
U-pick
http://www.dunvegangardens.ca/MarketGardenEdmonton.htm
(recipe links to come....as soon a I find them...)