I Can-Can

There is an old fashioned craft that was a lot more popular in my grandmothers' time. A lot of women knew how to do this and practiced their craft on a regular basis. I have become quite addicted to this practice that has become outdated and almost forgotten. I call it an addiction because when it creeps into my daily routine, I can't not do it. I am always thinking about it and trying to figure out ways to do it more often and more efficiently. In fact, I even spend time trying to convince others to do it with me. So, here's a shout out to anyone (Tonya, Terra, Andrea...) who would like to spend a morning or afternoon with me to learn this antiquated art form.

I can can. I do not can-can. Big difference. I know how to prepare and store food in glass jars. I learned as a child in my mother's hot and sweaty kitchen how to preserve all different types of fruit and vegetables. Our family would go out to a U-Pick orchard in the dead heat of the summer and pick peaches; itchy, juicy peaches. We also grew a vegetable garden with too many tomato plants. After we harvested the produce that was to be canned, Mom and the girls spent many, many hours together in the hot kitchen. I HATED canning. But, for some reason I can't let it go.

In my spoiledness I am able to can in my own kitchen with the air conditioner blasting the whole time. I also choose to process one batch a day and don't feel like I have to break my back in the process. Don't get me wrong, it's hard work but I get to make it work for me.

So, if there is anyone out there that would like to learn this disappearing skill, just holler. I'm "puttin' up" pinto beans right now.