Pressure Cooking: 101

Pressure cooking can be a scary thing for some, but it is a great way to preserve your own food. You know exactly what is in it and how it was processed.

You have a couple things to think about when buying a pressure cooker. Are you going to actually cook in it, or are you going to use it for bottling. I have the   All American 921 21-1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner

While I can cook in this, I don't, it's huge and a beast to clean out.

There are smaller pressure cookers that are great for roasts, for potatoes and other things, cooking under pressure means that things will cook at a faster rate. I haven't actually ever cooked a meal in a pressure cooker. But I have seen the smaller one that are for that exact purpose.

I have a bigger one that will hold 7 quart jars or 14 pint jars. That means I can do big batches at a time. So I can do large quantities for our big family.

First thing first.... make sure you have read the instructions and manual on your pressure cooker. It really is easier than it looks or even seems, but be sure you are familiar with your presser cooker.

You will want to wash your jars, lids, and rims.  Even if they are brand new, pop the jars and rims in the dishwasher and put them through a cycle. The lids will also get boiled so I just hand wash those, and I don't have anywhere in my dishwasher to put them that they won't fall through the cracks.

When you are ready to bottle and you have your clean jars and rims ready you'll want to boil the lids this cleans them as well as softening the rubber part under the lid so it will seal properly.

You'll notice that I have two different lids in my pot. The metal lids that come with the jars are standard, but I also use the Tattler Lids. Tattler Reusable Regular Canning Lids and Rubber Rings, BPA Free, Dishwasher Safe (Pack of 12)

Both are great to use. OUt f the many batches of things that I have pressure cooked, I have had one or two metal lids leak and about the same with the Tattler Lids. I haven't had a problem with the Tattlers at all in the pressure cooker and love them.

While the metal lids are one piece with the rubber in the lid, the Tattler Lids are two parts, a plastic top and rubber ring. Boil both and then assemble when you are ready to use them.

It is easiest to have the jars out and ready to fill rather than to have to grab them one at a time, so I put all of the jars that I will be using on the counter so they are accessible.

And don't forget to label and date your jars. You don't want to have them on the shelf and not know what is in the jar. Trust me.... chicken and pork look about the same when canned....

Other Tips....
*Unless the metal lids are bent or the rubber is cracked you can reuse them
*Use a  Sharpie to mark the lids.... and to get it off color over the Sharpie with a Dry Erase Marker and then wipe clean. ******* use the Dry Erase Marker to get the Sharpie off BEFORE you wash and process the lids******
*Get a copy of the  Jarden Home Brands 21400 Ball Blue Book and make it your new best friend. It's a great reference and such a help when canning.