As I prepare for a marathon canning session, I’ve decided that sure, freezing is easier, but there’s something satisfying about making and canning something yourself.
I used to be quite apprehensive about this whole canning thing. I have memories of my mom pressure canning, and I’d sit and watch the stainless pot with the steam release on top screaming. Then I decided to take a canning class at Trillium Haven Farm (where I have a CSA share) last year. They were going to teach us water bath canning, which sounded a lot more peaceful. After all, who doesn’t like a nice warm bath?
To my surprise, it was a whole lot of fun, and much easier than I thought it would be. I’m a visual learner, so watching experienced people can made things click in a way that reading how-to articles never could.
If you’d like to try your hand at canning, you might want to check out some of these classes right here in West Michigan:
Thursday, Sept. 9, 6 pm – 9pm at Real Cool Cooking School
Food in Jars – Jams and Jellies. Sweet berries all winter long! Learn to prepare and can jellies, jams and fruit spreads for preservation. Join us to resurrect the lost art of “putting up” food in this basic canning class. Everyone takes home a jar of what we make in class. $40.
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at Rylee’s Ace Hardware
Canning: Level 2. Headlines are screaming “Canning has now become as popular as the I-phone!” Well that may be a stretch, but canning is surely seeing a resurgence of interest and appeal. Good reasons too! What a better way to feed your family wholesome, natural foods prepared by you and stock up for the winter time too. Kathleen will demonstrate some of the basics – tomatoes, salsa and peaches or pears to present overall techniques for ease and success. Each participant will get hands on experience and filled jars to take home for the pantry! $40.
Saturday, Sept. 18, 1 pm – 4 pm at Lubbers Family Farm
Freezing and Canning 101. Attend this class to find out how to keep those fruits and veggies for winter use. Limited freezer space? Learn how to can. . .a process developed by the Shakers in the 1800s. $35.
Sunday, Sept. 19, 1 pm – 5 pm at The Bloom Collective
Salsa! Join experienced canners from The Bloom Collective, GR Free School and Our Kitchen Table for four hours of hands-on fun with fruit and vegetables. Bring jars, lids, knife, cutting board and washed tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers and your favorite salsa ingredients.
Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 am – 1 pm at D&W Fresh Market
Summer’s Rewards: Relish, Chutney, Jam. “Putting food by” is back in style. Learn to turn delicious summer flavors into a form to enjoy during the cold winter months. $40.
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at North Rockford Middle School
Are you ready to learn how to start preserving your own food? It’s easier than you may think! Or maybe you just need a few more recipes and ideas. Either way, come listen and learn how to preserve everything from apples to zucchini, get lots of great recipes & creative gift ides, and sample a variety of homemade treat, all grown and preserved right here in West Michigan! Multiple handouts, printable downloads, and other materials included. $20.
Saturday, Oct. 2, 9 am – 12 pm Byron Center Community Center
Are you ready to learn how to start preserving your own food? It’s easier than you may think! Or maybe you just need a few more recipes and ideas. Either way, come listen and learn how to preserve everything from apples to zucchini, get lots of great recipes & creative gift ides, and sample a variety of homemade treat, all grown and preserved right here in West Michigan! Multiple handouts, printable downloads, and other materials included. $20 for members, $30 for non-members.
Tuesday, Oct. 12, 6pm – 9 pm at Real Cool Cooking School
Food in Jars: Apples. We are continuing our basic canning series just in time for the apple harvest. Learn to prepare applesauce and apple butter to enjoy all year round. Everyone takes home a jar of what we make in class. $40.
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at Rylee’s Ace Hardware
Canning & Preserving: The Best of Fall. Now that it’s cooler outside, it’s a great time to can your way to some good winter eatin. Join us as we make matches of homemade Mexicali salsa, Pickeled Vegetables, Hearty Pasta Sauce, Scented Rosy Applesause and leave with a few tasty jars to take home to your pantry. $40.
Tuesday, Oct. 19, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm at GRCC Institute for Culinary Enthusiasts
A Guide to Canning. Learn how to make chutneys, barbecue sauce, compotes and more and preserve them in a Mason jar. $75.
Sunday, Oct. 24, 1 pm – 5 pm at The Bloom Collective
Applesauce! Join experienced canners from The Bloom Collective, GR Free School and Our Kitchen Table for four hours of hands-on fun with fruit and vegetables. Bring jars, lids, knife, cutting board and washed apples.
If you know of other classes, please post in the comments below and I’ll update this list!
Can’t attend a class? The Canning Across America website is chock full of great info!
Thanks for the post. I am always looking for ways to improve my gardening and cooking skills. My family loves eating real food.
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