First Annual BFF Canning Extravaganza = SUCCESS!

PHEW! I am absolutely exhausted. I have just spent the past two days canning. My feet hurt, my back hurts, my hair is frizzed to maximum clown-wig status (steamy mcsteam steam). . . but overall it was a total success and an absolute B-L-A-S-T! to spend some quality time with my best friend of - - - EEEK! I can't believe it's been so long--- 20 years!

What was on the canning agenda?

First: Apple Pie Filling When we were probably like 8 or 9, Shelly & I tried to make an apple pie to surprise my mom. The recipe called for 3/4 cups of sugar which we took to mean 3 to 4 cups :) Yum Sludge Pie. At least we've graduated from that and can now read fractions :) haha! Our filling really TRULY could not have happened if we didn't have our super apple peeling and slicing support team of both of our mom's (or else we'd still be slaving!). Not to mention my husband's help wrangling Miss Y! I guess it takes a village to can apples . . . or something. I suffered several burns, but was not to be deterred. The company was probably our secret ingredient (and love ;) haha), something about four women in a kitchen really makes the hours fly by!

La Casita Dinner Break :)

Next: Apple Sauce . . . I was so excited about the food grinder attachment thingy for my beloved pink Kitchen Aid, but alas between the two of us (and possibly the fact that it was 10 at night and we'd already had about 6 hard core canning hours behind us) we could not figure that thing out :) But never fear, my little food processor did mostly awesome . . . mostly.

This morning: Oopsies, we got sidetracked and went shopping at JoAnns :)

Then: Off to the grocery store for more canning supplies then it was BACK TO WORK

First Batch today: Champagne Blush Jelly. Happy New Year! Also, jellies are INSANELY fast and easy to make, if my feet didn't feel like they were going to fall off right now I'd make another dozen ;)

Next: Apple Cider Cranberry Jelly.

It's getting late but . . . : Curried Apple Chutney and Pear Chutney! And the realization that my chop chop machine thing would have revolutionized yesterdays apple pie filling marathon. We'll know better next year.

I'm a very sad panda to see my partner in crime drive away into the blustery distance. We've declared ourselves true Susie Homemakers and are already planning more ambitious canning extravaganzas to come :)

For tonight, I find myself ready for a shower, a comfy bed, some cuddle time with Y and K, and some good TV :)

I'd be happy to share any of the recipes we used!!