Canning recipes for kids

Fun & Easy Canning Recipes for Kids: A Family Adventure in the Kitchen

Apr 28, 2023Karl Guzman

Canning is not only a practical and eco-friendly way to preserve food, but it can also be a fun and educational activity for the whole family. Introducing children to canning helps them learn about food preservation, sustainability, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. In this article, we will share a selection of kid-friendly canning recipes that are both easy and enjoyable. With step-by-step instructions, ingredients, equipment, and pro-tips, you'll be all set to create lasting memories and delicious treats with your little ones.

Recipe 1: Strawberry Jam

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups crushed strawberries
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 package powdered fruit pectin
  • 4 cups granulated sugar

Equipment:

  • Large saucepan
  • Canning jars, lids, and rings
  • Jar lifter
  • Canning funnel
  • Ladle

Instructions:

  1. In a large saucepan, combine crushed strawberries, lemon juice, and powdered fruit pectin.
  2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Add sugar and return to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
  4. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
  5. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids.
  6. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Pro-tip: Encourage kids to pick their own strawberries at a local farm for an extra layer of fun and learning.

Recipe 2: Applesauce

Ingredients:

  • 12 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Equipment:

  • Large saucepan or slow cooker
  • Potato masher or immersion blender
  • Canning jars, lids, and rings
  • Jar lifter
  • Canning funnel
  • Ladle

Instructions:

  1. In a large saucepan or slow cooker, combine apples and water. Cook over low heat until apples are soft, stirring occasionally.
  2. Mash apples with a potato masher or blend with an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached.
  3. Stir in sugar and cinnamon if desired, and cook for 5 more minutes.
  4. Ladle hot applesauce into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.

Pro-tip: Let kids customize their applesauce by choosing their favorite apple varieties and adjusting the sugar and cinnamon to their taste.

Recipe 3: Pickled Carrots

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds baby carrots, peeled and trimmed
  • 2 1/2 cups white vinegar
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup pickling salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 4 sprigs fresh dill

Equipment:

  • Large saucepan
  • Canning jars, lids, and rings
  • Jar lifter
  • Canning funnel
  • Ladle

Instructions:

  1. In a large saucepan, combine vinegar, water, pickling salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve salt and sugar.
  2. Divide garlic and dill evenly among sterilized canning jars.
  3. Pack carrots into jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
  4. Ladle hot pickling liquid into jars, covering carrots and leaving 1/2-inch headspace
  5. Wipe jar rims and lids
  6. Process Jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.


Pro tipEncourage kids to grow their own carrots in a small garden or container for an extra sense of accomplishment.

 

Recipe 4: Peach Salsa

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups peeled, pitted, and chopped peaches
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped red onion
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped jalapeno pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Equipment:

  • Large saucepan
  • Canning jars, lids, and rings
  • Jar lifter
  • Canning funnel
  • Ladle

Instructions:

  1. In a large saucepan, combine peaches, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper (if using), cilantro, white vinegar, honey, garlic, and ground cumin.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Ladle hot salsa into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids.
  4. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.

Pro-tip: Allow kids to be creative with the salsa by adjusting the spiciness and experimenting with different fruit combinations.

 

Canning is a fantastic way to bond with your children while teaching them valuable life skills. These kid-friendly canning recipes are perfect for introducing the younger generation to the joys of preserving food. With a mix of sweet and savory options, you and your little ones will have a blast exploring the wonderful world of canning together. So, gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and let the canning adventures begin!

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