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

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 tip: Encourage 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!