Nature's Food Corner: Herb Butter and Herb Cheese

SAFELY PREPARING PRESERVES

Preparing Jars for Preserves

When preserving any food, sterilization and proper processing is of paramount importance. The proper processing will inactivate enzymes and destroy bacteria. Follow all manufacturers’ guidelines. Start with fresh unbruised vegetables and fruit. Over ripe or bruised food has a higher microorganism count and the heat processing directions in recipes are developed for freshly picked and properly processed food.

Boil Water Bath, or Hot Water Bath, is the most used method indicated in recipes. You can use any pot that has a lid and deep enough to cover the filled jars by at least 1 inch so it must be at least 3 inches deeper than the height of the jar so a rolling boil can be safely maintained.

Only use canning jars, this is not a time to recycle glass jam or condiment jars. Check jars rims for any chips, or any breaks and cracks anywhere on the jar. If damaged in any way, promptly discard.

Wash jars, lids and seals in hot soapy water. Place open jars upright in the pot and fill the pot until the jars are about two-thirds full. Cover the pot and simmer, do not boil the jars. Keep jars hot in the simmering water until ready to use. Place the lids in a saucepan, cover with water and simmer over medium heat (180F/82C), do not boil. Keep lids hot until ready to use.

The rings do not need to be heated as they will not come in contact with food and when they are at room temperature they are easier to handle.

When your recipe is ready remove one jar at a time emptying the hot water back into the pot. Using a funnel, fill jars with your hot recipe to recommended level leaving the indicated headspace.

Slide a nonmetallic utensil, plastic knife, rubber spatula or the thin handle of a plastic spatula, down between the food and the inside of the jar two or three times to release any air bubbles. If air bubbles are not removed the seal may fail and will influence the colour and storage ability of the preserve. Add more hot food if necessary to adjust the contents to the proper headspace. Wipe the rim and threads of the jar with a clean damp cloth or paper towel to ensure a vacuum seal. Remove the lid from the hot water, a magnet works well, and place the lid on the jar centering it on the rim. Place the screw band on and tighten until resistance is met, then increase to finger tip-tight. Over tightening can lead to seal failure by preventing proper venting. Place filled jar in the hot water-filled pot and continue with the other jars until all are filled and in the hot water.

Once all are filled and in the pot adjust water level so the jars are covered by at least 1 inch. Cover the canning pot and bring water to a full rolling boil over high heat. Once a constant, hard, rolling boil has been attained start counting for the time specified in the recipe and keep the hard boil for the full time. Once done turn the heat off, remove the lid and let cool for 5 minutes. This will allow the pressure inside the jars to stabilize. After 5 minutes lift the jars out without tilting them, the water on top will evaporate while they cool off. Do not dry the jars or tip them, simply place on a towel in a draught-free place to cool undisturbed for 24 hours for a seal to form and the contents to slowly cool. Draping a tea towel over the jars will help prevent drafts reaching them.

After 24 hours check lids for seal, the lids should be concaved, curving down, and will show no movement when pressed. The seals will not be able to be lifted off the jars so the rings can be removed and stored for next time if you prefer. Any jar with a loose seal should be refrigerated for use within the next few days. Label with contents and date then store jars.

Prior to using any preserve examine the jar for any unexpected changes in the seal or food condition. Any jars with seals that have failed or food that shows signs of spoilage, discard. When in doubt, throw it out.

Safely prepared and stored preserves are a delight through the winter months, reminding us of the season past and seasons to come, making guests feel special and any dull day brighter. A wonderful gift to share with friends and family.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Herb Butter and Herb Cheese

Using soft butter, margarine or cream cheese add finely minced garlic chives or any herb you prefer, mix thoroughly and refrigerate. Overnight is best to blend flavours.

Mix butter, minced garlic chives, grated chedder cheese and a strip or two of cooked and crumbled bacon for a great baked potato topper.

Mix, cream cheese, minced garlic chives, minced basil and a strip or two of cooked and crumbled bacon with hot pasta for a quick meal.

Any blend of butter or cream cheese with herbs, bacon, grated cheese.. can be made a day or two ahead for a fast work night meal.

HERBED CREAM CHEESE AND BUTTERS

Substitute butter in herbed cheese recipes and creamed cheese in herbed butter recipes for variety.
Any butter or herbed cheese recipe can be pressed into little molds for single servings or one larger mold. Ice cube trays are handy for individual portions. Pasta tossed with a herb butter or cheese mixture is a wonderful side dish, I find the ice cube portions perfect, and very handy, for these recipes especially when it is a last minute addition.
These blends are delicious on sandwiches, crackers, grilled meats and fish. Using your own fresh herbs is a great way to enjoy the full flavour from your own backyard.
Any herb suggested in a recipe can be substituted with your favourite flavour and aroma to be coordinated with your dinner for tonight.

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SAFELY PREPARING PRESERVES

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Herb Butter and Herb Cheese

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Nature's Food Corner

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SAFELY PREPARING PRESERVES

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Herb Butter and Herb Cheese

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