Canning Equipment- How To, Tips and Tricks Part 3 (Pressure Canner)

This video is the 3rd and final in a series of 3 videos about basic canning equipment- What you need, how to use them and tips and tricks. This video is about using a Pressure Canner for low acid foods like vegetables, meat, fish.
If you would like to purchase some of the products I use and love you can do it from Amazon (affiliate) by using the links below.
Ball FreshTech Electric Water Bath Canner,
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Granite Ware, 706-2, Covered Preserving Canner with Rack (Holds up to 7 pint jar), 12-Quart
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Ball® Jar Collection Elite Stainless-Steel 21-Quart Waterbath Canner with Rack and Glass Lid (by Jarden Home Brands)
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Presto 09995 7 Function Canning Kit
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Ball Jar Sure Tight Band Tool
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Kay Dee Designs Countertop Drying Mat, 16 by 20-Inch, Canning Jars
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Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker
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The All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving
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The All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving: Kindle Edition - (when you buy the actual book you may get this for $1.99 normally $9.17. It will say $9.17 until you go to the page after you purchase the book)
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Ball Blue Book Guide To Preserving, 37Th Edition
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The Dehydrator Bible: Includes over 400 Recipes
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The Ultimate Dehydrator Cookbook: The Complete Guide to Drying Food, Plus 398 Recipes, Including Making Jerky, Fruit Leather & Just-Add-Water Meals
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[@debrahardesty3699]

I know this is an old video, but it was exactly what I needed. I just bought the national identical to your grandmother's yesterday for $20.00 so happy to have found this. Thank you

[@motalove1968]

I just got one here in Colorado and I am super excited to begin canning. Thank you for such an informative video.

[@heatherbinning4011]

I have this one too, just ordered a new pressure gauge and seal.

[@lensmanicfeleven1847]

...Good info on the newer electric units...

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

I was given one of these old wood handled canners, had it tested & its perfect. Just started using it. I've even got other baskets with it.

[@debbieflores5385]

Love the series! Thank you for all the info. I have been canning now for a little over a year and love watching videos to learn more and get info I my have missed in the books I have read.

[@2leelouCreates]

Great! I'm glad my videos support what you are learning. Thanks for watching.

[@moniquekilmer7618]

I just got a national like your from the 40s. I so appreciate these videos that you have done and have kept available. Thank you!!

[@frugalprepper]

Great video, I have a National No 7, that the lid was broken on, and I found a Presto 21-B that is the same canner but taller and the bottom had a crack in it. I put the two good parts together in 2014 and have used it ever since. It's my favorite canner to use. I have a newer Presto 23 qt for garden harvesting time, but it just doesn't work as well. Takes longer to come up to temp, more siphoning issues, and it takes longer to cool down.

[@wenders86]

You did an amazing job with this 3 part series. You are great at explaining things. Canning is so fun and rewarding! I wish more people canned.

[@2leelouCreates]

Awww, thank you so much for your nice comment. It means a lot to me to get good info out and help people understand canning. I wish more people did it too. It's a good thing to know.

[@LindasPantry]

Awesome series!!!

[@2leelouCreates]

Thanks!

[@sr.marieaugustine6809]

Awesome videos!! Thank you! What a great teacher you are

[@2leelouCreates]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@AlvinaRayne]

Excellent video, very informative!

[@2leelouCreates]

Thanks!

[@williamgalloway7262]

That 3 pc. weight is worth its weight in gold. I do a lot of my canning on a coleman stove on the back porch to keep kitchen from heating up.

[@drakedorosh9332]

Just got one of these at the thrift store and ordered the weight like you suggested. So glad to find this video.

[@2leelouCreates]

Lucky you! These old canners are wonderful!

[@drakedorosh9332]

2leelou Preserves Thank you. I think that the previous owner ditched it because it had the old style regulator. I will take good care of it.

[@DaelithTN]

Very informative series, especially for new canners. I especially liked that you pointed out that pressure cookers should not be used to pressure can. I recalled reading a story about man who made the bad mistake of doing this with elk meat. Really found the USDA "How Did We Can?" article very interesting. I've bookmarked it to read completely later.

[@2leelouCreates]

I might know the story of the man with the Elk meat. I believe it was within just the last few years. I think he used a pressure cooker and either force cooled the cooker or because it was a cooker it cooled on it's own too quickly. He got botulism from the home canned elk meat because it did not have the proper processing time. He did live but living through botulism is a rough thing to go through and generally effects your quality of life for the rest of your life. I'm glad the "How Did We Can' info was interesting to you. I only touched on the info in this video but there is so much really interesting stuff to read. Thanks for telling me you liked it.

[@DaelithTN]

That would be the one. I started to put a link to the story, but don't want to scare people away with it. I may do something with this on my channel. Trying to get better about doing some videos.

[@Chickenmom777]

Thank you so much for this informative video

[@2leelouCreates]

Glad it was helpful!

[@flowerladytoo]

Thank you SO MUCH for this video. I just bought one of these on an auction site (I just love the old pressure cookers and canners), and was wondering if I could convert it to a jiggler weight. Your video was so very helpful. And the part about not using the electronic pressure cookers as pressure canners is right on. Love the skull and crossbones to grab people's attention. I hope everyone pays attention and takes you seriously. Botulism is silent and deadly! Again THANK YOU!!

[@2leelouCreates]

I'm so glad this video helped you with your new canner. I love mine. I though the skull and crossbones was funny but effective. :-)

[@veronicawalters4534]

I have seen every single one of your videos. When I get a notification that you've posted a video, it puts a smile on my face instantly! Your channel is my happy place after a long day! The funny thing is, I have only ever canned twice in my entire life. I don't own a single canning product. But I just find your videos so informative. You not only show us how to do something, but you show us WHY it is done that way. You always throw in tidbits of information whenever you can which shows that you really are passionate about home preserving! I just want to say, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us! You are a truly awsome gal! 😍

[@2leelouCreates]

Awww, that's sweet. I really appreciate that. I am really passionate about it. I'm glad you enjoy it. Just an FYI....today I'm getting some peaches to make the Sweet Tea Poached Peaches recipe from the new Ball book. OMG doesn't that sound delicious?!?!

[@veronicawalters4534]

Oh. My. Gosh!! Yes! Can't wait to see that! 🍑🍑

[@veronicawalters4534]

+2leelou Preserves will that be made using water bath canning or pressure canning? Because damn... I'd be tempted to make a batch of that and I could get access to a water bath canner if I needed hahah

[@2leelouCreates]

It will be water bath canning. The only problem I have is that none of the peaches at the store were freestone and you kind of need those so they come off the pit nicely. So, you get your supplies and I'll keep looking for the right kind of peaches and when I get them we'll make it!

[@BacktoBasicsGal]

As always, totally enjoyed your 3 part series on canning. You are truly the queen of canning! Great Job. :-) (BTW, loved the skull & crossbones on the cooker! LOL)

[@2leelouCreates]

Thanks! I know I thought the skull and crossbones was a good touch...LOL

[@donnabowers8332]

I just came across your video. It looks just like mine that someone gave me. I did get a new gauge and took the old one off. Its needs a new rubber ring and i need weights. So the newbie is moving along and getting ready. Wow the rack is the same as well. I'll check out your other videos. Didn't realize you could stack.

[@2leelouCreates]

Thanks for watching.

[@christasmicroflowerfarm2695]

Cool video,thank you.

[@2leelouCreates]

You're welcome.

[@JayHughart]

you need three things a 45 for that gauge put a 45 in the lid and screw in the gauge. change the vent pipe to a mirro and get the round 5-10-15 weight. The old gauges can be taken apart and calibrated with the mirro weight done three of these and they all work perfectly. If you need a vent pipe I have a few threads right in.

[@HighFidelityFox]

Great tips!

[@2leelouCreates]

Thanks!

[@angieh.527]

Thank you so much! I have been canning for over 10 years, and never knew I could convert my canner to weighted gauge! My old presto looks very much like yours. I ordered the weight and can't wait to try it! Thanks again!

[@2leelouCreates]

When you get your weight be sure to check out the post it sits on. One of my canners had to get a new post because the original one did not fit in the weight properly. I love being able to have them converted.

[@87Runner]

​@@2leelouCreateswhere can you get that valve ( post) at. I can't seem to really find much online. I just picked up a old modal A co-op from an estate sale yesterday for $5! Did a pressure test today and not a single leak

[@freewaybaby]

@@87Runner Hello… Did you ever figure out what to do about that little pin? Hardware stores are (in a lot of areas) a thing of the past. Too bad we’ve lost that connection! I just got a vintage national #7, and need a new gauge, even though the lady I got it from says it works fine. The dial is not on zero, but I didn’t ask her if it had been when she used it. She did not have the weights that went with the scanner. She thought she had it, and had several weights , but none of them fit this canner, so I also need to figure out where to get a new pin installed. Thanks!😊

[@87Runner]

@@freewaybaby I did, I found it online. I will pull the link up and send it to you. Currently canning some Jam as I write this and it's just about done !

[@87Runner]

@@freewaybaby I posted the link but for some reason it's not showing up. If it isn't showing up for you let me know and I will resend

[@DisHammerhand]

I have one of these with an old style petcock. I have never canned but I use it to make chili or as a steamer. Because the weight doesn't dance I have to loom over the thing and watch the gauge, not something I like to do for more than a few minutes. That old valve is good for one thing: when the cooking is done, I can close the valve up after I remove from the burner, put it in the car and arrive at a potluck with chili that's still piping hot.

[@americaneden3090]

Oh wow is that a Magic Seal pressure canner? Ha oooops u answered my question 🤗 it looks just like my Magic Seal which was tested at my local Extension and it WORKS!

[@2leelouCreates]

This canner is a Mirro. It's old but that doesn't matter because it works as good as when it was brand new!

[@cheekysaver]

I added weights to my 10lb weighted regulator until I got it just right so it goes to 12 to 13lbs. I just love my presto. I always keep a spare rubber gasket on hand just in case. I love that I don't have to rely on the gauge and I don't have to babysit it as much.

[@cheekysaver]

Yup, I have a electric pressure cooker. I use it all the time for stuff like beans and potatoes.... never ever for canning. There was a brand called instapot that claimed it could be used for canning. They now very specifically say water bath canning only. I guess they got told! :D

[@PreppingAngel]

The Carey (now Nesco and looks like the original Carey) has the 10 and 15 lb weights. It also holds the pressure. It's been tested by several universities.

[@holland1904]

That pressure canner is a museum antique. Very well made. Gotto love Grandmothers. Thank you for the valuable info on on electric pressure cookers. I was thinking about using mine for canning. Now I won't. God bless.

[@2leelouCreates]

I'm glad you haven't used your electric pressure canner for canning. I hate the infomercial that tells you that it's okay.

[@holland1904]

Thank you for the warning. You are right about people being afraid of pressure caners and pressure cookers in general. I have used several different ones over the years, I am 59, I have never had a problem. Just follow makers instructions. I have even used some that were nearly as old as I was at the time. Pressure cooking yields much better flavor and nutrition than standard cooking methods and at a fraction of the standard cooking time. Thanks again.

[@MartinBauer-ats]

Thanks for that video !! I am going to watch parts 1 and 2 now !! I'm restoring an old 'Maid of Honor' pressure cooker - There are no other labels on the pot except the 'Maid of Honor' label which also says 'Our Best Quality' There are two wooden handles which line up when the lid is closed properly - The vent in the middle of the lid looks like it's in good shape - not deformed in any way. There are two stamped markings on the underside of the pot (486 / 16 ) on one side and (16 ) on the other side, view-able when you turn the pot upside down - It's in pretty good shape but for the following Weight Regulator is lost - the stem protruding from the top is in good condition though The pressure safety valve broke off when unscrewing it from inside - I can extract / and re-tap the pressure safety valve hole so I don't think this will be a problem if I can find the correct replacement - and I am in need of the weights for regulating the pressure - Does anyone know the part numbers for the weights and the safety valve ? Can I use another stem & weights ? ( I can tap different threads if needed ) Can I use a different safety valve ? ( I can tap different threads if needed ) Anyone have any ideas ??

[@2leelouCreates]

I have no idea of where you could find parts for it. Those old ones are pretty cool though.

[@moonchildfarm127]

I just picked up a pressure canner just like yours at a garage sale for $10, I already have two other newer Prestos, one inherited and one bought and found a small All American Canner at a yard sale for $8. I think I should be good now on canners! LOL

[@2leelouCreates]

OMG I would LOVE to find an All American. I have two Presto canners and the National I showed in this video so I really can't justify buying another but if I found one for $8 I'd be all over that. I think you should be good on canners too but I know if you (or me) found another great deal like that we'd make room for another...LOL

[@moonchildfarm127]

Oh yeah, I try to justify it saying oh maybe my friend or my sister might need one someday and I will give them one...maybe..LOL! Not my All American or my big 23 quart Presto though! Probably not this National either, LOL,

[@carolinebooy6620]

Hi. I have a similar pressure canner a Presto No. 7. I really like it but I'd love to get weights for it. I'm in Canada - should i be ordering a new vent pipe and weights together so that they fit?

[@ravenblackhawke]

thanks again 2leelou:).

[@2leelouCreates]

You're welcome.

[@ravenblackhawke]

:).

[@jamesfenton7338]

Lubricate rubber gaskets with silicone grease only, oil attacks rubber chemically. You can find silicone grease at the auto parts store in a 6 ounce tube, it's called Di-electric grease, it's hi temp and will keep car doors from sticking when it's freezing, lubricates rubber items to keep them working forever. Permatex brand is the best, look for it in the tune up isle.

[@jeannelaabs1949]

You mentioned having your pressure gauge checked yearly. Where to you take it to have it checked? Nice job with your videos!

[@2leelouCreates]

Thanks for your nice comment. You can have your gauge checked at most hardware stores. If they sell gauges they should be able to test them. If you are in doubt look up the phone number for your county extension office. They should know where to get it done in your area or may even do testing there. Our extension office does the testing too.

[@rangobellenheim1543]

Great video so glad i came across it . I just picked up a canner like yours. Says national presto no. 21. Do you have any idea what gasket i need to get?

[@frugalprepper]

Presto 09907

[@laurakercher9213]

Thank you so much I have a presto 21-b I feel much more confident using it. I am going to find a weight for it. I was wondering if you put your jars on the basket? Then the disk is for stacking pints?

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Yes. I have a Presto that's very similar that I purchased in the early 1970's. You can use the basket and purchase the disk to go between the layers of jars. You can also purchase 2 of the disks, putting one on the bottom and one between the layer of pints. FWIW, I have 2 Presto canners and purchased the adjustable regulator for both. It is Presto part number 50332. I used to have to baby sit doing dial watching when canning. Now, as long as I'm within sight/sound of the rocking of the regulator, I can do other things while the canner is processing. It's WELL WORTH the price. Hope this helps.

[@longneck43]

Great vid, I have an old canner like yours. Do you know where I can find the weights?

[@2leelouCreates]

I got mine at a local hardware store. It's an ACE hardware. Be sure to have them check the pitcock (vent port) to ensure it's one that fits with a weight. No biggie if it's not because they can change it to be the kind that will fit a graduated (5-10-15 lb) weight. Our hardware store will change it out for the customer, maybe you can find one that will too.

[@beingsneaky]

found a MacDonald at a thrift shop also no regulator or gasket. they wanted 25 bucks got it for 15. ordered gasket and regulator on line after postage was 40 bucks? so 55 bucks canadian for a pressure canner. not to bad. oh yeah experimented with a presto regulator with the 10 pound weight and it worked, rocked at 10 pounds. so if you can find a 3 piece presto regulator it will work in a pinch.

[@2leelouCreates]

Good deal for you! I would love to come across a deal like that sometime.

[@beingsneaky]

I have never heard of MacDonald (Mac Donald's Home Products) before. but it looks like yours, wooden handles same type of gasket. www.cookingandcanning.net/macdonald.html

[@judytaggerty6108]

Please help, cover is stuck/frozen on top of pot, can't open. Any suggestions? Can't find an answer. Thank You.

[@moonchildfarm127]

I know this is an old video, but I hope you see this. I decided to gift the canner just like yours I found but I need to give her parts numbers, do you know what I need to tell her to get? gasket and etc?

[@okoriesampson224]

Thanks for the video i just bought the same cooker you used for the demo but unfortunately the lid is dry and leaking and i don't know where to get a replacement since the product is old and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[@2leelouCreates]

I took mine to the local hardware store that sells canning supplies. They knew exactly what was needed.

[@helenmeyer4551]

I have the same presto canner, I used it last night and I can't open the lid got stuck and the food still inside please help me how to open this canner

[@helenmeyer4551]

My presto canner is the same your video picture, I used it last night and I can't open the lid and got stuck. I used hammer to open but the other handle got broke. Please help me how to open

[@craigcrutcher205]

We have a national number 7. Model number stamped in bottom. Can read numbers but not really in a pattern. Some numbers go in circle and one in middle of those numbers. If know how to read it would be appreciated..thanks

[@loriannc9302]

I have that exact canner and found the manual but it's missing the pages on how much water to add to canner. How much water do you add to your canner when processing?

[@2leelouCreates]

The standard rule is 3 inches. If you add small jars and the water level rises above the jars that's ok, don't worry about that. They can be submerged and still can properly.

[@worthdoss8043]

I have a lathe and made my own vent pipes and weights from brass they work better than the All American ones. The gauges I took apart adjusted cleaned oiled and re-calibrated they work better than the junk they use today. The gauges they use are the absolute cheapest pieces of junk money can buy +/- 2 pounds full span. My two 100 year old gauges are a work of art on the inside and out. I have three pressure canners I restored one 100 year old Kook Kwick 11 with the wing nuts one National #25 about the same age and design and one Kook Kwick 11-20 from the 40,s that I had to make my own gasket for because it is of a later design. Why is your gauge flopping around? Thanks for your videos and helping people..

[@2leelouCreates]

WOW you remind me of a gentlemen that used to be in our group who did all kinds of things with his pressure canners. He loved to work on them make new weights and things. He was awesome. Unfortunately he passed away a few years ago. We sure miss him. Anyway I think some of the old canners are the best. I've never heard of Kook Kwick. I'll have to look into those just to learn about them. I had to go watch my video to see what you meant by my gauge flopping around. I never noticed that it moves a bit when I push on it. I had it checked and it needed tightened a little. I didn't realize it was like that. Anyway, thanks for pointing it out. And thanks for watching.

[@user-yb3tr4lf5w]

I picked up a National canner for free but have hesitated to try it. I do have a Granite Ware and an All American but it would be nice to have a third one. Have you ever used your National? Also did you get the gasket and weight at a hardware store?

[@2leelouCreates]

I do have a National. It's exactly like the one in this video. In fact looking at this video I may have used the National because I believe it has the wooden handles not the black plastic ones (my Presto has those). They both work exactly the same and are both very old. They came from my grandmother and I believe the National is from the late 40's and the Presto is from the early 50's. Even though they are that old you can still get parts like gaskets, weights and dial guages for them. I even got a black handle for the Presto when one of the handles broke. Funny how the wooden handles lasted longer than the plastic. Anyway, I believe that Presto began as National so they are the same . The same parts fit both. And, yes I did get them from our hardware store. I find that ACE hardware stores often have parts.

[@lisahernandez2614]

I'm about to buy a old pressure canned like this it looks brand new any tips?

[@2leelouCreates]

Be sure to have the guage tested and get a new gasket. Then I'd run one canner full of jars of water just to put it through it's paces. I like to do that too because you can hear how it sounds and what temp the burner needs to be at to hold it at the right pressure and things like that. Have fun!

[@dawnhartwell8117]

If your 2nd canning rack that you’re using for stacking jars is smaller, can you still use it for pressure canning?

[@2leelouCreates]

Yes as long as the jars sit on the rack.

[@dawnhartwell8117]

Awesome, thank you so much! I have the original for the bottom of the canner but only had a smaller one to use for a second row of the small jars.

[@Wickedstickyflowers]

So what was there before the WIEGHT a dial rite

[@smilingdog54]

I have a national no 7 canner. Do you know if it is a 16 quart canner?

[@2leelouCreates]

Yes it should be. The one I show in this video is.

[@ivybrookfarm]

What gasket are you using? I have an old #7 and I ordered a gasket for it and it was a little too big...so now I'm not sure what one to get. And what gauge did you buy?

[@2leelouCreates]

I have my lid in my car to get a new gasket for it. I'll see what size they give me and I'll let you know. PM me the question though so I can get back to you easier. Thanks.

[@heatherbinning4011]

@@2leelouCreates I got one too, I thought it was too big, but watched a video on how to install it and the guy said to keep going around, and I did and finally got mine in , getting ready to try it out tomorrow

[@bobbibenton2993]

This is the canned I have. I’m really confused on the weight. I have the original. How do I get information on how to use it without changing out the parts. I want to keep original as much as possible

[@2leelouCreates]

If it has a Guage then you put the weight on and watch the Guage. You have to adjust the heat to keep the Guage at the right number for pounds of pressure. Be sure to have your Guage tested though. If it's more than 2 pounds off you'll need to replace it. Do a trial run with just water in it to get the idea of how it works.

[@carolinebooy6620]

Hi. I am wondering if you can do a close up picture of the petcock ? Is there a way I can email you a picture of my petcock and the weight I am interested in buying.... want to make sure they fit together. I need to know how to find a petcock and weight that match up. My canner looks exactly like yours - the label says National Presto COOKER-CANNER nO. 7

[@carolinebooy6620]

I ended up connecting with someone online who switched theirs over to a weight and then found the parts at Pressure Cooker Outlet - they were very helpful!

[@beingsneaky]

So my canners have gauge and changeable weights.. I do 10 pounds, but if just a bit higher. I add a key ring ring. It brings it up another pound.. so it brings it from 11 pounds to 12 pounds..

[@2leelouCreates]

I had afrien that used metal washers for 1 pound increments. I wish they'd come out with a 1 pound increment weight.

[@beingsneaky]

@@2leelouCreates ikr?? Would be nice.. I seen one guy calculated how much ozs per psi. And sanded down washers... hhmmm maybe that was your friend?? Lol

[@madellinesantana9386]

where do you buy the national gaste.

[@2leelouCreates]

You should be able to find it at most hardware stores. I just saw them at our local ACE hardware. You would probably never find one under the National name but Presto is the same so you'd get a Presto one. I hope that helps.

[@MichaelSHartman]

Food show. Thanks. If you are so inclined to take off the dark oxidation "stain" on the inside of Grandma's canner, boil a solution of water and cream of tartar and let it sit overnight. Pressure is not needed.

[@MichaelSHartman]

Good show. darn auto correct.

[@2leelouCreates]

I might try that. Thanks for the info.

[@devildawgs59]

Can you cook food in pressure cooker. Not use it for canning?

[@2leelouCreates]

Yes, you can cook in a canner, but a pressure cooker is too small to can in. I've done a huge batch of turkey broth in my big pressure canner before. Maybe I'll do a quick video on the difference between pressure canners and cookers.

[@MichaelSHartman]

BRAVO! A canner can cook and can. A multi cooker CAN NOT. I am so sick and tired of seeing multicookers everywhere I go, and nothing on stovetop canners/cookers. Electronics on the side of a heat source will not last as long. Appliances with electronics drive me crazy by not working, especially a freezer full of food.

[@nancysims7106]

I have the exact same pressure canner, can you tell me where you bought the part for the weight and what it is called?

[@2leelouCreates]

I will take a look. It's from my local hardware store. If you have an ACE Hardware store near you they very often carry canning supplies. You can take your canner lid to them and they will help get you the correct parts.

[@SummerMindedOne]

What is your favorite canning recipe book?

[@2leelouCreates]

I really love the new Ball Book. In fact I just looked up a recipe to do today. It's for Sweet Tea Poached Peaches. It sounds delicious! I was able to get the links to Amazon to work in the video description now. There are links for the two newest Ball books that I love. You can use the link to go check them out. Thanks!

[@SummerMindedOne]

I got the new ball book after your video. I will check out the others. Thanks.

[@2leelouCreates]

Great! I have links below to Amazon so you can go right to the book.