[cudders]

Hi all,

New to this jam and pickling lark but decided to have a go now that my plot is more established..

Just about to order some stuff, my list so far is jars, lids, labels and thermometer..Do i need those wax rings or not?

First things to do is pickling my onions and beetroot(dont know what else to do with the latter!)

I've also just ordered Vals book so looking forward to reading it.

Should I be gettijg anything else?

ta

Cudders.

[mumofstig]

Have you already got a really big saucepan or stockpot...you'll need one for jams and chutneys and some long handled wooden spoons.....and a jam funnel stops you getting sticky/mucky jars when you're filling them, so is nice to have but not a necessity

Good luck

[cudders]

Hiya,

Yes we have large pans so should be ok but a good idea about the funnel.. Guess it will be a good thing to have in the long run..

Cudders

[cudders]

Got Vals book today..looking forward to a good read..and having a go!

Just need to get my order in for jars etc and then off we go..

Cudders

[Val H]

I'm beginning to think a jam funnel is a necessity! Managed for years without one but it saves so much mess and can be used for chutneys as well. Piccalilli is so much easier, you put the funnel at the top when you're packing the jars and push the vegetables down and, when you top up with sauce, just pour through the funnel.

[mumofstig]

I'm beginning to think a jam funnel is a necessity! Managed for years without one but it saves so much mess

  It's those sticky jars that used to get me every time and then the labels used to get mucky when i tried to put them on...........oh yes jam everywhere....i remember it well

[matilda duck]

Do I so it wrong then ?  I use a ladle and pour that into jug! This makes it easier to pour!

[Val H]

You're not doing it wrong. When I've a full pan I ladle it out into a jug and then pour the jug through the jam funnel! The funnel just stops you getting any jam or chutney on the outside of the jar. I've found that with smaller jars, even using a jug, you can get some on the outside. As for the mess I've made in the past with Piccalilli . Funnels are less than a fiver and well worth having.

[matilda duck]

Do I so it wrong then ?  I use a ladle and pour that into jug! This makes it easier to pour!

Val I'm amazed you answered that??? I read it and thought WHAT??  I think I meant so am I doing it wrong??  DOH!

[Beetroot queen]

I have done some with and some without a funnel and believe me now I have one, its the first thing to come out of the cupboard. It seems to have a permenant place out at the moment