Salad Jars

I like salads..especially with fabulous toppings.  The problem is chopping, washing and drying the lettuce EVERY TIME you want a small, quick salad for lunch.  Paula over at Salad in a Jar became the solution to my frustrations.  You only have to prepare your lettuce ONCE and you can enjoy it all week, or even for the next two weeks...yes, that's how long it lasts in these pretty, little, vacuum-sealed mason jars! 


I'm sure you will quickly say, "Ehh, I don't have a vacuum sealing thingy, so this isn't for me".  That's not true.  Yes, they are $150+ at the store, but I found mine on Craigslist for $20, no joke.  Most of them come with the accessory hose, or you can get it from the manufacturer here for $3. The last piece you need is the mason jar attachment(s) found here on Amazon. All mason jars have either a regular or wide-mouth opening. Pick the one that fits your jars or get both, they're only $9.  If you don't have an enormous collection of mason jars and lids (like I do) you can get a pack at Wal-mart or your grocery store. The cute, vintage containers can be used for a lot more than salad containers. Try putting candles in them, a vase for your flowers, or used as lemonade glasses in this summer heat!


Ingredients:


-1 package of romaine lettuce


Equipment Needed:


-6-10 mason jars with lids (2-piece lids)
-FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer
-Accessory Hose
-Wide or Regular Mouth Jar Sealer
-Salad Spinner

Water Bath Canning at Home

As you saw in my last post I made a TON of salsa the other day.  For two reasons, 1. I wanted to keep a lot (most) for myself and 2. I thought I'd be a nice girlfriend and bubble wrap a few jars and risk checking them in my luggage to bring Blake (it actually worked!)  

Canning at home includes sterilizing jars, filling them, and processing them in boiling water to remove bacteria.  Salsa (and other goodies) can be kept for a year and even more in your pantry.  Here are a few gadgets you will need:

1. Water Bath Canner (comes with wire holder for jars)

2. Wide Mouth Funnel

3. 2-Piece Jar and Lids

4. Jar Lifter

5. Magnetic Lid Lifter

6. Lots of Mason Jars (make sure you lids fit your jars. two standard sizes: regular and wide mouth)