Want to learn how to “put by food,” as canning is often explained, but are intimidated or afraid of making a mistake and giving your family the deadly botulism bacteria? Here comes Canning Across America to the rescue. Their site www.canningacrossamerica.com offers an array of resources, including Pressure Canning 101, How to Host a Home Canning Party, and Intro to Canning Video.

Best yet, the site offers canning recipes from chefs and cookbook authors. Recipes for Peach Jam and Spicy Pear and Dried Cherry Chutney make me want to open up a weekend to get started canning! Plus, what a great way to preserve local produce.

Canning Across America (CAA) is a nationwide, ad hoc collective of cooks, gardeners and food lovers committed to the revival of the lost art of “putting by” food. Their goal is to promote safe food preservation and the joys of community building through food. They believe in celebrating the bounty of local and seasonal produce and taking greater control of our food supply. The want to start a canvolution!