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Ball Canning Back to Basics: A Foolproof Guide to Canning Jams, Jellies, Pickles, and More
Can it, pickle it, and store it with confidence.
If you can boil water, you can make your own delectable jams and jellies, try your hand at fresh-pack pickling, and jar savory sauces. Ball Canning Back to Basics focuses on the building-block techniques and easy, classic recipes every canner should know. The book begins with in-depth information on water bath canning, the equipment you need, and food safety guidance. Each preserving method is thoroughly explained with beginner-friendly tutorials and step-by-step photographs highlighting key steps. Learn to capture the sweet, ripe flavors of your favorite fruits and vegetables with 100 approachable, versatile recipes for the modern pantry. Packed with simple variation ideas for low-sugar and flavor change-ups, and time-tested tips from the most trusted authority in home canning, this handy guide delivers everything you need to successfully master home canning safely and deliciously.
If you can boil water, you can make your own delectable jams and jellies, try your hand at fresh-pack pickling, and jar savory sauces. Ball Canning Back to Basics focuses on the building-block techniques and easy, classic recipes every canner should know. The book begins with in-depth information on water bath canning, the equipment you need, and food safety guidance. Each preserving method is thoroughly explained with beginner-friendly tutorials and step-by-step photographs highlighting key steps. Learn to capture the sweet, ripe flavors of your favorite fruits and vegetables with 100 approachable, versatile recipes for the modern pantry. Packed with simple variation ideas for low-sugar and flavor change-ups, and time-tested tips from the most trusted authority in home canning, this handy guide delivers everything you need to successfully master home canning safely and deliciously.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2017
289 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
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September 14, 2017THIS book is a great choice for newbies. I know because I am one. Honestly, I have wanted to put up preserves for some time but was put off by the books I read. I think my sense of being in over my head came from the fact that I couldn't 'visualize' exactly what needed to be done. Ball's approach in this BACK TO BASICS book is much more my style. I LOVE the lists of equipment needed and the explanations .AND. photos of how things need to be done.
Need to know what a good set looks like? There's a photo.
Not sure exactly how to measure 'headspace'... there's a photo.
There are a variety of recipes and many of them, like the one I made --Blueberry Jam-- are simple and relatively quick. Basically, you only need your canning supplies and 4 ingredients: blueberries, pectin, sugar and lemon juice. And I really liked that there was a low sugar version and you were told ahead of time, how the low-sugar jam would be slightly different than the full sugar. (It's basically not as thick.)
Recommended to Noobs like myself.
Need to know what a good set looks like? There's a photo.
Not sure exactly how to measure 'headspace'... there's a photo.
There are a variety of recipes and many of them, like the one I made --Blueberry Jam-- are simple and relatively quick. Basically, you only need your canning supplies and 4 ingredients: blueberries, pectin, sugar and lemon juice. And I really liked that there was a low sugar version and you were told ahead of time, how the low-sugar jam would be slightly different than the full sugar. (It's basically not as thick.)
Recommended to Noobs like myself.
August 28, 2019
Made something I've always wanted to try approachable. I officially canned my first blueberry lemon jam this summer and extra can't wait for apple picking season now.
December 6, 2017
So in all honesty I freeze all my summer produce out of my garden in freezer bags, even the sauces I make but I want to learn to the jar process. Also my husband has a great interest in preserving all the hot peppers I make that I give to him from the garden. So I got this book. The process and recipes seem easy enough to do. I take verify the process of doing these recipes yet but I read these recipes and steps and I am now all excited to try making jellies and pickles! For now I really like this book-might change after I try but it is written to the point and love the pictures (hello, sold me!)
June 23, 2017
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. As always, an honest review.
Ball Canning: Back to Basics does exactly what it says, takes you back to the basics of canning. If you're new to canning or simply want a refresher course this book will be extremely helpful. It takes us through the basics of how to can, what to can, and emphasizes food and canning safety. The clear concise information is easy to follow even for someone newer to canning. I really liked that food safety was discussed a lot; not as a scare tactic but so the home cook can safely make and enjoy their food.
Now onto the recipes:
Some of the recipes I've tried before and liked. These are the good old standard that many people's grandmothers made, which were delicious classics for a reason. I found myself tagging many recipes with post its to try later. Although I wish there were a few more new modern recipes. I liked the tips at the bottom of each recipe as to ways to use the canned food in an alternative way. For example, fruit butter normally are spread on toast and in yogurt, were suggested to add to meat dishes for a flavorful new twist. I thought the homemade pre made pie fillings were genius and such a time saver. Quick homemade cherry pie anyone? Yes please! This canning book is made by Ball, so of course they encourage the use of their products. That didn't bother me, and I actually learned about some of their newer products that I want to incorporate into my canning. Overall, Ball Canning: Back to Basics is a good quality canning book with a wide range of recipes sure to please almost anybody.
Ball Canning: Back to Basics does exactly what it says, takes you back to the basics of canning. If you're new to canning or simply want a refresher course this book will be extremely helpful. It takes us through the basics of how to can, what to can, and emphasizes food and canning safety. The clear concise information is easy to follow even for someone newer to canning. I really liked that food safety was discussed a lot; not as a scare tactic but so the home cook can safely make and enjoy their food.
Now onto the recipes:
Some of the recipes I've tried before and liked. These are the good old standard that many people's grandmothers made, which were delicious classics for a reason. I found myself tagging many recipes with post its to try later. Although I wish there were a few more new modern recipes. I liked the tips at the bottom of each recipe as to ways to use the canned food in an alternative way. For example, fruit butter normally are spread on toast and in yogurt, were suggested to add to meat dishes for a flavorful new twist. I thought the homemade pre made pie fillings were genius and such a time saver. Quick homemade cherry pie anyone? Yes please! This canning book is made by Ball, so of course they encourage the use of their products. That didn't bother me, and I actually learned about some of their newer products that I want to incorporate into my canning. Overall, Ball Canning: Back to Basics is a good quality canning book with a wide range of recipes sure to please almost anybody.
September 14, 2021
I have been auditioning books on preserving food from the library to find which one(s) I actually want to own. I still have a few more to go through but I think this might be a winner!
My ONLY complaint about this book is pretty minor: it really does a hard sell on some Ball® products. It seemed almost every recipe pitched a Ball® product. I would have liked some alternatives, but I do understand because it's a Ball® book and their stuff is widely available.
Other than that, this book is true to it's name: back to basics. Recipes use simple ingredients. Instructions are simple and the book's layout is uncluttered. Each section (jams, jellies, fruit, fruit butter/sauces, tomatoes, and pickles) begins with an overview of how to preserve the food in that section. All of the recipes use hot water bath canning, an excellent move since this is the type of preserving the majority of beginners are going to want to use. Most importantly I wanted to make several of the recipes in the book. There are also some slightly unusual recipes including Dijon mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and watermelon rind pickles! So even though it is called "back to basics" there is also some room for things you might not normally associate with canning. There were a couple of refrigerator pickle recipes at the end of the book. Even though fridge pickles are a great way to preserve food, I do wish there were hot water bath canning options for those recipes to give the option of preserving them for longer. But overall, great book and I may return here when I actually get the equipment and work up the nerve to try canning!
My ONLY complaint about this book is pretty minor: it really does a hard sell on some Ball® products. It seemed almost every recipe pitched a Ball® product. I would have liked some alternatives, but I do understand because it's a Ball® book and their stuff is widely available.
Other than that, this book is true to it's name: back to basics. Recipes use simple ingredients. Instructions are simple and the book's layout is uncluttered. Each section (jams, jellies, fruit, fruit butter/sauces, tomatoes, and pickles) begins with an overview of how to preserve the food in that section. All of the recipes use hot water bath canning, an excellent move since this is the type of preserving the majority of beginners are going to want to use. Most importantly I wanted to make several of the recipes in the book. There are also some slightly unusual recipes including Dijon mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and watermelon rind pickles! So even though it is called "back to basics" there is also some room for things you might not normally associate with canning. There were a couple of refrigerator pickle recipes at the end of the book. Even though fridge pickles are a great way to preserve food, I do wish there were hot water bath canning options for those recipes to give the option of preserving them for longer. But overall, great book and I may return here when I actually get the equipment and work up the nerve to try canning!
January 8, 2018
The title is really accurate. Very basic stuff here. Lots of fruit butters, jams, jellies. A basic canned tomato recipe. Worth having if that's the kind of canning you're interested in. People who are looking for more complex flavors or unique items may be a little less interested in this book.
July 21, 2020
While the All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving will always be my go-to, this is a really great alternative if you're only interested in waterbath canning.
For me, the most important thing in a book on canning is safety. I don't care how many cutesy descriptions you have or how many off-beat recipes you include (I'm looking at you, Better Homes and Gardens), if you don't provide a good overview about how to can safely, I'm going to completely dismiss you. Ball gets that, and right at the start there's a really good overview of the science of canning, and why the directions/steps are included the way they are. When you're a new canner, it can be scary ("will this salsa give me botulism?") so the emphasis on safety is really reassuring. The editors also do a really nice job of explaining terms.
The recipes are good. A lot of the basics (which, given the book's title, makes perfect sense) and a lot of recipes with little tweaks to hold your interest.
Overall, this is an excellent book for a first-time canner.
For me, the most important thing in a book on canning is safety. I don't care how many cutesy descriptions you have or how many off-beat recipes you include (I'm looking at you, Better Homes and Gardens), if you don't provide a good overview about how to can safely, I'm going to completely dismiss you. Ball gets that, and right at the start there's a really good overview of the science of canning, and why the directions/steps are included the way they are. When you're a new canner, it can be scary ("will this salsa give me botulism?") so the emphasis on safety is really reassuring. The editors also do a really nice job of explaining terms.
The recipes are good. A lot of the basics (which, given the book's title, makes perfect sense) and a lot of recipes with little tweaks to hold your interest.
Overall, this is an excellent book for a first-time canner.
September 15, 2025
Well thought out book on water bath canning and how to approach it. Each chapter has directions on how to approach that sections specific needs for water bath canning and then presents a plethora of approachable and also unique recipes. Some recipes it offers tips to change spices or make low sugar, etc., which is an added bonus. I was grateful for the section at the beginning on how to adjust for altitude since I live at a higher elevation. I’m excited to try a few of the recipes inside this book, such as apple pie jam and cranberry sauce. The recipes are straightforward and easy to follow that even I can do them.
July 19, 2017
Clear and concise, this is an excellent book for beginning canners as well as experienced with the craft of canning.
The introductory "How To" section is short but nicely presented. The recipes that follow include both traditional and not-so-bizarre-as-to-be-interesting-and-seriously-considered -- a nice change from many books that use recipes that I'd never consider trying.
Highly recommended.
The introductory "How To" section is short but nicely presented. The recipes that follow include both traditional and not-so-bizarre-as-to-be-interesting-and-seriously-considered -- a nice change from many books that use recipes that I'd never consider trying.
Highly recommended.
July 21, 2017
I won a copy of this book.
What can I say, but "It's Ball." When I think of home preserving, I think of the Ball company. This book had exactly what one would want in a cookbook: Good recipes (100 of them), easy to follow directions, and pictures. The opening for each chapter is concise and has easy step-by-step instructions paired with pictures of the process. A great introduction to home canning.
What can I say, but "It's Ball." When I think of home preserving, I think of the Ball company. This book had exactly what one would want in a cookbook: Good recipes (100 of them), easy to follow directions, and pictures. The opening for each chapter is concise and has easy step-by-step instructions paired with pictures of the process. A great introduction to home canning.
July 31, 2017
This was a wonderful basic book on how to can and preserve. This could be very good for someone who is just getting started. It tells you what you need to buy to get started and how to do everything, then the rest of the book is recipes on everything. I would totally buy this for myself, I am always interested in doing this but it kinda freaks me out and over whelms me even the thought of trying.
February 20, 2018
Lovely photographs, some unusual and interesting canning and preserving recipes. Well worth a look.
Sauces, jams, jellies, butters, marmalades, relishes, even ketchup. Fun and worth a look if you are a canner and preserver. I will qualify, I didn't make any of the recipes. They looked pretty standard and had some nice combinations.
Sauces, jams, jellies, butters, marmalades, relishes, even ketchup. Fun and worth a look if you are a canner and preserver. I will qualify, I didn't make any of the recipes. They looked pretty standard and had some nice combinations.
December 1, 2017
This book would have been perfect for the summer of 2013 when I planted too many tomato plants. The combination of recipes with basic canning information makes canning seem less daunting and more accessible. Would request again, especially if the garden takes off.
September 15, 2019
Good, thorough introduction to canning - a bit of a blatant advertising grab, but the information is solid enough I'll forgive that. Nothing too out of the box or unusual. Also includes a few recipes / ideas for ways to use canned product.
August 7, 2020
Great resource!
Excellent guide to home preserving - gives beginners complete confidence even though the book was written for the use of Ball Canning products, at the moment only available in the US.
Excellent guide to home preserving - gives beginners complete confidence even though the book was written for the use of Ball Canning products, at the moment only available in the US.
July 5, 2017
OMG the recipes and canning instructions are so simple in here that I am sure that even if I had never canned before I could get it. I cannot wait to make some pickles and jams to can with the girls
September 18, 2017
Have made multiple recipes from the book and they've all been easy to follow and tasty. Great book for beginners
September 4, 2018
Canning
Back to basics is just that, basic ! Easy recipes, the solution s part is informative tips to read before you start.
Back to basics is just that, basic ! Easy recipes, the solution s part is informative tips to read before you start.
August 4, 2019
This is a very “basic” canning book as the title indicates. The recipes are simple and the page layout is very modern.
December 3, 2019
Great book for beginners! This is my go to guide.
May 21, 2020
Enjoyed trying several recipes during quarantine. It was comforting to know that the process has not changed much and the recipes were great.
May 28, 2020
Nicely designed preserving book. But I've come to the realization canning may be something for my retirement and not now. No way. No how.
September 7, 2020
Extremely helpful for those with healthy food concerns and preppers. Consistently reliable information.
January 28, 2021
Lots of fun recipes and good information!
June 26, 2021
Excellent beginners book. The most comprehensive guide I’ve found so far. This copy is from the library but I will most definitely be buying my own.
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February 4, 2022This had some useful information for me on the basics of canning, but since I don’t eat sugar or pectin there were no recipes that would work for me.
September 18, 2022
Good advice and good recipes. Wonderful pictures.
October 1, 2022
This book has SO MANY great recipes that are normal and simple. I can’t wait to be able to start preserving food.
January 7, 2024
It’s ok, it does give you some basic guidelines for canning and some recipes that I didn’t find particularly useful.
Want to read
April 22, 2024O
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews