Let’s have a heart-to-heart for a moment, shall we? Between the school runs, the tears over socks that just aren’t right, and the constant mental juggling of schedules (is it Wednesday already?), the idea of “canning and preserving” might feel like something reserved for those with a supernatural amount of time – not us, right? Most days, it feels like a win just to keep the crumbs at bay!

Trust me, I get it. The thought of hot water baths and finicky lids used to feel as daunting as explaining the birds and the bees. But a few years ago, the Lord laid it on my heart to be a better steward of the blessings He provides, especially when it came to nourishing my family and being mindful of our resources. So, little by little, I started exploring the world of preserving. And let me tell you, the secret is to begin with baby steps. Truly tiny ones.

Forget those picture-perfect pantries overflowing with every imaginable fruit and veggie. That’s a beautiful goal, perhaps, but not our starting point. We’re simply looking for small, manageable ways to hold onto the goodness of each season, honoring God’s bounty without adding more chaos to our already full lives. And this year, I’m even trying something new – incorporating a touch of homemade vanilla extract into some of my simple creations! It’s all a journey, a slow unfolding as we learn and grow in His grace.

Here are a few baby steps you can take:

Dried Herbs – Got a few sprigs of extra herbs from the garden or the grocery store? Don’t let them wilt in the fridge! Simply tie them in small bundles and hang them upside down in a dry, airy place. Once they’re crispy, crumble them into jars. Homemade oregano, basil, or thyme is way more flavorful than the stuff in the spice aisle, and it requires practically zero active time.

Freezer Jams – Your gateway into preserving. Seriously, if you are intimidated by hot water baths and headspace, freezer jam is your new best friend. It’s practically foolproof! You mash up your favorite berries, mix them with some pectin and sugar, and boom! Into freezer safe containers they go. Think of it as capturing summer in a jar, ready to brighten up those gloomy winter mornings on your toast.

Repurpose Eggshells – Don’t toss those eggshells! They’re little treasures packed with calcium and minerals that your garden will love. Crush them up and sprinkle them around your plants to deter slugs and snails, or add them to your compost pile to enrich your soil. In fact, I’ve got a whole other blog post dedicated to the amazing ways you can repurpose eggshells – check it out for even more ideas!

Final Thoughts

Look, I get it. Life with kids is a beautiful, chaotic mess. Adding another “to-do” to the list can feel overwhelming. But trust me, even carving out 15 minutes to whip up a batch of freezer jam can be incredibly rewarding. You’re not only saving delicious food, but you’re also teaching your kids about where their food comes from and maybe even creating some fun kitchen memories.

Remember, too, that it’s perfectly okay to try something and realize it’s not the right fit for this season of life. I can attest to that! I dove into sourdough a while back, and honestly, it felt overwhelming amidst everything else, so for now, I’m sticking with the simplicity of yeast bread. Embrace the imperfections. And know that if a particular practice feels like too much or just isn’t for you, it’s alright to step back. And who knows? You might just discover a little bit of kitchen magic amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

What are your favorite simple ways to preserve food? Share your tips in the comments below!