Canned Sweet Pickled Carrots Food

CANNED SWEET PICKLED CARROTS

Steps:

• Wash and rinse the pint canning jars. IF you can, keep hot until ready to use. - this can be done by placing them on a baking sheet, placing them in the oven and turning it on the lowest temperature.
• Prepare the lids and the sealing bands according to the manufacturer's directions, which should be written on the box or available on the product website.
• Wash the small carrots well and peel, if desired. I like them both ways.
• Combine the vinegar, water, sugar and canning salt in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil and boil gently for 3 minutes. ( you don't want to boil hard and boil off the liquid too much)
• Add the carrots and bring back to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer and heat until the carrots are half-cooked (about 10 minutes). If you want crunchier carrots, boil until the outsides are just soft ( so that they can still absorb the vinegar) and then remove.
• Divide the pickling spice evenly between the 4 jars, placing it into the bottom. Fill the still warm jars with the hot carrots, leaving 1-inch headspace. ( that's one inch from the top) Cover the carrots with the hot pickling liquid, leaving a ½-inch headspace this time around . Remove any air bubbles by poking a knife through the carrots and liquid and adjust the headspace if needed.
• Wipe the rims of jars with a dampened, clean paper towel and then place the two pieces canning lids on.
• Process the jars in a boiling water canner for the following times- feet are above sea level: 0 - 1,000 feet - process for 15 minutes, 1,001 - 6,000 feet process for 20 minutes,and above 6,000 feet process 25 minutes.
• Let cool, undisturbed, 12 to 24 hours and then check to make sure that the seals are set ( they will indent and POP loudly)
• Let the carrots sit for a good 3-5 days before eating but they get better and better the longer they sit!

MOM'S PICKLED CARROTS

Steps:

• Place carrots in a large saucepan; add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Cook, covered, until crisp-tender, 3-5 minutes. Drain. Transfer to a large bowl. In another large saucepan, combine remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Pour mixture over carrots. Refrigerate, covered, overnight to allow flavors to blend., Transfer mixture to jars. Cover and refrigerate up to 1 month.