Canning Peaches

Well, this was not the year for peaches, among other things.  But I was able to get 50 lbs (about a bushel) at the local grocery store for 99 cents per lb.  That was the best price around.  In Kalkaska they were 70 and a friend said she could get them for me for 56.  So the grocery store won.  :)  I didn't buy nearly as many as I usually do, but this way we'll at least have a few jars canned on the shelves for a treat this winter.  Last winter we canned about 70 quarts.  This year only 32.

We all had a job.  Dillon gathered the peaches from the floor where they were ripening, took the stickers off, and brought them to the sink full of warm soapy water.  We leave the skins on them so we wash them before we can them.  He also helped with some rinsing. 

I cut them in fourths.

Chaeli arranged them in the jars. 

Elijah sprinkled some fruit fresh on top.

He also wanted to be the "juice man."  I helped him with the first half of the juice container because it was too heavy.  He was able pour the last half of the juice in by himself. 

And our peach canning for the season is over.  Too soon.  32 quarts.  We thank the Lord for that many!