The sense of satisfaction preserving gives makes it so worthwhile, and preserving in small batches is quite often more achievable. Use oven mitts, pot holders or thick cloths to handle hot jars. Keep your fingers away from the rims once jars are sterilised. Scald a clean cloth for wiping. I have a few old clean tea towels around to sit hot jars on. And on a very hot day, a bucket of cold water for me to stand in!
Step 1: Almost fill hot jars with boiling fruit. Fill to just below the rim with boiling syrup. Wipe the rim with a scalding cloth.
Step 2: Immediately cover with the sterilised metal seal and screw the band on tightly. Leave to cool.
Step 3: Remove the band when a seal is formed. The dome will be depressed. Wipe jars to remove any syrup, dry, then label and store in a cool, dry and dark place.
