Canning your own sausage patties offers a delicious and convenient way to preserve your favorite breakfast staple. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring safe and successful results. Proper canning techniques are crucial to avoid foodborne illness, so pay close attention to each step.
Preparing Your Sausage Patties for Canning
Before you begin the canning process, you need to prepare your sausage patties. The quality of your final product depends heavily on the quality of your ingredients.
Choosing the Right Sausage
Use a high-quality sausage recipe, ensuring it's formulated for cooking thoroughly. Avoid sausages with high moisture content, as this can lead to spoilage. Consider making your own sausage to ensure you control the ingredients.
Cooking the Sausage Patties
Thoroughly cook your sausage patties before canning. This is vital for food safety. Undercooked sausage can harbor harmful bacteria. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Allow them to cool completely before proceeding.
Choosing Your Jars and Lids
Use only new, clean jars and lids designed specifically for canning. Reuse of jars or lids increases the risk of contamination and spoilage. Check for any chips or cracks on your jars.
The Canning Process: A Detailed Walkthrough
Now, let's move on to the actual canning process. This requires precision and attention to detail.
Step 1: Prepare Your Canner and Jars
Fill your canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least 2 inches. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the jars.
Step 2: Pack the Jars
Carefully pack the cooled, cooked sausage patties into the prepared jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top. Avoid overpacking.
Step 3: Add the Canning Liquid
Add your canning liquid to each jar, again maintaining the 1/2-inch headspace. This could be a broth, or other suitable canning liquid for sausage; researching the best choice is recommended based on your recipe.
Step 4: Remove Air Bubbles
Use a non-metallic utensil (like a plastic spatula) to remove any air bubbles from the jars. This is crucial for preventing spoilage. Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Seal the Jars
Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening them fingertip-tight. Don't overtighten, as this could prevent proper sealing.
Step 6: Process the Jars
Lower the jars carefully into the boiling water canner, ensuring they are fully submerged. Process according to the recommended time for your specific recipe and altitude. Processing time is usually based on jar size and altitude; higher altitudes require longer processing times.
Step 7: Cool and Check Seals
Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely. You should hear a distinctive “pop” sound as the jars seal. Check the seals to ensure they are properly sealed; a properly sealed jar will have a concave lid.
Important Considerations for Safe Canning
- Altitude: Higher altitudes require longer processing times. Always adjust your processing time according to your altitude.
- Jar Size: The size of your jars will affect processing time.
- Recipe: Follow a tested and reliable canning recipe specifically designed for sausage patties.
- Food Safety: Prioritize food safety. Thoroughly cook your sausage and follow proper canning procedures meticulously.
Canning sausage patties is a rewarding process, but only if done correctly. Always prioritize safety and consult reputable canning resources before you begin. Enjoy your home-canned sausage patties!
