Amanda is a co-founder of Food52.

added almost 3 years ago

You might want to try doing it in 2 batches (not what you wanted to hear, I'm guessing!) -- so the water can boil. May be a dumb question but do you have the lid on the pot?

• 0 People think this is an excellent answer
• Reply
• Flag this answer for inappropriate content

adashofbitters added almost 3 years ago

The instructions say to let it come to a vigorous boil and then lid it up.

• 0 People think this is an excellent answer
• Reply
• Flag this answer for inappropriate content

Amanda is a co-founder of Food52.

added almost 3 years ago

I don't see why not -- seems like you'd want to keep the lid on until the water boils, not the opposite.

• 0 People think this is an excellent answer
• Reply
• Flag this answer for inappropriate content

adashofbitters added almost 3 years ago

At this point, I agree. I'm going to top it up with boiling water to replace what's simmered away, and then lid it up.

When I'm trying something like this for the first time, i tend to follow the device instructions until I have a good reason not to. In this case, I think I have a good reason not to. :)

• 0 People think this is an excellent answer
• Reply
• Flag this answer for inappropriate content

Cathy is a trusted source on Pickling/Preserving.

added almost 3 years ago

You definitely want to put a lid on the canner while the water comes up to a boil. When you hear the boil, turn the water down a bit, to keep it from being overly vigorous and spilling water everywhere. Kooky instructions - not to clearly state Cover The Canner.

• 0 People think this is an excellent answer
• Reply
• Flag this answer for inappropriate content

adashofbitters added almost 3 years ago

Amanda, Cathy:

Thanks to both of you for your advice. I think the tomatoes turned out okay, and I didn't make a huge batch, so even if they didn't, we have room in the fridge.

• 0 People think this is an excellent answer
• Reply
• Flag this answer for inappropriate content