I really don’t know what took me so long to figure this out – it’s just so obvious that I missed it for a very, very long time.
There’s two parts to this little trick and I simply love it.
Part 1 – Measuring
I use mason jars as measuring cups. I was getting tired of counting 8 cups of strawberries for a recipe – and, even worse, would occaisionally lose count as I was cleaning, cutting and measuring on the fly.
So I filled 2 large mason jars – 8 cups.
Part 2 – Cleaning
I then had two mason jars with strawberry juice left in them – you can never get it all out. Just take a look at one:
This is also true of jam and other preserves – there’s always a bit left in the jar that you just can’t get out.
So I now rinse them with carbonated water (there’s no magic measurement – this is the results from 2 jars worth):
The result? An amazingly refreshing spritzer of a drink!
Once I drink it all up, then I clean with soap and water.
I know it’s a cheat of a post – but it’s really fantastic and I’m guessing I’m not the only one who threw the ‘bath water out with the baby’ (reversal of statement intended. :)).
I love tricks like this!
Love these ideas! I’m new to canning and will be taking my first water-bath class next week. I’ll sound like an expert with these tips up my sleeve though ;o)
Cheat, nothing! I’d be thrilled if all your posts were just like this. I love handy household tips!
That’s awesome! And as you well know, I’m a sucker for sparkling water!
Nice, Joel! I’ll keep this one in mind, for sure.
great idea Joel!
What a great idea, Joel. You know I’m a sucker for waste-not-want-not tips like these: the Hubs laughs at me for scraping every last morsel out of a jar of jam. Now I’ll just make Jammy Spritzer!
Great idea! I have a soda siphon, so I’m always looking for new ways to put it to use.
A lovely tip which warms the cockles of my parsimonious heart 🙂
I’m doing it!
I rinse jam containers out with boiling water for a nice refreshing drink too
I’ve never seen a mason jar with a cool looking crest on it. Are yours all like that?
I have been canning for a long time, and I never thought of this! What a great idea! (both of them)