Its good sometimes to do things on your own.
Canning is a simple process. Put food into an heat-proof container, heat it to a safe temperature, and then seal it. Keep the air out and ensure the initial conditions were sterile. The food should then keep a long time. I decided to give it a try.
To go back to the basics, to a time when you could not buy everything at the supermart. I started with 2 fillets of Batang (Spanish Mackerel to some), from the local market, at $6 for the two.
Cut it into rough chunks and stuffed it rather tightly into two glass jars.
I added a little (olive) oil. And then heated the whole can up, in this case, in the oven, when another dish was being cooked.
Capped the cans while they were still hot. As they cooled I heard a distinct “POP” of the partial vacuum sucking down the caps. Now, why would I bother with all this effort? How look at the three cans below:
The all cost about $3 each. The ones I did myself, I know exactly what is in it – just fish, water and oil. The other can which I bought, granted it is from a trusted producer, its probably not made with the same quality of starting ingredients. The canned fish was then fridged.
After two weeks in the fridge, the layer of oil has sealed the fish, and if I had it right, it will all be still almost as fresh as when I sealed it.
It did smell as fresh. Certainly I would have eaten it myself. But for now.,,,,,
Reheated it gently and plated it out for the cats…. yes, they do appreciate their food a little warm!
Nicely prsented. I topped it with a little cat snacks in this case. Some dehydrated salmon and stuff.
Meowbi and Meibi – they couldn’t wait! “Stop fussing with the plating and messing around – let us have it!”
Meowbi, Snowbi and Meibi – beta, gamma and delta!
Meibi didn’t wait for her elders. Dived right in.
Meowbi followed closely……
Can I have more?
What’s all the fuss about? Can I play first? What’s this? Where are my Science Diet biscuits?
Stupid Cat…..
