Canning: Apricot Nectar

Thanks to my friend, Jo, I was hooked up with some more apricots to can. I was thrilled (not for the work, but for the free apricots) because I really wanted to get some nectar canned. I plan on using the nectar for juice, salad dressing, and even want to try making my own sorbet. I was able to get 14 quarts of nectar from the local apricots. Yummy!

I have a love/hate relationship with canning. (See these posts: 2008 , 2009, 2010.)

I love that I know how to preserve fresh, local produce. But, I hate that it takes so much work.
I love the reward of looking at my pantry and seeing all the love and hard work that goes into the process. I hate it when I don't get enough of the fruit I want (most of the time I don't get enough pears).
I love saying 'I did that'. I hate the toll it is taking on my pregnant body.

After canning on Tuesday (and last Monday when I canned 15 quarts apricot jam with my friend, Mel) my body ached. I couldn't even really walk that evening because my feet, legs and hips hurt so bad. I felt much better in the morning after a good night's rest, though. Even my thumb was sore from halving all of the apricots.