The interest in Ball Jars seems to have skyrocketed in the past couple of years. It took me awhile to catch up with the hoopla, but ever since I started making Salar-in-a-Jar, I, too have jumped back on the bandwagon.
LC worked for Ball Corporation in the 70's, so to me canning jars, or "fruit jars" as mother always called them, will always be "Ball Jars" in my house, regardless of the brand.. But I was a new bride in the 70's when LC worked for Ball, mother had always been an avid canner, and since I had to prove that I was my own "woman" heaven forbid if I ever did the things that mother did. In retrospect, how silly that was. And how I wish I could talk to her today and show her all the ways I use Ball jars. She would be so thrilled. And think of all the "goodies" I could have taken advantage of back in the day. I think the only thing I ever got was a Ball Freezing and Canning Book.
In the picture above from Country Living's website, they drilled a hole in the top of a an old zinc lid, inserted a plunger and made a soap dispenser. I've had a badzillion of these old lids, but they're long gone now. I'm sure the antique stores must still have a supply, and of course, eBay. If this interests you, you can access the entire article here.
My friend, Barb, told me last week about a deal on Decor Designs, which she missed, they were selling Ball jars with lids and straws. And it looks like some clever crafter has made them, the instructions are here.
And what is yours truly doing with Ball jars these days other than sealing them with salad in them? Well, I make homemade salad dressing and for years I've used cruets to store it in, mainly those that you get with dry Wishbone Salad Dressing Mix. But recently I had a flash of brightness and realized that it worked much better storing the salad dressing in a pint Ball jar. It's easier to shake, easier to spoon out the dressing. It just works!
And I store leftovers in them, all kinds of leftovers, my refrigerator is lined with these things. And now that I'm making yogurt, they are invaluable. I prefer the wide mouths, they're easier to use, and I have them in quarts, pints, half pints, and jelly jars.
To say these lids have changed my life is a bit much, but O.M.G. these things are wonderful. It's taken my storage to a whole new level. You can't can in these, or pressurize them, but once a can is open, these lids are perfect. My fridge is already full of jars with these lids, I'm going to have to order more! No more rings and lids, no more lids falling off the jars because Jan can't find a ring, plastic storage caps, where have you been all my life?
I hope I gave you some ideas on this gorgeous Tuesday afternoon. It's 51 degrees, the sun is shining, Trisher and I have been out on the golf cart for-ever, just enjoying the day.
Now go order some plastic storage caps and see if it doesn't make your life a little easier. It's those simple things, ladies...
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