For many years and in large batches, I have been making many kinds of soups, chili, spaghetti sauce ...... and freezing in either wide or regular mouth quart canning jars. I think only 1 jar broke, and that was because the head space was inadequate, which is the key. You need to allow enough head space so the liquid is just below the shoulder. My current freezer is nicely divided, but I used to organize the jars by putting them in 'plastic' milk crates. 2 layers of 9 jars fit perfectly in these crates, and they can be stacked on on another - but if you have that large an aversion to things plastic ....... Al

You are welcome to roll eyes but I do thank-you all in advance for being patient with my questions, all of which you've probably heard a 100 times. 1. I scooped some more white scum off the top of my kraut this morning. The actual kraut under the plate looks good, tastes like kraut but way too salty. I used exactly the amount the Ball recipe called for. Any way to cut this without compromising safety when processed? 2. I seem to remember adding a very tiny amount of sugar and some vinegar to the brine last time I made this (last time I did the individual jar method). Any problem with this? 3. It calls for BWB in the Ball book. It kinda freaks me out to use the brine that I just scooped mold and scum off of. I guess I just need some reassurance. Lori

Yes, I'm a newbie. Don't know if it's normal, but the liquid level in the crock upon opening was almost at the very top--way more than I started with, and as I mentioned, it tasted very diluted compared to the the brine at and below the weighting stones. Gotta love handmade stoneware. The trough on my Gartopf only shows a 1/4" difference between the outer wall (2") and the inner one (2 1/4"). The slots for air are 1/2" tall. The great news, after all of my concerns (my wife was a CSU ag extension service writer and has shared far too many botulism canning horror stories with me) is that my first batch came out great. Really great. I'll keep future trough levels down and look forward to years of great tasting, healthy fermented foods!

Many of the things have been covered so I'll try to avoid duplicates. But another caution: $20 will buy jumper cables good for Texas or Arizona, but not for Minnesota or North Dakota. You'll spend 2-3 times that for a decent set worthy of carrying around here. Check the gauge of the wire and the clamps. Buy from a reputable place, not a discount department store, if you want a good set. Another caution is a cell phone is a good idea but will do you no good without power. Always buy a car adapter and keep it in the vehicle. "Emergency" cell phones, won't be maintained so they won't be charged. Without a charger you stand no chance of using it. Also, be sure to check coverage. Why get one that won't have coverage when you need it? Also, if you need to repair a hose, don't go for the duct tape right away. Electrical tape will seal the hole better. Duct tape won't. Wrap it well with electrical tape and *then* give a wrap of the silver miracle. The grey gold will keep the electrical tape in place better and seal itself better. I always used a coffee can and put a roll of toilet paper in a plastic bag, double bagged, actually. Also had some matches and some large heavy duty garbage bags. A garbage bag will be a one-size-fits-most for a rain poncho, and have numerous other uses. People who use eyeglasses should keep an extra pair in the vehicle, especially if your license requires you to wear them while driving. I always keep water in the vehicle. Sure it freezes in the winter but the small bottles thaw quickly. I also keep aspirin, antacids and the like so I don't have to buy them at outrageous prices if needed. I just take a small bottle and keep a few in there. A roll of paper towels cut in half fits nicely in a coffee can and gives you an alternative to the toilet paper and gives you some ready napkins and something to use to clean up those accidents. Put the garbage bags in there and I like a few wet wipes. Tow chain or a tow strap. Takes little room. Oh, I use the crank flashlights. No need to worry about batteries. I usually like to carry a gallon of window wash fluid (de-icer in the winter) and a gallon of antifreeze. If you break a hose you can get the radiator filled. Dump in the antifreeze and it can get you going to a place to add some water. Or if your near a water source, even a lake, stream or ditch, you have a container for the water. Clothes appropriate for the climate. And a comealong winch is a good idea too. Can extend the reach of the tow strap and you can winch yourself out of a bad spot. And I believe in keeping some cash, including change, in the vehicle. Pay phones used to be a big reason but that's more obsolete now but if you have to buy some gas, or bandages or something, you might find a few dollars handy. Nobody's saying you should carry everything everyone has suggested. Very few people would find a gas wrench useful - most wouldn't know how to use it. So you use it for ideas. Modify it. There is no all-inclusive list that will work for everyone. Some things you would take on a trip but not leave in there all the time. Some things should be in there. Minnesota requires you to carry proof of insurance. I keep one card in my wallet and one in the vehicle. Belt and suspenders I suppose. I still haven't gotten around to stocking my "new" vehicle yet. But probably have most of it in there. When the weather gets nicer I'll clean it out and check inventory against my checklist.