whynotmi, Don't worry, there's no safety issue. The reason for the rack is that if the jars sit right on the bottom of the pot there is some chance of them breaking, since the pot itself is hotter than the water. I don't think it's actually a very big chance --- I have canned with no rack or anything on the bottom a few times and not had any jars break. But it would make a big mess if one did (and be sad to lose a jarful of yummy stuff!), so a rack is a good idea. I tried a dishtowel once and found it floated up a bit and one jar fell over. I have also tried lining the bottom of the pot with jar rings, and the jars didn't stay upright too well on them but it worked okay. But in the end I also have got a cheap rack from the dollar store, it was meant for cooling a cake I think. It does the job just fine. Good luck and happy canning! Zabby

I forgot to add this: Instead of the 1/2 cup butter, I used 1/4 cup EV olive oil + 1/4 cup butter and it was fine.

Thanks so much! I will make them before Christmas! June Lynn

It depends though: if it will stay Open most of the time and dropped when you want to use the extra space it could work. Also the ledge could be wide enough that some things could be kept on the fixed part at all times. However, we put away the salt and pepper, butter and such after every meal and we have a regular table, Not everyone leaves those things out.