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* When the kids aren't in the kitchen, pre-measure all the ingredients for salsa or soup, then let your children dump the ingredients in a cool pan. Older kids can do the measuring themselves, but be sure to supervise. Altering the amount of any ingredient can lead to canned food that spoils. * Let children pit cherries before canning. (Just double check their work, or someone might chip a tooth later!) * Kids with an artistic bent will love making labels for home canned food. Purchase sticky-backed paper at an office supply store for this purpose. Only you know when your child is ready to be more involved in the canning process. I'd say 6th graders are ready to start working on the stove - but do bear in mind your child's individual maturity level and ability to focus on tasks. At this age, most kids can stir a hot pot on the stove (as when making applesauce or jam), but do make sure they understand the safety rules before they begin. Then give the child a long handled spoon for stirring, as well as a good oven mitt for the stirring hand. A quilted apron is also a great idea, and if your child needs a stepping stool, make sure its sturdy. The business of putting hot jars in the canner and removing jars from the canner after processing is best left to tweens and teens.
Great suggestions!
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