We canned meat, lots and lots of meat. 

On Aug. 7, the Cottonwood Extension District hosted a meat canning class held by K-State Research and Extension Specialist, Karen Blakeslee. We had 15 people attend from Ellis County and several of the surrounding counties, including Russell, Barton, and Ness counties. We canned chicken, beef, and hamburger that afternoon. Some of the attendees had canned before but many of them were new to canning meat. All attendees were able to take home at least one can of each meat.

I was intrigued by canning meat when I took a three-day canning class that Karen offers specifically to agents. We were able to bring home the produce and meat we canned and I found it so easy to put dinner on the table when the meat was ready to go! And the flavor of canned meat is amazing!

In addition to hands on meat canning, Karen spoke about best practices for safe food preservation, dehydration and freezing. Participants went home with lots of handouts and freebies from the Kansas Beef Council as well.

Many thanks to the First United Methodist Church for allowing us to hold programs in their wonderfully stocked kitchen!

If you haven’t had a chance to listen to Karen speak, you are missing out. She is very knowledgeable about all things food preservation. If you are interested in other food preservation workshops, Karen is holding a pickling class in Salina on Aug. 22 from noon-5 p.m. Check out our Facebook page for the details or go to Central Kansas District Facebook page.

If you are interested in learning more about food preservation, please contact Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu or visit the Cottonwood Extension District website at https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.