This past summer I decided to try canning. My first recipe was for chow chow, a PA Dutch relish. I used only what kitchen equipment I had and bought the mason jars. Once you've prepped the jars and cut up the vegetables, the hard work is over. The chow chow was a hit, especially with my Dad, who's from PA. Next up was Bread and Butter pickles, from a recipe I found on line. I was able to can 11 pints in about three hours and they were so good my kids ate them like candy. I made two more batches and they're all gone. It is so worth the time and effort and not hard at all.