Celebrate Can-it-Forward Day

As with many of the domestic arts, canning has made a big comeback. Sales of home canning equipment have been surging since 2008, in large part due to a growing interest in eating more healthfully and reviving traditions from a simpler time. To capitalize on this trend, Jarden Home Brands -- the makers of Ball canning jars -- has partnered with Canning Across America, a nationwide group of food writers, bloggers and cookbook authors with a passion for canning, to create National Can-it-Forward Day on Aug. 13. Consumers are encouraged to learn about canning, then host canning parties in their homes. Or, tune in via the internet for a full day of live streaming coverage of National Can-It-Forward Day events taking place at Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Canning demonstrations will be offered, and some of Seattle's best chefs will share their recipes. Experts and chefs will answer questions in a live online Q&A. The Jarden Home Brands website also offers dozens of free recipes for preserving fresh produce in the form of sweet preserves and savory condiments. Late summer is a great time to take advantage of the bounty of your local farmer's market and create some treats that will last through the winter.