I'm canning my own favors!

So, I love to cook and I'm a total foodie, so I was trying to figure out how I could make 125-150 edible favors myself. Baking was out of the question because there was no way I was going to have time to bake the day before my wedding. It had to be something that I could make way ahead of time. I also wanted to do something appropriate for November. We debated caramel apples, mini apple pies, mini loaves of cranberry bread, etc, but again, I really wanted to make them myself and I just didn't feel comfortable with the timing involved with any of these things. So.....then it dawned on me - why don't I learn how to can my own jams or preserves. So, I ordered a canner and some jars and taught myself how to do it!

Turns out it's not that difficult and to make things even easier on myself, I've chosen to do pumpkin butter which calls for canned pumkin and doesn't involve skinning or chopping any fruit. I can even make 12 jars at a time. Not too bad...

Made the first batch yesterday and it's awesome and looks awesome in the jar (we got those old fashioned 1/2 pint Ball jars and the pumpkin butter is a gorgeous golden caramel color). We're getting ribbons and labels and little cards to put on the ribbon. Might use the phrase 'SPREAD the love...' or maybe just 'made with love'. I think we may even use them as escort cards - not sure yet.

Once I get some finished - I'll post some pics.

I'm so happy to finally come up with something!

wow what a great idea - i love it!!!!!! Can't wait to see pics.

That sounds so cool!

I am a foodie too and thought about making our own edible favors. In the end, time and convenience won out. I was thinking of making individual loaves of Irish whiskey cake (it's traditionally served in Irish weddings and FH is Irish), but everyone nixed the idea...

i LOVE personalized things like that...sounds beautiful and yummy!!! Great choice!!

Please post pics when you're done. Pumpkin butter sounds so yummy!

Rose it sounds awesome!! You are quite a champ, putting so much work into your favors! Can't wait to see pics!

Sure you don't want to just order Yankee baseballs?

That is a great idea! Good for you!

Sounds great. What a nice touch.
I make my own preserves too, but not with a canner.

A trick I learned to make the jar 'seal' itself - when you fill the jars and close them, turn them upside down for about 10 minutes. Then turn them right side up again. This forces air out of the jars and gives you the airtight seal.
Not sure if your canning process does that. It may because you are cooking the pumkin butter in the jars.

Old fashioned hardware stores usually carry the jars, or in Queens there are two stores called Raindew that carry them too. I think they also have a store in Franklin Square or Manhasset.

Wow, how really nice that sounds, Im sure its yummy too

That's a great idea and sounds yummy!!!
I'd love that favor!