This post is sponsored by Newell Brands, makers of Ball® Home Canning Products; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

As I continue developing as an adult, there are two areas I have been steadily trying to get a handle on; the ever mounting laundry and cooking!

My active business and travel schedule has not allowed me to maintain a consistent laundry routine (yet), however, I am proud to say, I am making great strides in the cooking department!

Being relatively new to cooking, I have discovered that small-batch canning has been so useful in helping me to meal prep as I aim to have fresh, quality easy to prepare ingredients that are absolutely delicious!

Ball® Home Canning has become a must-have for my meal prepping routine. I first witnessed my grandfather use Ball® jars as a little girl. He used ingredients straight from his garden to make jams, fruits, his famous chow chow (comment down below if you know what that is) and homemade wine. Fascinated by the process and amazed by the results, I decided to make Apricot Preserves with the Ball® half-pint jars.  I also got my hands on some the Aqua Vintage Jars which were created to celebrate the 135th Anniversary of the beloved brand!

As a canning novice, I found the materials I need at my local Target ( they are also online – https://bit.ly/2VgS4eq ) where I bought the Ball® Preserving Starter Kit which included all of the tools I needed to go from novice to expert!

Fun fact! In 1880, Frank and Edmond Ball purchased the Wooden Jacketed Can Company with just $200 so I feel honored and humbled that I am able to partner with Ball® as they are celebrating their 135th Anniversary and share such an important part of my family history, home, and kitchen with you.

…So let’s jump into making these delicious Apricot Preserves!

To get started, you will only need:

5 cups halved, peeled, pitted, apricots (about 2 pounds)

4 cups of sugar

1/4 cup lemon juice

However, I suggest you visit freshpreserving.com and search for Apricot Preserves for step by step instructions and other delicious recipes! Their instructions are extremely clear and easy to follow. …I followed it step-by-step and it was a lot easier than I thought.  Spoiler alert! I’ve already used my Apricot Preserves on toast and used it as a topping on ice cream – it was sooo yummy!

Using Ball® Home Canning has not only made cooking so much easier but it has also been such an enjoyable part of my culinary experience. As summer is quickly approaching, I think this would be a great gift for a loved one and/or friend. I plan on gifting the Ball® Preserving Starter Kit to a close friend who just purchased a home – I think it would be ideal as a housewarming present.

I hope you have a chance to grab your Ball® Preserving Starter Kit and Ball® jars from your local Target (Linked Here: https://bit.ly/2VgS4eq) as I promise you, you will not be disappointed! I cannot wait to see all the delicious recipes you make and do not forget to tag and @BallCanning in your photos using the hashtag #Ball135, we would love to see them!

I really enjoyed sharing this with you…. Please stay connected as I love you, I am praying for you and remember, we are in this thing called life together! Happy Ball® Canning Loves! – Chauncea