I don't really can. I did a little when I was little (and my neighbor would can - she used paraffin on the top). Is that what you mean (the old way)? I did can some apple jam last year - and didn't use that. It didn't set the first time (and to do it all over again). Then it did set. (That was just my inexperience)
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Think of canning like high school chemistry lab. Follow all directions to the letter. If not, you can get one of two outcomes: either it messes up, or you poison your whole family..and maybe all your friends, too.