Canned Green or Wax Beans (Water Bath Method)

Description: These are almost exactly like store-bought canned beans. I prefer fresh or frozen beans but every year I can a few jars just to use in 3 (or 5) bean salad. From Company's Coming Preserves cookbook.

Ingredients:

• 16 cups green beans or 16 cups wax beans, cut in 1 inch lengths
• 32 cups water
• 3/4 cup pickling salt
• 1/2 cup white vinegar

Steps:

1. Pack beans loosely in sterilized jars, leaving an inch of headroom.
2. Bring remaining ingredients to a boil in a large pot.
3. Pour over beans, to within 1/2 inch of the top. Wipe edges of jars with a clean cloth and seal with sterilized lids.
4. Process in hot water bath for 30 minutes.
5. Can be served heated in the liquid from the jar or drained and rinsed, then heated.