Hi Angela - the guideline is that you can always use smaller jars but you cannot go to larger jars. And when you do, you process the smaller jars for the same amount of time as the larger ones. So when using a recipe that calls for pints you can use 1/2 pints but you will still process them for the time given for pints.

But do keep in mind that, assuming you are using an approved recipe, the pint jars can be stored in the fridge for several months after they are opened. So you don't need to consume the entire pint right away.

The safety guidelines have changed a great deal since your Mother's canning days due to ongoing research so please make sure you are using current guidelines and approved recipes.

http://nchfp.uga.edu/

Dave

Thanks for your reply! I couldn't think of a reason why it wouldn't work, but I also haven't seen it done anywhere. Do you think they would be likely to turn out too soft, or will they still be crisp? In such a small quantity they will be up to heat faster than a larger jar.

I know they will keep in the refrigerator, but we really do use them just a few at a time and I would much rather avoid taking up the fridge space if possible. When I am already going to the effort of canning, I would rather can in the size that I use if that is an option.

And don't worry, I have the most up to date version of the Ball blue book.

Yes it is possible that they will be a little softer but it is the side effect of using the smaller jars. But then the sliced pickle recipes, even when done in pints aren't really "crisp" to begin with. Even when you use totally fresh cukes and Pickle Crisp in them, slices make softer pickles in general. That's one reason why many prefer to make whole pickles and then slice them at serving time.

But I have to ask, if you use so few of these pickles at a time why make them? Give some thought to if they are really worth the time, $, and energy used to make them for such little use and if there isn't something else you can use the cukes for that would get more use.

New home canners often fall into the trap of making lots of all sorts of things they actually have little use for and never end up using so much time and energy and produce gets wasted. Give it some though, ok?

Dave

That is a really good point about only bothering with what I will actually use. If it was just me, I almost certainly wouldn't make any pickle chips. I prefer the spears myself, and that is what I am most excited about. My fiance, though, is really into the idea of making the sort of wavy cut pickle slices that he loves. He will probably only use them one or two slices at a time, but if they bring him joy and make him as excited as I am about this project then I will consider it worth the effort.