Kabouga wrote:

Hi I am a complete newbie. I would like to make some preserves but how does
one
sterilize containers at home?

Be sure to read our FAQ at: http://www.gbronline.com/jacke/rfpfaq/rfpFAQ.htm
You might want to get a couple books out of the liberry which explain the whys
and
wherefores, or pick up a Balls Blue Book from Walmart.
To answer your question I wash the jars & lids & rings, then place the jars only
in
my boiling water bath (big pot with a rack), cover with water, bring to boil
while
I'm preparing everything else, most often taking more than 15 minutes. The flat
lids
go into a pan and set over warm heat that barely simmers. I usually let my jam
cool slightly after the pectin-sugar-adding and boiling-furiously stage. At
this time
I remove the jars from the bath for filling.
Hope this helps. Do hang around here, lots of good advice & discussion.
Edrena in El Paso