Monday, February 8, 2010

Whetting Your Appetite




Here it is, folks! A preview for my book "Canning & Preserving: All You Need to Know to Make Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Chutneys & More." I had the immensely good fortune of working with a truly talented team, from my editor, copyeditor, proofreader, creative director, photographer, graphic designer, and beyond. The book is a gem, and I'm not saying that merely because I wrote it. It's exactly the sort of book I would've liked to have had in hand when I first fired up the canner.

I've posted below the official description of the book. It is available now for pre-order and will released April 2010, along with "Keeping Chickens: All You Need to Know to Care for a Happy, Healthy Flock" (look here for a preview of that book next week). Both books are part of my "Homemade Living" series, and will be followed up with "Home Dairy" and "Keeping Bees" in April 2011. The first two books can be pre-ordered now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell's Books, and through your local independent book store, via Indiebound.

I hope that you enjoy reading, and learning, from them as much as I enjoyed penning them. Cheers!


"Canning and preserving is back! Finally, here's a book for those who have wanted to try their hand at canning and preserving but have been too intimidated by the massive tomes on the market and disappointed by the simple recipe books that lack the practical, necessary hold-your-hand basics.

This book, part of the launch of the new Homemade Living series, guides you through all of the fundamentals while also explaining to you the why's and how's involved. Learn the tools of the trade, so you can have your kitchen stocked and ready. Get the lowdown on important safety tips. Follow carefully researched Basics on hot water bath processing and pressure canning, complete with step-by-step photos. Find out the Science of Salt and Sugar and why they're so crucial. Find out how to select the best possible ingredients, favoring seasonal, organic and local options when possible.

Learn the essentials of three topic-specific primers: Pickles, Relishes & Chutneys; Jams, Jellies, Butters & Curds; Whole Fruits & Veggies. Each primer offers need-to-know information, troubleshooting tips and at least two Canning Classic recipes with variation ideas.

Then explore the author's unique spin on canning and preserving with her own roster of kitchen-tested seasonal recipes. Each season offers recipes for a curd or butter, chutney, jam or jelly, sauce, and a pickle or relish.

The book features numerous profiles of real people who embrace canning and preserving for different reasons. Interesting sidebars such as Hosting a Canning Party and Packaging & Gift Giving Tips bring newfound skills to life. Gorgeous photos of farmer's markets, fruits and veggies growing on the vine, and completed recipes provide a feast for the eyes."

29 comments:

kristina said...

ooooooooh looks beautiful

Cat W. said...

Ashley these are beautiful! I have some background in print design and publishing, and I have been admiring your canning cover for weeks. So excited that the insides are just as awesome. I really can't wait for Home Dairy!

jen jafarzadeh said...

can't wait — it's the guide I've been waiting for to get canning. congrats ashley — looks beautiful!!

Kim said...

I am so excited! Can't wait for my to get my copy.

Kim said...

Can't wait to pick up my copy! Just in time for this year's harvest.

nicole said...

SO EXCITED!!!

Hip Hip Gin Gin said...

This preview makes me want to get the book and try my hand at making jam! It looks so beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

Great news! Can't wait to get my copy.

Morgan G said...

Congratulations, Ashley! The photos are lovely, content sounds fabulous - I know you'll inspire new canners!

sk said...

Ashley-
It looks wonderful! You have done an awesome job and I can't wait to read it. Er, all of them.

meg said...

Looks gorgeous! I'm looking forward to reading!

Mel - The Organic Mamas said...

Congratulations!!!
You can count on an order from me too!

Sense of Home Kitchen said...

Oh my Ashley, that is beautiful. I will be preordering my copy today.

Anna said...

Congratulations! I look forward to seeing more of it!

Wendy McConnell said...

Looks great, I'm super excited!

tigress said...

it looks lovely! congrats - can't wait to read them all! :)

Karen said...

Ashley, I just recently found your blog...can't wait to get a copy of your canning book!So inspiring!

Anonymous said...

I love the layout and can't wait to get my hands on a copy in a few months! How exciting! I've been making strawberry jam and other mixtures (plus apple sauce and canning tomatoes) for the past few years but your recipes are so refreshing!

Amber Pixie Shehan said...

That looks amazing! I will totally buy one of those. :) I love the layout, colors, order...good job!

Jessie K said...

Congratulations, Ashley! You deserve it!

Pretty Girl said...

Ashley... your book is beautiful. I (pre)ordered a copy of both immediately. I am not sure if I can wait... I might have to try out the blood orange port sauce while I can still get my hands on them. Best of luck.

Jane said...

It looks like a beautiful book. I have a question is it just for beginners?

ashley english said...

Jane-while written with beginner's in mind, there's something here for all levels of canning experience.

Imladris Farm said...

Congratulations, Ashley! What a labor of love! We look forward to trying out these new recipes on this year's harvest!

Jane said...

Ashley,

Thank you. I've had the book on order since you posted the link. Ok I should say, books. Can't wait.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful layout. I have pre-ordered both books.

Kevin Kossowan said...

Sounds like a major and exciting undertaking - good for you!

Anonymous said...

heck, i preordered this weeks ago. can't wait!

Anonymous said...

wow i love that page explaining, jam, jellies etc. I always lump it into being either a marmalade or a jam. haha. What is a confiture..?