Book Review + Giveaway: The Art of Preserving

Food & Beverage Workshop

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For me, summer is at its peak when my Dad and I make jam. Ever since I was a kid, we have spent a few weekends each July and August gathering plums, strawberries, blackberries, and apricots to make gleaming jars of preserves. (I always think of Greg Brown’s song “Canned Goods,” where he says “you can taste a little of the summer/ my grandma’s put it all in jars.”)
I’ve never done much other preserving, however, so I was completely delighted to get a chance to look at The Art of Preserving. Like everything Williams-Sonoma does, it’s beautiful: the photos are gorgeous, the size is just right (it’s big enough to lay flat on the counter for easy reference), and even the graphic design is a pleasing blend of modern and homey old-fashioned. The book is full of helpful tips, techniques, and resources, which really push this into the “must-have reference” category.
Best of all, though, are the recipes. Written by three preserving veterans, The Art of Preserving makes it clear that you really can preserve just about anything, from the classics to pickled fennel and rhubarb chutney. They cover jams, jellies, pickles, salsas, chutneys, flavored butters, honeys and vinegars, and even infused spirits and olive oils. Wow! Better yet, each section has paired recipes that make me drool, like a spicy peach-mustard sauce for a pulled pork sandwich, potato fritters with apple-onion chutney, or pavlova with lime curd and berries. I think I need to invest in a serious preserving setup because now I want to try every recipe in the book.
Book Giveaway Time!
Three lucky CRAFT readers will win a copy of The Art of Preserving. Just tell us why you would like this book in the comments. All comments will be closed by Noon PST on Wednesday, July 28, 2010. The lucky winners will be chosen randomly and announced later on the site. Good luck!
UPDATE: The giveaway is now over! Winners will be announced on the site shortly. Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments and keep experimenting!

322 thoughts on “Book Review + Giveaway: The Art of Preserving

  1. annem76 says:

    Trying to save money, eat healthy, and not waste veggies from our CSA, I took my first canning class this spring — and I’ve become obsessed. I’ve tried to experiment a little — balsamic-strawberry-no-sugar jam, two jars of pickled garlic scapes — but really, I don’t know what I’m doing. I’d love a book to show me how.

  2. star5 says:

    I used to help my grandma canning things as a kid, but never learned how to actually do it on my own. Now she’s not around to show me how, but I’d like to keep that tradition going.

  3. Boogaj says:

    I love the William Sonoma cookbooks and have this one on my wishlist. It would be perfect for me as I am really getting into canning. I’ve already done strawberry and blueberry jam this year, but would like to try something new.

  4. citizenrobot says:

    I’m sick of buying chutney at the store. I hate the way people leer at you at the checkout stand. “Look at that girl who can’t make her own chutney” they whisper under their breaths, with barely-concealed disdain!
    But seriously! I have a thriving backyard garden and would like to figure out how to make some of this produce last longer than 1 week!

  5. JadeCat9 says:

    I do a lot of cooking, and I have friends who give me stuff from their gardens (Unfortunately I have brown thumbs). I’d love to be able to learn how to can things for myself.
    I already do a lot of self-sustaining DIY projects. It’d be nice to add this skill to a growing repoitoire. You know, in case of the zombie apocalypse. :-)

  6. smittenheart says:

    I have ALWAYS wanted to learn how to can fruits and veggies!! I REALLY wanted to get some done for gifts and hostesses gifts!!
    I am soooooo excited *grin*

  7. tenacious_o says:

    i love preserves and canning. my grandmother taught me how when i was very young and i love trying new recipes and giving friends new jars of my latest creation. this book sounds like a it’d be a great addition to my shelf.

  8. jen says:

    I just made my first batch of pickles – now I’m hooked and would love to learn more.

  9. alszoo says:

    My garden is producing and need to be preserving!

  10. jen says:

    I just made my first batch of homemade pickles – now I’m hooked and want to learn more.

  11. Sarah says:

    My husband and I recently switched to a more organic way of eating, and we get excellent fruits and veggies through a local co-op. Sometimes we are not able to eat it all – and sometimes it is just so good I want to share with others! I would love to learn preserving to broaden what we can do with all that good stuff.

  12. tenacious_o says:

    i love preserves and canning. my grandmother taught me how when i was very young and i love trying new recipes and giving friends new jars of my latest creation. this book sounds like a it’d be a great addition to my shelf.

  13. Jennifer says:

    Wow, this book sounds amazing. I would especially like to learn how to make olive oil infused with different herbs. I hope I win!

  14. danielle says:

    There is so much satisfaction that comes from making things yourself. I’ve only recently started canning and I think it would be great to get this book… besides my library has not yet gotten this title.

  15. wendycopley.myopenid.com says:

    I started canning this spring and i’ve got jam pretty well down now, but I haven’t tried making anything else yet. I’d love a big book to inspire me and get me going.

  16. Stacey says:

    With all my food allergies, it would be great to learn the art of preserves and be able to enjoy them without fear of any unknown ingredients!

  17. Pompon says:

    I LOVE gadening, I grow one every summer, unfortunatly I live in Saskatchewan, which I am sure has the shortest summers ever. I am forced to freeze yummy summer produce from our farmers market and garden to ration throughout our painfully long winter season. It would be so lovely to learn how to preserve my garden harvest and farmers market goodies to last on through till the next summer and keep me from binging on fresh rasberries.
    i heart craftzine

  18. rumplemintz says:

    My mom is the most amazing lady ever- she gardens and sews and makes her own preserves, pickles, sauerkraut and kimchi. I just started preserving and no matter what I do, my preserves never EVER taste as good as hers! I’d be delighted to have a book to help me on my way!

  19. felis44 says:

    What a coincidence! I just went to the library today and picked up a book on preserving. I’ve done some in the past, and wanted to start up again so that I could have some locally grown produce in the winter instead of buying frozen/canned from far afield. This book would be a big help!

  20. Sarah says:

    This is such a lost art! I would love to learn more!

  21. Elli says:

    I just got a canning kit for my birthday, and I have no idea where to start. It’s a shame that the kit didn’t come with this book too! Maybe I’ll get lucky!

  22. sweetpeatx says:

    Oh, I love Williams-Sonoma books, and would love to learn to make chutneys. Hope I win.

  23. amysewstx says:

    Thanks for the givaway! I would love to be able to give a copy of this book to my mom. She has started canning and preserving recently. She has had great success as a beginner, but needs some help to move on to the next stage. This book seems like something to help her out.

  24. adrea says:

    I not only want this book but absolutely need it. My fiance and I planted so many squash plants that I have been shredding, chopping, pureeing and baking it into everything and we still have a ton. I need some direction on preserving…..Help me, help the squash!

  25. sy says:

    i could eat the book cover. would love to try the recipes in the book and make some jellys.

  26. Brooke1209 says:

    I would love to win. I just started canning and am in desperate need of helpful direction!

  27. Mackenzie says:

    I would love to be able to save some of the great summer produce I have here, I think this book would be great! Thanks!

  28. Elicia says:

    Hi! Thanks so much for this awesome giveaway! I am learning to grow a vegetable garden and would love to be able to enjoy the things I’m growing all year long but need a place to learn what to do. This book would be perfect!

  29. Jackie says:

    My garden is producing so much this year, that I really need to find ways to preserve all of the goodness. Thanks for the review.

  30. themodernhome.com says:

    I’d love this book! I need to start branching out and trying new things to preserve. This book looks like it’s full of great ideas and recipes.

  31. Just-in says:

    I’ve just realized that I do have some cookbooks already, but none of them contain information about food preserving. I’d be glad to learn more in this field :)

  32. firstthingsfirst.myopenid.com says:

    I need this book so I can do a better job of preserving the bounty from my garden this season!

  33. Heavy Gel says:

    I too have a summer garden. I am also a busy student and when I have a spare moment I like to use it cooking. Most of my meals I prepare ahead of time so I can take it with me later, I would love to know how to preserve my summer to stay with me during the harsh Chicago winters.

  34. Missuss says:

    Just canned salsa for the first time yesterday, and did marmalade earlier this year. I would love to have a book with good ideas and recipes for more!

  35. cygnetsmall.wordpress.com says:

    Yes please. I could use some recipes so that I am not afraid of messing things up! Usually I fly by the seat of my pants but with preserving I have never felt comfortable working that way.

  36. Erinn Wright says:

    I have been growing some veggies on my balcony this year and just recently have been toying with the idea of preserving – this sounds like the perfect book to get me started! Would love to have a copy!

  37. Dawn says:

    I am with annem76, I get all these fantastic veggies and fruits in my CSA bin, and I want to be able to save some for the winter and spring when veggies are sadly lacking. Also last year I discovered the art of making Jam, and am totally in love.

  38. Megera says:

    That looks like a great book! I’d love to do more preserving. I made my first batch of apricot jam a few months ago and would love to branch out.

  39. Erytanthes says:

    And this book could definitely help me get exactly the kind of jams I want and introduce me to a whole new variety of recipes for canning!

  40. schnetzy says:

    I would absolutely love this book. I have made jam before but never known how to do anything more than that in regards to preserving. My grandma used to preserve all kinds of things but I never got a chance to learn her secrets. Now about to have our first child I wish I knew more about preserving and then could pass that on to my child. This book would be a great taking off point. So please pick me!

  41. schnetzy says:

    I would absolutely love this book. I have made jam before but never known how to do anything more than that in regards to preserving. My grandma used to preserve all kinds of things but I never got a chance to learn her secrets. Now about to have our first child I wish I knew more about preserving and then could pass that on to my child. This book would be a great taking off point. So please pick me!

  42. amysueno says:

    I would love to learn to make preserves!
    I just moved from California to Illinois while trying to eat local. It’s difficult to eat local in Cali… I can’t imagine the new challenges I will be facing in Illinois!
    Interesting that going green may mean getting back to my family’s southern roots. As farmers with large families my forefathers saved and canned and used everything!
    Yay for the green/roots art of canning!

  43. Steel City Knitter says:

    OOO! I started canning last summer and got a steam canner. I love it, but I haven’t moved past basic jams and fruit preserves yet. I would love to get fancier!!!

  44. littlebluehen.com says:

    One of my goals for this summer is to learn to can. The book would be a great step to helping avoid botulism! Hooray!

  45. ricker says:

    With two CSA memberships, a community garden plot and a tiny NYC kitchen with a mini fridge, I have been canning all summer. I currently use Ball’s Blue Book Guide for recipes, but I have been looking for something more advanced. I think I would like this book because the recipes are more varied plus they give recipes for food you can make with your canned goods.

  46. KathyOK says:

    I just started canning last month; and would love more information and recipes to take advantage of the fresh fruits and vegetables! Thanks for the giveaway!

  47. selysia_1 says:

    In the past year I’ve made many changes in my life, including commitments to eat better and make smarter, more conscious choices about where I get the food my family eats. From a former eat-out-three-nights-a-week, Tim Hortons-bucket-of-coffee junkie to a frequenter of Farmer’s Markets and pick-your-own stands, it’s been quite a journey. Learning to make my own jam and preserve some of our local Ontario produce has been part of that – I’ve now made a couple different jams and the results have been good. I haven’t a clue where to start with canning and preserving beyond that though, and could really use the advice and help this book would offer!

  48. elana says:

    I’ve just started canning (Susie Gibbs from Juniper Moon Farm has been my inspiration!) and would LOVE to get this so that I don’t make my family sick!

  49. hardrockcrossing says:

    I recently moved to the Bay area and have been fascinated by all the high quality (relatively low cost) fresh produce available. Now that the spring/summer has rolled around, I love going to farmers markets and finding great deals! I’ve also become obsessed with trying to grow things that I eat and preserving the wonderful produce! I’d love to have a book to teach me more about canning and preserving!

  50. Katie N says:

    This would be lovely to win. I have recently started going to pick-your-own farms and have a ton of fruit I would love to save other than baking into lots of pies.

  51. Erin says:

    This years marks the second year I’ve made a simple blackberry jam and the first that I’ve branched out and tried, gasp, pickles! Instead of running to the library for a reference guide I’d love to have such a well-reviewed resource! Hope I’m a lucky one!

  52. Loralee says:

    It’s been 2 years now I’ve been eating local and in-season. I’ve frozen a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, but I’d love to learn to can and be able to enjoy (no pun intended) the fruits of my labors!

  53. jalphaiv says:

    Fun! I have toyed with preserving the last couple of years, since we have been growing some of our own food, but it seems so daunting. This would definitely help give me a push to just do it!

  54. Olivia says:

    I’ve recently become interested in all things craft-y, and I would love to have this book to expand my horizons. That, and my boyfriend has challenged me to make better pickles than him (a feat neither of us have tried). Actually knowing something about canning and preserves would give me a one-up…and hopefully satisfy my competitive side!

  55. JenniM says:

    I have the good fortune to live only blocks from a wonderful daily farmer’s market, and I have a basement space that’s just calling out to become a canned food pantry. This book would be thoroughly enjoyed!

  56. Green says:

    since started living and learning how to be green and eco-friendly on our daily necessities and pleasures, one of the next steps for me would be learning the art of preserving…just about everything! great way for not wasting produce and saving some money on the long run.
    great giveaway!thanks!

  57. Snickidy says:

    doesn’t like my jam. He thinks the recipe on the back of the pectin box is too sweet, which it is. Also, it would be nice to have a preserves cookbook that’s more current than 1970.

  58. Meg says:

    My granddad was the jam maker in the family. I’d love to pick up the tradition. This book would help!

  59. Ryu says:

    My mother and I started what has turned out to be a very successful and bountiful garden, but neither of us know much about how to preserve the food. Mostly we give it to friends and family, but it would be really great to learn “the art of preserving” to enjoy our garden’s hard work all year round!

  60. PenguinBot says:

    I made my first marmalade with my husband’s grandmother a few months ago, I’d love to start doing more!

  61. vertigoxcured says:

    they had it at costco for 17 bucks! a steal considering the cover price is 30! i have got all my supplies and my first canning batch is going to be the pickeled okra! i cant wait!

  62. HuzzahTuesday says:

    I made the chutney that you had posted on the blog months ago, and I really loved the entire process. I would love to learn how to preserve more things. I liked the canning a lot, and I’ve been looking for more things to do with the wonderful delicious noms that the local farmers market has. I would like to find something exciting to make to give as favors at my wedding in September.

  63. CaitieBeans says:

    I always buy too much produce at the farmer’s market, and I also get deeply depressed in the winter when I can’t get seasonal produce. Canning could solve both my problems in one fell swoop! I already can a little bit and freeze some foods but I think this book could inspire me to preserve a lot more, and to be more intentional with how I use my preserved foods.

  64. papelhilo says:

    i love canning ! that’s my ultimate hobby, in fact !! i would love to know more about it…

  65. papelhilo says:

    i love canning ! that’s my ultimate hobby, in fact !! i would love to know more about it…

  66. papelhilo says:

    i love canning, as i have a lot of fruits from my garden, but i wish i knew more about it !

  67. papelhilo says:

    oops sorry for the many comments i left ! (first time i do so !)

  68. kunni says:

    I would love to learn how to do this.

  69. jlome.myopenid.com says:

    I am learning how to preserve the bounty of my garden and of the local farmers’ markets. I have a couple of books on preserving and attended a short cooperative demo at a local farmers’ market. I have bought some jars and a water bath canner and I am looking forward to canning some fruits in various forms. I love books, particularly cookbooks and I would treasure this one.

  70. theresab says:

    I buy seasonal produce and so the winter has been all about frozen foods for my family. I would love to learn about preserving foods in other ways with this book.

  71. StitchinSweetSue says:

    Seems like almost everyone but me knows how to make jam! I really need this kitchen skill and would be very happy for the chance to win such a great resource, thx:)
    StitchinSweetSue

  72. StitchinSweetSue says:

    I’d love to learn how to *put up” jam as they said way back when and would be happy for the chance to win such a great kitchen resource. Williams Sonoma books rock!
    StitchinSweetSue

  73. Caitlin says:

    I’ve always wanted to learn and this seems like a really gorgeous book!

  74. Nadia says:

    This is definitely something I’ve always wanted to learn! The images are fabulous, thanks for the opportunity to win!!

  75. Leah@bushelandpecks.blogspot.com says:

    Canning has been a big thing this summer, but only veggies. I need a resource to can anything else….

  76. Leah@bushelandpecks.blogspot.com says:

    Canning has been a big thing for me this summer, but only for veggies. I would need additional resources to preserve any other items.

  77. Leah@bushelandpecks.blogspot.com says:

    I pickled and made salsa already this year and this book would have been an excellent resource. I need this for future canning….

  78. CaitlinGracie says:

    I’ve made jam but not much else. I would love to learn to make pickled fennel and the other great things in this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

  79. bethanye says:

    As my title explains, I am starting out as a housewife on a limited budget, and being able to preserve the produce that I grow or purchase on sale for the winter would be an invaluable skill.

  80. Nadia says:

    I would love to learn how to do this, and the photos on the cover are fabulous! Thanks for the opportunity!

  81. femmeknitzi says:

    I just started learning a thing or two about preserving but I have so much to learn. I started easy by canning pickles and even though the POWER went out in the middle of boiling the jars they all sealed perfectly! Next, I want to try applesauce. But I want to know how much I can do without having a pressure canner. We certainly can’t afford to invest in one unless I’m sure that we’ll really use it so I need to learn a whole lot more about canning and preserving.

  82. kellyknu says:

    I would love this book because I love to can and preserve, especially with my mom, and we really enjoy trying new things!

  83. glowmeister says:

    Years ago my sister did the canning thing. Made some really yummy jams. They were on a budget so that’s what they gave out for Christmas presents. They canned a fair amount. Then they split up and she canned no more. After a while I think she just thought it was the doing it alone thing that kept her from canning again. Then…last week she decided she wanted to make jam again. She got everything she needed for the project, but then when she got home she realized the true reason she hadn’t been canning. All the equipment was one of the things that left in the break up. She called me all sad because she didn’t want to get a whole new set up just to make jam. I think that this book will inspire her (because she is more open to exotic foods and recipes than me) with new recipes to try. And then she will want to go out and get a new set up and reclaim doing something that she truly does love to do. Thanks.

  84. ponderonit1 says:

    I would love to win this book because I am just really developing a love for preserving food. I love the idea of knowing exactly what goes into the food I’m feeding my family. I have really gotten into canning and freezing this year, and it takes me back to my childhood memories of doing this with my parents and grandparents. My children are beginning to show an interest in this lost art as well, and I’d love to pass on this love of preserving food to them as well.

  85. Tracy hanson says:

    Especially if I win the Canning Book!!!

  86. kathyjordansaff says:

    I’m so excited to check this book out for myself! I just bought the basic canning setup and I have a garden full of goodies that are nearly ready for preserving.

  87. justylev says:

    I spent hours sweating and stooping and plucking to pick blueberries to make blueberry jam. I cleaned and measured and mixed and boiled and stirred and poured and sealed and cooled…hours of labor…
    AND….. IT TURNED OUT TO BE BLUEBERRY SOUP not JAM.
    (It does taste delish on my homemade vanilla ice cream)
    …still..when it comes to making jam…..
    I NEED HELP!!!!!!

  88. sandiegokristi says:

    I have been slightly obsessed with learning to can and this book will be the perfect start to getting everything into gear. Plus I would really love to teach my boys how to can. It would be a really fun project we could do together.

  89. spinkitty says:

    I could really use this book. I know I should can stuff to save money, but I also know that I don’t know enough about the process to do it successfully. This book would enable me to learn what I didn’t have teachers for earlier in life.

  90. gakreiner says:

    As someone who has canned for years, I need some new ideas.

  91. Debby says:

    I’m fortunate to live in an area where there is lots of produce locally grown. I’d love to be able to do some of the preserving that my mother used to do. This book looks like the inspiration and help I need. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

  92. steamybowl says:

    I’ve spent my last 2 weeks canning okra and making jam but this book would take my preserving to new heights!
    I’m on a mission to stop buying anything from the store that’s canned or jarred…this book would help me!

  93. dimloep-suum.myopenid.com says:

    My family and I are canning fiends, and are always looking for new recipes to try. I’d love to share this book with them.

  94. Emma Hall says:

    Oh yes please! I just had my first foray into canning a couple weeks ago, and am off to a great start!

  95. Maria Paz says:

    Having a garden at home is great and I am enjoying delicious results of our efforts this summer. But also, knowing how to preserve food is the perfect complement for our garden adventures, so we can enjoy the food we grow throughout the year. I just need to learn how, and this book would the perfect way to start!

  96. Natalya says:

    As part of my on-going project to re-discover the way my parents lived (in Ukraine), and as a way of becoming more self-sufficient, in preparation for apocalypse :) I would actually also like to make my own fruit preserves without sugar – they generally are too sugary for me.
    librik@yahoo.com

  97. dinergirl says:

    YUM.
    That is all.

  98. Noga G. says:

    because at the summer i miss the winter’s fruit and vegetebales, and vice versa!

  99. Noga G. says:

    because at the summer i miss the winter’s fruit and vegetebales, and vice versa!

  100. hpsusanna says:

    When I moved back to Ohio from NYC, I rediscovered many simple pleasures that I never had time for in the city: knitting, gardening and now, canning. Like many others who have posted here, I’ve tried most of the basics. Now Ball has come out with some lovely modern canning jars, and I would like to try some specialty recipes to give as gifts this Christmas, and to use up some of my CSA. If I win, I’ll provide you with samples!

  101. Anne says:

    I’m a beginner when it comes to preserving. Made some tangerine marmalade that is wonderful. It’s time to explore pickles and jams.

  102. Amy says:

    I just did my first freezer plum jam this year. I would love to learn how to make other preserves.
    Who doesn’t like the taste of summer all year round. :)

  103. mspatra says:

    Because I woke up at 6:45 today to make bread and butter pickles. During a heat wave, before I went off to a double shift at work. The cukes were ripe, time’s a wastin.

  104. ambrerose says:

    I actually just taought my sister how to make jam the other day and can it. I would love to have a bunch more recipes to try. ambrerose(at)aol(dot)com

  105. Pirate says:

    Wild raspberries grow in abundance near my house. I would love to make jam from them.

  106. Annie says:

    I have just recently bought a bunch of canning supplies, but I haven’t preserved anything yet. This book would sure help with that!

  107. kate morar says:

    In the words of the infamous musical duo Simon and Garfunkel:
    “I prefer boysenberry
    More than any ordinary jam.
    I’m a “Citizens for Boysenberry Jam” fan.”
    -Punky’s dilemma
    In short—-
    I love jams and preserves. I would love to win this book to take advantage of the wonderful farmer’s markets that they bay area has to offer!

  108. chicphillychick says:

    Canning always reminds me of my Mother. During summer and the fall she would can everything can-able. It’s a pleasant memory of her standing in front of the steaming pot on the stove. However, it also reminds me of the neighborhood “crazy lady.” She used to come over when she was lonely with a jar of jam she made. We always invited her in for tea, but we never, ever ate her jam. She didn’t know how to can! It was a fright! I would love to have this book – I’d like to follow in my Mother’s steps. This book is so attractive, with a contemporary tone. Williams-Sonoma has the best cookbooks!

  109. Cyn says:

    I was getting a surplus of ugly tomatoes from the garden and thought they’d be great for cooking with in the winter. I think the jar is sealed…I hope the jar is sealed. My mom grew up on a farm and remembers canning and jarring, but not how to can and jar.
    Also, my guy can get “on the edge” produce from his work cheap or even free. So, it would be going to help poor just out of college us.

  110. A bird called Mo says:

    …is not on my list! But all the edibles in my kitchen are in desperate need of an old fashion preservation treatment. How I’d love to have this book as my guide to get more out of fruit and veggies for a longer period of time:)

  111. drmom says:

    When I was growing up, my mom made the best bread & butter pickles each summer. My aunt makes awesome jam. I live by neither of them, and have been freezing stuff, like my marinara, in jars which is a no-no. Our new place comes with 2 plum trees, plus we’re part of CSA, so I need help! Lots of help!

  112. Carrie says:

    And a copy of this book would be perfect!

  113. Dominique says:

    I would love to make preserves form the fruits and veggies that I’ve been growing in the horticulture department of my school. My grandmother used to add almost all of the ingredients for a dinner in a jar and just add meat to them later. It would also help me to save the extra crops that I might lose if I don’t eat them all soon… Please help!

  114. equisetaceae says:

    Yum!
    My garden is just starting to produce and this book would be a lovely addition to my kitchen-garden!! There is nothing better than a ‘taste of summer’ when the snow starts to fly!
    thanks for making it available to us as a draw!

  115. KAR says:

    We should all have a copy of this book so that we could all “put up” as much food as we can. I just saw some old posters from WWII that were all about gardening and canning in order to save on food during the war. No reason we shouldn’t be more self sustaining now too. And those who raise more food than they can use can pass it on to those who need it.

  116. jules says:

    The reasons I’d love to win this book are too numerous: CSA produce preservation, Amy at Williams-Sonoma highly recommended this book at her techniques class this morning, and my brother can run circles around me when it comes to canning! I need this book.

  117. kristin roach says:

    This book looks so amazing. I’m gardening and preserving for the first time this year and it’s just so much fun! This week I’ve been pickling cucumbers and storing potatoes and onions in the pantry. Can’t wait to check this book out with my own eyes.

  118. mikki says:

    i just got into canning and would love this book. i’m planning my wedding and want a canned buffet of local canned goods so it would be perfect.

  119. CraftyKate says:

    I’ve been dying to learn how to preserve! Buying more fresh food is important to me but it’s often hard to eat it all before it goes bad and I’m aching to learn how to preserve what I buy. Having fresh, homemade food all year long for my boys and I would be awesome!

  120. waxpear says:

    i have too many peaches from my csa.
    and so many veggies that i would love to can
    but i need new great recipes!

  121. solipasolim.wordpress.com says:

    I just LOVE cooking and canning! And I’m always into trying something new. So this book would be perfect for my next kitchen-madness!

  122. LilikoiKnits says:

    I grew up with my parents doing jam and pickles and really would like to pass this on to the next generation, but need all the help I can get.

  123. klingnerin says:

    I started canning last autumn with my very first plum jam. I loved it (making it and eating it) and would love to try many new things in the world of canning.

  124. mefamily says:

    my husband and i have lost 3 jobs between us in the last 1 1/2 yrs. last year, my husband tore out an old blacktop driveway and installed gardens so that we could save money and eat healthier by growing our own food. this year, we are doing just that! i have been wanting to learn to can for years and last month i made my first batch of jam. now i’ve got a bunch of pickling cucumbers ready to go and am excited to try picking/canning. i would LOVE this book because we are really trying to use this recession as an opportunity to get closer to what is important…and learning how to grow and preserve our food is a step along the way. this book seems like it would be a really useful companion in my kitchen as i navigate this new world! thanks!

  125. mefamily says:

    i am a suburban nyc girl who transplanted me and my family to the country after our first child was born. you have to make your own work to sustain yourself in this rural area. my husband and i have lost 3 jobs between us in the last 1 1/2 yrs. last year, my husband tore out an old blacktop driveway and installed gardens so that we could save money and eat healthier by growing our own food. this year, we are doing just that! i have been wanting to learn to can for years and last month i made my first batch of jam. now i’ve got a bunch of pickling cucumbers ready to go and am excited to try picking/canning. i would LOVE this book because we are really trying to use this recession as an opportunity to get closer to what is important…and learning how to grow and preserve our food is a step along the way. this book seems like it would be a really useful companion in my kitchen!

  126. Aunt Lola says:

    My girlfriend and I planted a huge garden this spring, and this weekend we decided to make our first attempt at canning. We made six jars of pickles and 11 jars of pear butter, both recipes from the Ball Blue Book of Canning that came with the starter’s kit. I’d love another book of instructions and recipes!

  127. adaycalledzero says:

    I just love canning and preserving, that’s all!

  128. Ms. MonkeyPants says:

    I’ve been putting up all summer and always want new recipes!

  129. haliegirl says:

    My mom did tons of canning when I was a kid, and my dad even did a bit (although he mostly confined himself to salsa). I haven’t done much canning and preserving now that I’m on my own and I’d love to get back into it.

  130. Mercy Azarcon says:

    My husband and I have been canning for a couple of summers. Whole fruit and tomatoes. No problem! Totally stumped by jams. Can never seem to get them to gel naturally. There is a batch of nectarine chutney in the fridge we have to reheat and fix up somehow. Would love to have a reference that goes beyond the Ball Blue Book. Thanks!

  131. Beans says:

    We’re getting married this August. I can’t believe it’s in less than a month! It’s a DIY shindig in an orchard. We have our first garden together and I would love to give this to my future spouse as a present. We have this dream of having a very full freezer and cans lined up everywhere…but, we’ve never canned before! We have a rule that we’re not allowed to spend any money on the gift, so this would be perfect!

  132. Jeames says:

    While I’ve done some dehydrating, I’m still afraid of canning – I think this book will help me learn to do it safely and creatively.

  133. catherine says:

    Actually made my first batch of strawberry jam yesterday and can’t wait to try more!

  134. JMM says:

    After years of listening to my Mom and sisters tell me I should can, I finally learned this year, and I am so glad. I have been trying different recipes — raspberry vinegar to make dressings and dips is my favorite so far — and plan to make gift baskets with the yummiest jars this holiday season for relatives and friends. This fabulous Williams-Sonoma cookbook not only would give me more tasty canning and food recipes, but I could write out the suggested recipes on cards to accompany gift jars. What a great combination!

  135. Heather says:

    I’ve done some preserving and want to do more. I plan to increase my use of “local ingredients” and preserving some is the answer to the off-season for many fruits and vegetables. I would LOVE to get some ideas and recipes from this book.

  136. DreamsofYarn says:

    I’ve been so curious about where to start with preserves and wanting to try my hand at it. I would LOVE a copy of the book to get myself started.

  137. Kaittles281 says:

    What a great book, I would use it like crazy! I absolutely adore anything pickled, and have been wanting to experiment with making my own pickled delights for a while. It looks like there are some preserved lemons on the cover–this is another item I’m dying to make! What a fun, useful book!

  138. Rexfordmoose says:

    Have to admit I’ve been canning for years, but you tend to get stuck in the rut of using the same recipies over and over. It would be great to try something new! Looks like a lovely book.

  139. akmiles says:

    I have been checking this book out at the library over and over again, save the library! If I had this book then perhaps others could finally enjoy this book too! thanks

  140. Random Creativity says:

    I would love to win! I was just gifted some lovely jars and a lifter so I need some ideas to fill them with :-)

  141. TiffLovesSly says:

    For the past 8 months I have been organizing weekend fruit gatherings in my neighborhood. I’ve made some wonderful connections with neighbors, friends, and interested folks who have fruit trees and lots of fruit to give away. I invite people in my community to meet up with me on the weekend and we go forage through our urban neighborhood for delicious fruits. I usually concoct large batches of jams, preserves, and fruit sauces as a thank you to the owners of these beautiful fruit trees. I would love to enhance my recipes and hopefully encourage this urban foraging/ zero waste movement I am so proud to be a part of.
    ALSO: I love love love love you, CRAFTZINE!
    Thanks for being the best!

  142. norarachel says:

    I need more ways to preserve the veggies coming in from my farm share. We just tried pickled kholrabi and are inspired to try other new things.

  143. Natalie Zee Drieu says:

    Manually entering in s. nicole henke.

  144. twinks says:

    …and that’s been a joke in my family forever – my brother has more skills in the kitchen they say. Perhaps, but I’ve found something I love to do and my friends and family are reaping the benefits…preserves.
    For whatever is in season I search through receipes to find things I’d like to try. I’ve even started to get a little creative with jams by mixing fruits – biggest success so far: “Strawberry/Rhubarb/Mango jam!
    I visit my parents (both 87 years old) every month (they live 3 hours away). Now my father greets me on the porch expectantly, what did I bring him to try! My biggest fan.
    I’d love to have a new book on preserves – would it come in time for my zucchinis in September if I won? LOL. I’m growing them (also a first for me) just so I can say the end product is from my own garden. Planted some strawberries and raspberries too, hopefully next year I’ll have my own harvest. In the meantime, I’ll keep on experimenting and learning the tricks of the kitchen crafts of old – fabulous to know what I’m making is healthy, without chemical preservatives, comes from local farms, and makes everyone smile when they get gifted with one.

  145. Dragongirl says:

    Oh my goodness, what a GORGEOUS book! I would love to have this! So inspiring. I’ve just started making my own jams and this book would just be a delicious addition to my growing library of books on preserving/canning/etc.

  146. Lorri says:

    This book looks beautiful and useful. For some time now I’ve been right on the brink of preserving foods and making jams so maybe this book will encourage me to do it – whether I win or not. Thanks for offering the giveaway.

  147. Tucha says:

    So lovely, I really love canning and i would love to know more about it… please!!!!

  148. Tucha says:

    So lovely!!! I love canning and i would love to know more about it… please!!

  149. drainl says:

    We hope to one day have a large garden, fruit trees, and greenhouse to be as self-sufficient as possible one day. Since the growing season is short here, part of that is storing food for winter. I’d love to learn more!

  150. Seshat says:

    I would love to have this book because I have apple, pear and cherry trees, blueberry bushes, strawberry beds, a burgeoning garden, blackberry and raspberry canes. I also have 3 kids that are plant and garden junkies who want to grow all the things they love to eat!
    What I don’t have…a really good book on Canning and preserving!

  151. Melyssa Holik says:

    I’ve been getting more and more into seasonal eating, and that means preserving foods for the winter months! This book would be a perfect addition to my collection.

  152. Melanie says:

    There are so many reasons that I would love this book – and if you asked me last summer, I would have gushed about my great-great-grandmother’s jars from the early 1900s used my kitchen today or tell you about the wonders (and woes) of keeping up with my CSA.
    But this summer – there is a new project I am excited about. I helped organize a local fruit buying group at the 250-person design firm I work at in downtown Chicago. Every week the space next to me turns into a corporate farmstand. Plums, blueberries, and apricots amidst the clean white desks and model mock ups. It is fabulous. I love sharing recipes and community with my colleagues as we anticipate the next group buy. With this book, I am sure I can spur even larger orders and help replace happy hour with produce preserving parties.
    It looks lovely! I’d love a copy!

  153. carrie says:

    I’ve been canning jams and pickles for 5 years, ever since my grandma gave me all of her canning supplies. I would love to branch out and try some new recipes like the ones in this book!

  154. sithyogini says:

    I have to learn to can to do SOMETHING with the garden overstock.

  155. Jenny says:

    My husband is really interested in canning – I’d love to win this for him :)

  156. CleverPuss says:

    Put it in a jar! I’m new to the canning thing and have only helped my friend with peaches. But I so deeply want to know how to use the surplus that we have in our garden. It pains me to see it go to waste! I would ADORE this book! Thank you!

  157. mefamily says:

    i

  158. mefamily says:

    Growing our own food is really important to me. My kids are learning to grow vegetables, we are cutting costs, and we know what we’re eating. We would love to have this book on our shelves and go to the next level with our garden.

  159. Hanna says:

    I have never done canning before, but have a large, bountiful garden that I want to enjoy throughout the year. This book would be the best gift to help me learn recipes and techniques for preserving.

  160. mefamily says:

    i keep unsubscribing my accident!!! please keep sending me comments!!! thanks :)

  161. mefamily says:

    resubscribing!

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