Friday, May 23, 2014

Preserve It!


 

With the farmers' markets opening up last weekend, and seeing all that nature has to offer, it got me thinking about canning in the fall. Now, I'm not trying to rush through summer at all. After the winter we've had, you can bet that I am not! LOL I was just contemplating
making nature's bounty last so that my family can all enjoy the tastes and health benefits of locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats and other goodies found at farmers' markets.

When I asked DK Books to review Preserve It!, I thought that I was going to get a book on canning - and I did. But the book surprised me with a whole other realm of information, like all the different ways you can preserve. From smoking to freezing and even clamping! Now there's one that I've never heard of before. (It's a technique where you would insulate root vegetables outside.)

This book gives you so much information in its 352 pages. There are lots of big colourful pictures and the information is laid out into sections and recipes to make it simple and easy for those who have little experience preserving. (Like me!)

You will find recipes on how to blanch vegetables for the freezer, make a variety of pickles, relishes, jellies & jams, and you will also learn how to make your own ketchup and other sauces. You will learn how to preserve with oil, alcohol, and by smoking various meat, poultry, nuts and yes - even vegetables! There are also recipes for dry curing meat, making your own sausages and your own wine. Yum!

You will find a lot of recipes for well-loved favourites, along with quite a few unique recipes like Pea Pod Wine, Rhubarb and Rose Petal Syrup for sparkling water or ice cream, and Rosemary Jelly to name a few. 



You can currently order this book and many others from DK Books' May Food & Drink Boutique at a savings of 30% off for a limited time!

Now that strawberries will be ready soon, I'm debating on what to try first from this book: strawberry freezer jam, frozen fruit bars, or strawberry syrup with vanilla to add to ice cream, or to drizzle over sliced fresh strawberries and whipped cream! And best of all? It's made with your own tender loving care - and way healthier than store bought!

Happy summer (Ok - spring!) everyone!

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