175 Best Jams, Jellies, Marmalades and Other Soft Spreads

This is a wonderful canning cookbook with recipes for all manner of jams and jellies and other spreads. The type of soft spreads and variety of flavors are quite extensive with lots of exciting mixed fruit combinations to explore. These are not the same old recipes found in other books, but bunches of new spread recipes. I love the chapters on drunken spreads (jams and jellies and marmalades that include liqueurs) and savory spreads (spreads with herbs, garlic, onions or peppers). I’ve made a few so far – Caramel Apple Jam, Lemon Dill Marmalade, Tequila Lime Marmalade, and Tomato Basil Jam – and all are excellent! The instructions are clear and easy-to-follow and there are two how-to chapters that give you everything you need to know to make these delightful spreads. Reading this book, it’s as if the author is right there in the kitchen with you guiding you through the process. Another neat feature is that the recipes include the amount of whole fruit needed to make each spread so you have a guideline for buying produce. The photograph inserts are beautiful and the colors really pop off the page. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes to can and for those who are thinking about canning for the first time. If you are looking for delicious jam and jelly recipes, this is a great resource!