One of the joys of being someone who cans and preserves regularly is that I’m nearly always prepared when the need arises for a gift. During December’s gift giving season, I keep a box of summer jams and butters near the front door, ready to be distributed. I build couple-specific baskets for bridal showers and weddings.
Last summer, when I was scurrying around on book tour, I even kept a couple extra jars in my car at all times, for those moments when verbal thank yous just weren’t enough and I wanted to offer a physical representation of my appreciation.
Sometimes, even I run out of preserves good for giving (there are a number of trial batches in recipe development that, while good enough for home use, aren’t great for bestowing upon others). Other times, I just find myself out of fresh ideas. That’s when I turn to books and blogs authored by other creative folk, hoping that their various perspectives will gyrate me free from my regularly-trod paths.
The latest book to cross my transom that I’m turning to for kitchen inspiration is Lucy Baker’s Edible DIY. Initially based on the work she’s done on Serious Eats, this book is filled with candies, infused spirits, crackers, pickles, and sweet spreads that will send you hopping for the kitchen.
Recipes are arranged by type. You’ll find nibbly bits like crackers, spiced nuts, and popcorn in the Crunchy section. Boozy should be plenty self-explanatory (and goodness, do I want to try the Spiced Pear Gin pictured below). Sweet includes biscotti, marshmallows, truffles, and toffee.
The last two sections the most preserve-heavy of the book. On the savory side, there’s a strong assortment of Spicy Condiments, Pickles, and Snacks (flavored salts! pickled fennel! ginger sriracha!). Rounding out the book are the Jams, Jellies, and Other Preserves. Lucy has made tweaks to a series of reliable favorites (blueberry port jam and strawberry balsamic thyme jam, for example) which are all worthy of canning pot consideration. One recipe that I’m planning on making soon is the one for Cranberry-Champagne Jam with Crystallized Ginger (I still have a couple bags of cranberries stashed away).
One of the things I like most about this book is that it’s accessible. Not a single recipe goes on for pages (or days), making it approachable for all levels of canners, candy makers, and cracker bakers. As someone who rarely has the patience for recipes that require multiple days of fussing, I’m appreciative. That said, if you’re an expert baker/canner/sugarcrafter who is looking for a book to push your skillset to a new level, this one is probably not for you.
My daughter found a recipe for sweet potato chili she has already made and her husband loved. I want to try it.
I’m dying to make French macaroons. If anyone has a good recipe, will they be willing to share?!
Marshmallows…..and experiment with different flavors…peppermint, cinnamon, chili pepper ….!
The perfect Rye bread.
I am a huge pear fan so I think I will try the spiced pear gin. I just made pear chocolate jam yesterday…mmmm….
I want to try making different flavors of granola this year to go with the Greek yogurt I make regularly.
this book looks fun and yummy as well. lemon curd is on my list of to do.
Would love to try Lemon Curd and also make English Muffins or Crumpets
My cooking group is going to be doing a “Downton Abbey” themed dinner, and I am hoping to try Yorkshire Pudding for the first time!
I have always wanted to make my own pectin! I’ve also wanted to make vinegar. I love giving homemade gifts because people really don’t expect them! Thank you for the opportunity! This book looks fabulous!
Just saw a recipe for Sweet Potato Basil soup with coconut milk I want to try.
I have two specific things that I would like to master in 2013. One is pastry and bread dough, I know just enough about them both to be dangerous. The other is to try some salted caramel. It is my favorite flavor and want to be able to create baked goods using it!! The Maple Syrup Carmel in the book sounds delicious!!
I’m going to try to update and old family recipe “Mystery Cake” Chocolate and coffee
Petite fours– and I just made creme fraiche for the first time!
At the same time as coming across your blog, i had just finished preserving some Lemons- I’m definitely going to have to try your recipe for Lemon puree, maybe served on some grilled Goat’s cheese bruschetta?
During this year I´ll keep doing what I like best, coffee marmalade and blackberry marmalade, but I want to try Lemon curd, and orange marmalade.
Thanks for the giveaway
I’m always looking for interesting persimmon recipes that do not contain the usual “pumpkin pie” spices…I’m hoping to find and try a persimmon cake recipe that does not taste like pumpkin bread…
Garlic jelly and bacon jam. Those two have intrigued me for ages…I’d love to see how they turn out!
Grapefruit hibiscus curd! Looks delicious!
Many variations of blueberry jam. I went crazy picking berries this year, filled up my freezer and now want to explore some new flavor combinations. Ideas, anyone?
Pepper infused tequila and the related recipe of spicy grapefruit margaritas. I’m also committed to trying and perfecting soft pretzels.
I’d love to try making a grapefruit preserve with a hint of blood orange or lemon zest.
Soooooo many recipies still to try. But …. I bought some insanely good quality olive oil this christmas so I have been wanting to try recipies other than traditional vinaigrette to use it in and with. Maybe even an olive oil cake.
and odd that the edible diy book wasn’t on my radar though it looks interesting.
The Maple Syrup Caramel recipe in the picture above looks awesome.
I was recently gifted a giant bag of Meyer Lemons! Woot! I’m thinking that limoncello might be awesome.
Orange marmalade, yoghurt, and chili sauce!
I have to choose just one? I am embarking on a journey to discover my heritage through food and am focusing on traditional Quebecois fare, and the next one up is soupe du vendredi, a slow cooked pea and ham soup that used to be eaten traditionally Friday because of meat restriction!
I’ve been wanting to try Japanese-style cheesecake.
My mother’s chocolate pie recipe. She passed away a few years ago and I have never tried to make it on my own. This year I will.
I really really want to find a good vegan brownie recipe – this is my goal for 2013! This book looks fantastic, and would solve a lot of the problems I have with finding gifts I like for friends and family. Thanks for the giveaway!
Looking at grapefruit marmalade recepies – am awash in them. Always looking for good new cookbooks, especially those with canning.
I want to make crepes sometime this year. And maybe bread.
Apple Cider Mustard and Apple Cider Caramels are on my list for fall 2013!
That book looks fabulous.
I thought about making watermelon jam last summer, but never got around to it… a taste of summer sure would hit the spot right about now – yes, watermelon Jam is a MUST for 2013!
homemade/brewed sodas are on the menu for 2013- ginger ale, root beer, and more!
Mango Chutney is on my list! I don’t have a specific recipe in mind, but I do have five under consideration. Just waiting for some cheap mangos to show up at the grocery store!
This might be a bit gross to some, but I am hoping to do some bow hunting for the first time this year. If I’m lucky, I will get to try deer heart stew this year.
mustard! i’m participating in a food swap and making mustard.
I am going to try pickled beets for the first time this year! I have sooooo many still!
strawberry jam with apples for the pectin.
Sicilian Cannolis
i’m hoping to get out to a pick-your-own this summer during blueberry season and put up some blueberry jams, but i don’t have any specific recipes planned yet…suggestions?
Candied orange peels!
Do it!! I just made some for the first time last week, and they are actually not that hard, and delicious, and so worth the effort. You will be pleased.
Lemon curd. Just picked up some Meyer lemons on a whim and I am itching to do something with them. I have been wanting to try to make lemon curd for awhile and now is the time!
I want to find the perfect recipe for ultra-thin, crispy (whole grain) pizza crust, so I can make my own version of Trader Joe’s Tarte d’Alsance (or however it’s spelled).
I want to make more extract in 2013 🙂
And a lemon pound cake.
On my list to try this year is : Cherry Tomato–Vanilla Bean Preserves.
I’d love to try bagels!
I have several recipes waiting in the wings already! From my new years resolutions list, I’ve done Cream of Broccoli Soup and Tapenade so far. I’m not sure which I’ll do next, ketchup or mozzerella cheese? My girlfriend just sent me a recipe for “Any Veggie Gratin” I may do that one next! http://hihoneyfarm.blogspot.com/2013/01/resolutions_6.html
Chocolate eclairs. Pate choux just gives me fits!