I’m still deep in cookbook land right now, but I wanted to take a moment to share this picture with you all. This is the back of my (new!) car, filled with jars of preserves on their way to the photography studio where the images for my cookbook will be made. My editor and I made the drop Tuesday morning, parking illegally and ferrying the boxes from curb to elevator (using one box to keep the door propped).
I’ve been making and setting aside these jars since this last year (I did my darnedest to test recipes in season). It was so satisfying to create recipes for the book, but also a challenge to make so much good stuff that I couldn’t open or eat. I had to be so, so careful during the holidays that I didn’t accidentally wrap a jar that I was intended to keep. As it was, I was short the promised number of both damson plum and strawberry vanilla jam.
There were approximately 75 jars in this load. I owe at least another 20. There is still a long way to go before sleep or celebration, but still, this felt good. Tangible. Real. So I thought I would share.
So exciting!
It must feel so good now that the book is coming together more and more. Can’t wait to hear more about it, and can’t wait until it gets published.
Congrats on progress so far! Can’t wait for the book.
~Brenda
Wow- now we can all start getting excited for your book 🙂
Congrats on the book. Maybe you can come do a booksigning when it’s printed 😉
That is oh so beautiful!
congrats! this is so, so amazing. I can’t wait to buy your book!
Apparently I haven’t commented in a while (just been reading in Google Reader), because I just noticed your new header. It looks great!
I am really looking forward to your book. Your blog has been a great resource for me. Congratulations on reaching a book-writing (or photographing?) milestone!
How exciting! Can’t wait to hear more!
Sweet! How dang excited for you; I continue to wait to read more updates on your progress. Well done.
Awesome picture! Btw, those are some lucky photographers. Go, Marisa!
Wow looks like my car when I got the jars last weekend..Good luck stay focused we are awaiting the book…xoxo
Congrats! A treasure trunk like that is something to be VERY proud of!
Yay!! Very exciting!!!
Also–not hard to understand why you’re short on the strawberry vanilla jam! That’s one of the tastiest things I’ve ever made from your blog, and everyone I gave a jar to has already asked me for more! 🙂
I also made the strawberry vanilla jam, but I’m eating it all myself. I gave away one half pint (I made a sample batch)I tried my usual store bought all fruit jam, and it tasted weird after the other. I’m going to have to go on a huge canning spree so I have a year’s supply.
Congrats! Should I predict anything else? Like…this cookbook being a best-seller? 😉 I’m SURE of it!
Yay for the cookbook! I’m looking forward to it coming out. And kudos on the new blog banner. LOVE IT!
II can’t wait for the book!
Side note: I haven’t been over here for a few post, so I’ve just now seen the new banner. Love the jars, but miss the pickles, They were so pretty. The new jar logo looks a bit retro, but I’m a retro sort of gal.
congratulations! they look delicious and i’m sure they are!
Wow! I’d love to have that kind of stash.
Congratulations! Only fellow canners appreciate the restraint you had in saving back all those beautiful jars. I can’t wait to see the photos 🙂
A happier sight I have never seen. That’s fantastic! Hope everything goes smoothly with the book. Best of luck!
I have a question about storing? I have a pamtry in garage…but during the summer it get reL Wrm in there. Will this creat an issue with my canned foods?
I just found your website through Money Saving Mom. I printed off the egg recipe in the jars. My 14 year old nephew has 250 chickens he keeps giving me eggs so I was happy to see this recipe. I am a new follower of yours and I love your website. Keep up the good work. Oh, and I have to tell you. When we go out to a friends for a party (usually outdoors) I take my mixed drink in a canning jar. Everyone used to laugh at me but it works great.
Seven boxes of jars and a watering hose? Lol.
Can’t wait for the book. Nice guaranteed buy for me, as I know I will adore the recipes.
What a tremendous accomplishment, Marisa. I hope you are very proud of all the goodness in those jars! Your new header looks great, too.
Oh hooray! that’s just fantastic. 🙂
How exciting! I can’t wait to see the cookbook. Is it all canning recipes?
Congrats! I’m about to embark on my own lengthy canning adventure—I’m going to give away little jars of homemade jam at my wedding! It’s still a year away, but I know I’m going to have a hard time not touching all those preserves!
Congrats on the book! (and the new car)
That is SO exciting! Good for you! Each step is one step closer.
I’ve been reading your blog for so long, but I don’t think I’ve commented before. I just had to tell you I’m really pleased you’re writing a book. I will definitely buy it. I’m writing one from my blog too (Penguin) and have just finished the editing of it, so I know how frazzled you must be. Do you know when yours will be published?
Totally gorgeous! I’m sure by now you’ve had quite a picnic… how was the shoot?
The shoot hasn’t happened yet, but I’m really looking forward to it!
Since it’s pretty much strawberry season, I assume you’re making more of the strawberry vanilla jam. If not and you need more, let me know as I’ve still got a bunch of jars I’d be willing to share!
Congratulations! Love it when you can see tangible evidence of work well done!
Bless your heart — I could never work under pressure like that.
Is it weird that it just hit me that you’re writing a book? Cannot wait. 🙂