Well preserved : a jam-making hymnal
(Book)

"A Fireside book."

Includes index.

Ever heard of Zen and the Art of Jam-Making? On her own terms, in tribute to her late husband, Len, and as a symbol of a very individualistic life, Hassol pens a philosophical collection of thoughts, observations, and more than 70 recipes. After all, how could anyone refute her contention that 'lining jam jars up in orderly rows centers me.' It is in the transition from season to season that we capture her most pensive time; in between folklorist wisdom about specific fruits (e.g., 'when locusts sing, it's cherry-picking time') and thoroughly tested recipes, she remembers the kindliness of Marty Andersen, the family's former landlord, the solace found in Mozart's Requiem, and other soul-lifting experiences. Further details of her life are intertwined with recipe instructions--for instance, red currant jam reminds her of the generosity of 86-year-young Alice Hiscock, and a collection of chutneys recalls the praise of her friend, an executive chef. - Barbara Jacobs; 258p-

This is a multi-title review. Titles include Well Preserved and Joy of Pickling - COOKERY Hassol, who has a small jam-making business on Cape Cod, writes evocatively about her life there: her friends and family, the guests at her bed-and-breakfast, and the business she started several years ago. She provides 70 recipes for delicious small-batch jams and jellies, along with some breads and muffins to go with them, grouped into chapters with titles like 'Nonnie and the Elderberries' and 'Chasing the Wild Cranberry.'Ziedrich, who might be called a pickle fanatic, offers a detailed and informative guide to pickles of all sorts, including kimchi and others from Asia, chutneys and salsas, and 'freezer pickles,' along with traditional favorites like Half-Sours by the Quart. She writes readably and knowledgeably about a variety of topics, and her varied and unusual recipes should tempt readers into trying at least a pickle or two, or more. Anyone interested in preserving will welcome both of these books, which are recommended for most collections.-