Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 Simply the Best July 3, 2008
This, like many of Marguerite Patten's other 'Basics' other books, is simply invaluable. Particularly key, now many of us are growing our own & therefore understand the seasonal 'glut' dilemma - there are, I promise you, only so many cucumbers you can eat in a week ........
Inspiring! July 4, 2007
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
I really like this book. Although I've not had it all that long, I've refered to it countless times already and know that it will be my preserving book of choice from henceforth.
Not only are there some really interesting and different recipes and ideas, but I also find it quite inspiring. It's the sort of book that gives you the encouragement to go away and play with your own ideas without being afraid of messing up.
It tells you what you need, what to do, what not to do, and is realy quite fail-safe. It's quite old-fashioned and has no exciting, glossy pictures, but instead is filled with excellent recipes laid out simply and clearly.
Not for your coffee table but definitely one to refer to over and over again.
Does Exactly What it Says on the Tin April 25, 2007
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
A very carefully written, easily understood & clearly presented guide to home manufacture of jams, chutneys, pickles and a few other interesting preserves.
Patten explains how to approach even the more difficult jams an conserves in a confident manner that suggests failure is an imposibility (which, if you follow the intructions, it probably is!) and I have yet to have a failure with any of her recipes.
Something I particularly like is the variations she offers to her basic recipes - when dealing with a fruit glut it is a nice thing to have some slightly different jams to put into the cupboard.
Overall an excellent choice for both a beginner (she happily assumes no previous knowledge) and for a more experienced cook looking for new ideas.
Recommended without hesitation.
It is what it is. February 5, 2005
34 out of 34 found this review helpful
Un-illustrated(for the majority of the book), however, it is, eloquently what it claims to be. And Marguerite, as usual, doesn't fail to complete her task. With literally hundreds of recipes and variations included in this book, it is a handbook, and all the basics are covered for making jams, marmalades, chutneys, pickles and much more.
'Golden Rules' for success are included, hints and tips and guides to equipment, ingredients and techniques. Ideal for the beginner to steer to accomplishment, and great as an idea book for the more advanced 'preserver'.
An Excellent Guide July 20, 2004
20 out of 20 found this review helpful
There is nothing more satisfying than making your own jam! It's a quicker process than you might imagine and the results are well worth the effort. When you use this book you feel that the author is with you in the kitchen, guiding your jam stirring arm, and reassuring you with her clearly written instructions. I highly recommend it (and the pleasures of jam making) to you!
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