It’s never too early to prepare for canning season!
Introducing My New Book: Water Bath Canning
I’m excited to share that my brand-new book, Water Bath Canning: Creative Recipes for Pickles, Salsas, Jams, Jellies, and More, is now available. This book is a celebration of home preserving and a practical guide for anyone who wants to turn seasonal harvests into pantry-ready jars. Written for cooks of all skill levels, the book combines tested recipes with clear guidance so you can feel confident at the canning pot.
What You’ll Find Inside
The book focuses on water bath canning methods and includes a variety of recipes that highlight fresh ingredients and simple techniques. You’ll find recipes for classic and creative pickles, bright salsas, fruit-forward jams and jellies, and other preserved foods that are perfect for gifting, everyday meals, or long-term pantry storage. Each recipe was developed and tested to be reliable and approachable, with tips to help you adapt flavors to your taste and to make the most of your seasonal produce.
Why Water Bath Canning?
Water bath canning is a time-tested method for preserving high-acid foods safely and effectively. It’s a great entry point for home canners because it requires minimal equipment and yields shelf-stable jars that are convenient to store. In the book I explain the basics—what kinds of foods are best suited to water bath canning, how to prepare jars and lids, and how to follow processing times carefully so you can preserve with confidence.
My Process and Commitment to Quality
Writing this book was a labor of love. The process involved a full season of recipe development and testing, followed by careful editing and thoughtful design work to make the information as useful and accessible as possible. My goal was to create a resource that balances inspiration and practicality: recipes that are flavorful and fun, paired with clear instructions and troubleshooting notes so you can avoid common pitfalls.
Practical Tips to Prepare for Canning Season
Here are a few simple steps to get ready before the busy season starts:
- Inventory your equipment: check your canner, jars, lids, and funnel. Replace any worn lids and make sure seals are in good condition.
- Plan around peak produce: identify a few favorite items to preserve when they come into season so you can make efficient use of fresh ingredients.
- Set up a clean workspace: designate a sturdy table or counter for jar filling and assembly, and keep towels and a jar lifter close at hand.
- Start small: if you’re new to canning, try one recipe first to get comfortable with the process before scaling up.
Who This Book Is For
Whether you’re a seasoned preserver looking for new recipe ideas or a beginner eager to learn a reliable method, this book is designed to support your canning journey. It’s aimed at home cooks who love seasonal food, gifts made in the kitchen, and practical ways to reduce food waste by storing extra harvests for later use.
I’m grateful to everyone who has supported this project and to readers who share my enthusiasm for preserving. The book is published by Rockridge Press, and it’s available for purchase—get your copy on Amazon or wherever you prefer to shop. I hope the recipes and guidance in this book inspire many jars of delicious pantry goodness in your kitchen this year.