Customer Reviews
Simply the Best - By: Jan, 03 Jul 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 eatin a week ........
Inspiring! - By: Wendophilous, 04 Jul 2007 I really like this book. Although I've not had it all that long, I've refered to it countless times already & know that it will be my preserving book of choice from henceforth.
Not only are there some really interesting & different recipes & ideas, but I also find it quite inspiring. It's the sort of book that gives you the encouragement to go away & play with your own ideas without being afraid of messing up.
It tells you what you need, what to do, what not to do, & is realy quite fail-safe. It's quite old-fashioned & has no exciting, glossy pictures, but instead is filled with excellent recipes laid out simply & clearly.
Not for your coffee table but definitely one to refer to over & over again.
Does Exactly What it Says on the Tin - By: Jon D, 25 Apr 2007 A very carefully written, easily understood & clearly presented guide to home manufacture of jams, chutneys, pickles & a few other interesting preserves.
Patten explains how to approach even the more difficult jams an conservesin a confident manner that suggests failure is an imposibility (which, if you follow the intructions, it probably is!) & 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) & for a more experienced cook looking for new ideas.
Recommended without hesitation.
It is what it is. - By: eggbound, 05 Feb 2005 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 & variations includedin this book, it is a handbook, & all the basics are covered for making jams, marmalades, chutneys, pickles & much more.
'Golden Rules' for success are included, hints & tips & guides to equipment, ingredients & techniques. Ideal for the beginner to steer to accomplishment, & great as an idea book for the more advanced 'preserver'.
An Excellent Guide - By: kirstack, 20 Jul 2004 There is nothing more satisfying than making your own jam! It's a quicker process than you might imagine & the results are well worth the effort. When you use this book you feel that the author is with youin the kitchen, guiding your jam stirring arm, & reassuring you with her clearly written instructions.
I highly recommend it (and the pleasures of jam making) to you!
