I own a lot of preserving books. A lot. So, when I say that Put 'em Up! Fruit: A Preserving Guide & Cookbook: Creative Ways to Put 'em Up, Tasty Ways to Use 'em Up is amazing, that is really saying something. See the second part of the title about “tasty ways to use ‘em up” – that is what truly sets this book apart. She really does give some wonderful ideas on how to use up all your lovingly preserved fruits. As someone who once had 8 jars of mango ketchup with no idea what to do with it, this is very useful.
Part one of the book is titled “Getting Started”
- It has a very thorough definition section covering: chutney, compote, conserve, curd, fruit cheese, gastrique, infusion, jam, jelly , ketchup, leather, liqueur, marmalade, pickle, preserve, puree, relish, salsa and vinegar.
- It also has preserving pointers dealing with equipment, step-by-step directions with photos, the role of acid and sugar, pectin, and prepping food.
- The section finishes with a troubleshooting section.
Part two: Recipes. The recipes are organized by fruit – each recipe has a preserving recipe followed by a use ‘em up recipe. I have way too many marked to try – let’s just say I’d like to make the whole book! But here are some that especially stood out.
Apples: Apple Cider/Braised Bangers; Dried Apples/Homemade Granola
Apricots: Quick Apricot Jam/Sticky Chicken Legs; Apricot Habanera Salsa/Spiced Chicken Salad
Blackberries and Raspberries: Berry Jelly/Berry Vinaigrette; Blackberry Gastrique/Scottadito with Blackberry Gastrique
Blueberries: Blueberry Syrup/Blueberry Lemonade; Blueberry Ketchup/Sweet Potato Fries; Blueberry Vinegar/Blueberry Shrub.
Cherries: Maraschino Cherries/Momma’s Manhattan
Cranberries: Cranberry Molasses/Duck Confit Salad with Cranberry Molasses
Grapefruit: Grapefruit Sultana Conserve/Sauteed Greens with Grapefruit Dressing; Grapefruit sections in Lavender Syrup/Lavender Grapefruit Vanilla Custard; Grapefruit Liqueur/Ultimate Margarita
I’m going to stop here at the G’s. Because really, I could go on and on. Seriously…Duck Confit Salad with Cranberry Molasses in a preserving book?? That alone should tell you how wonderful this book is.
I can honestly say that I want to try practically every single recipe in this book. And if you are still not sold…how about a Meyer Lemon Gastrique? Really.
Jacky says
Love this book! I have made a number of recipes from it, all great.
katiez says
What a fun book! I used to do lots of preserving... I've gotten out of the habit. Maybe I should get back in to it....
Bonnie says
I need this book. I was laughing about your mango ketchup. That sounds so like me. I hate to admit how many jars and bottles have gone unused for lack of ideas on how to use them.
Marjie says
it sounds wonderful. Any way to keep fruit for when it's out of season is great.
Robin says
Thank you for the heads up. I have put this book on my short list. I NEED new ideas on what to do with my pantry full of put up stuff. And new ideas on what to put up.
Joanne says
gah I really need to learn how to preserve...I think perhaps this book is in order!
Amy says
I've had Puttin' Food By on my shelf for yeeaaars, but have never opened it. Tragic. Maybe this is the book to set my preserving butt into gear. I really want to start.
a quiet life says
It's the grapefruit that's calling me this morn~