My brother sent me this book last month and I have to tell you, I've read through it several times. I love everything about it and it's perfect for someone like me who has only ever made freezer jam. I didn't really have any canning supplies (besides the actual jars) so I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make anything from this book. There is a small introduction in the beginning about the basics of canning, supplies, acidity in fruit, etc.,. In the end, I was feeling pretty confident that my trusty stockpot pan would work after all. And it totally did. Thanks to all those years of working at Williams Sonoma that allowed me to invest in a set of All-Clad pans which worked brilliantly. So what did I start with?
Fig jam of course. Because well, I had 5 lbs on hand from Grammies tree. I think the figs are black mission- I believe that's what's native to this area. So I chopped, 
and I weighed (2 lbs exactly…a kitchen scale is a must- I use mine all the time), and I simmered,
and then boiled and then put into their 1/2 pint jars and processed for 10 minutes. I was a little scared on what I might find when I lifted the lid: busted jars, fig goo everywhere, lids that didn't seal, etc.,. 
Every. Single. Jar. Worked! It's was a jam miracle! One of my favorite parts of this book is the way it's laid out. Each chapter is alphabetized by fruit (chapter 1- Apples, etc.,.) All the Fig recipes are together, apple in another. It's easy to navigate and the recipes seem really doable. I made 2 batches (she suggests not doubling) and added cinnamon. I wasn't sure about the cinnamon since I love the pure taste of figs- but it smelled like heaven in a jar. I mean to.die.for. There are so many recipes I can't wait to try: Pear Butter, Rhubarb Orange Preserves, Pumpkin Butter, Rose Petal Syrup and Coconut Caramel Jam, just to name a few. So to you, Linda Ziedrich– I just want to say I adore your new book, "The Joy of Jams, Jellies and other sweet preserves" and recommend it to all!
p.s- you like my new tablecloth? I made it last week- it's all ball-fringey and fabulous, no?
I'm all gaga and wierd about the print. It's perfect out on the patio. I have a funny story about this fabric that I'll share another time. Happy Monday!
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