I'm thinking I should start a section of the blog entitled "My friends are talented" because, well, they are! They inspire me every day. They teach me new things. They write cookbooks, really good cookbooks that I think you should buy, like Brown Eggs and Jam Jars by Aimée Wimbush-Bourque of the blog Simple Bites (available on Amazon in the US & Canada). And why do I think you should buy this cookbook? Because I was one of Aimée's cookbook recipe testers, so I know the recipes rock. I tested several of the recipes when they were still at the stage of computer documents, and then I tested a few more once I got my hands on the published book. Plus the book is full of helpful tips and tricks for homesteading (even if you don't have an acre of land), for cooking, baking, and eating your way through the seasons, preserving the bounty of the seasons, and hosting fun food-centric gatherings.
The thing that I love the most about Brown Eggs and Jam Jars is that the book has a home-y feel but it's also a little more down-to-earth. The recipes in this book allow you to make everything from scratch, and every recipe is presented in a way that is totally accessible and inviting. Aimée teaches us a few of her secrets, and she guides us so that we can host, say a summer BBQ, and make not just the burgers, but even the hamburger buns and the relish.
I also think you should run to the bookstore ASAP to get your hands on this book because of this ice cider caramel corn recipe. This popcorn recipe is incredible (and I have a highly discriminating palette when it comes to popcorn). This caramel corn recipe was one of the recipes I tested for Aimée. I followed it exactly as written the first time I made it (which was a little over a year ago), never having made caramel corn in my life. It worked perfectly the first time, and the flavour was unbelievable. I told Aimée it was the best caramel corn I'd ever had and I wasn't exaggerating in the least. I've been looking for an opportunity to make it again ever since. So, to celebrate the publishing of Aimée's book (or maybe because I just wanted to eat more of this caramel corn), I made this recipe again.
There are 7 other yummy opportunities to win this book, so don't miss out! Visit the blog posts from these other bloggers for even more chances to win:
- Anna from Hidden Ponies made Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
- Karlynn from The Kitchen Magpie made Coconut Cream Baked Oatmeal
- Renee from Sweetsugarbean made Roasted Carrot, Parsnip, and Thyme Soup
- Ashley from The Recipe Rebel made Maple Walnut Granola
- Christina from Strawberries for Supper made Everyday Sandwich Bread
- Jenny from Brunette Baker made Sour Cream Pear Pie with Cornmeal Pecan Streusel
- Jessie from Purple House Cafe made Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder
- Bridget from Bridget's Green Kitchen made the Chocolate Beet Cake
Penguin Random House Canada Limited offered me two copies of Brown Eggs & Jam Jars, one for me and one to give away. As always, please know that I wouldn’t work with a sponsor nor recommend a product if it wasn’t worth it.
Shelagh says
I am looking forward to reading this cookbook cover to cover to begin with. I also love that this give away has introduced me to Canadian food bloggers I was not yet aware of....including yours!
LJ Stubbs says
I think I'd like to see the book for the recipes.
The popcorn sounds pretty great!
Eva says
I would definitely like to know the tips of preserving and make a meal out of this cookbook for my family in Taiwan! 🙂
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/eatwitheva/status/568440099618357248
Terrie says
The best thing about this cookbook is Aimee!
Carrie says
Would love to get my hands on this book for the beautiful food photography (and the recipes, of course)!
Kathy says
I am excited to try the recipes in the book!
MaryMar says
I'm looking forward to the entire book & seeing something new to cook!
Leah says
yay! I'm most excited about her preserving and pantry stocking tips!
Alicia says
I'm in love with Aimee:) and I'm so interested in reading about how her family keeps an urban homestead. Great to learn about your blog!
A
Iris says
I would love to get ideas for family gatherings like BBQ's and also I need some tips for preserving. I would love to win a copy of thos book.
Iris says
http://www.twitter.com/iamtpr
Iris says
https://twitter.com/iamtpr/status/568477396040617985
Iris says
I'm looking forward to reading about ideas for family gatherings. Also the tips for.preserving.
Iris says
https://twitter.com/iamtpr/status/568477396040617985
Kristin says
I like the idea of learning to make more things from scratch and for hosting family events. I lot of the things you mention in your post seem kid friendly too! Plus the pictures are making me hungry. Pick me!
Eugenia says
Definitely the recipes for dinner time and the photography!
Margot C says
Over the last two years I have become something of a canning maniac. I have a huge shelf of canned goods that I make even though here is southern california it's not as big of a deal as it is in a cold climate. I really would like to read some of her ideas and can some different things.
Isabelle says
The pictures look gorgeous and make me hungry! I'd like to try new recipes and learn more about preserving.
https://twitter.com/Yzhalia/status/568495870787907585
linda says
Im really excited about the preserving tips..the cover is amazing ..i think there is so much in this book for us to learn...i love love love all the pics...just delishous thank you for this beautiful book you put together its just so amazing...
Ammy Belle says
I most look forward to the canning/jarring/perserving portion - I have been meaning to get into this for a while now, and Aimee has such a good way of photographing and explaining things, I think this will be my best shot 🙂
Judy A. says
I look forward to seeing the whole book. Everything I have read about it so far appeals to me.
Shannon says
I'm looking forward to the recipes most of all.....but I've recently become more interested in food photography, so I'm excited to see the sexy pictures too!
Laura says
I look forward to the recipes, but the pictures in this book look amazing!
Heather says
Preserving, definitely. Our garden is often more prolific than myself, my husband and our friends can keep up with, and I'm always looking for ways to save the harvest!
Heather says
Tweeted as well: https://twitter.com/HGoeschRDN/status/568522570095439872
Zita says
I'm looking forward to see the food styling and photography in Aimée's book. I'm also interested in the recipes of course... especially those pancakes on the cover! 🙂
Zita says
Also here is the link of the tweet: https://twitter.com/ziziadventures/status/568529924044300288.
Sonia says
Recipes and photos, looks beautiful.
Jamie says
ummm, all of the above?
Rachel - De Ma Cuisine says
I think Aimee is great. Her cookbook looks amazing. I can't wait to try out some of the recipes!
Rachel - De Ma Cuisine says
Here's a link to my tweet: https://twitter.com/De_Ma_Cuisine/status/568551336419168256
Martha Warren says
I can't wait to share this book with my 10 year old daughter and choose the recipes we would like to make together. She has inherited my love for cookbooks and cooking and I want to foster that love by continuing to introduce her to great Canadian cooks.
Amy says
I've been following Aimee's blog for awhile and LOVE it! Her cookbook has been on my wish list so I'm looking forward to everything about it!
Francine says
I've always wanted to try preserving, so that's what I'm most interested in.
Francine says
tweeted - https://twitter.com/1byspike/status/568582335139938304
Kate says
Had a quick peak at this book, and need more! Definitely interested in the preserving and reading about her lifestyle.
Lynna says
I`m looking forward to reading every recipe! Plus, the photography is amazing. 🙂
esther says
Because it's Aimee's book!
esther says
Tweeted @esavdg
S Licano says
Looking forward to the photos, love to see what I am making, and the photography looks beautiful.
danielle says
I would love to learn more egg techniques.
angelina says
would love this book thankyou !!
angelina says
tweeted! https://twitter.com/imisswaylon/status/568792878723538945
Nadia says
The preserving section as well as all Aimee anecdotes and photography!
Nadia says
https://twitter.com/nadiamac/status/568799243973976064
Melissa Finn says
Excited for the section on preserving & the amazing photographs!
Melissa Finn says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/MelissaFinn/status/568801941746286592
Elaine Mackenzie says
the preserving is something I definitely want to read about. I'ce had a water canner for years, and received a pressure canner for Christmas, so I'm really starting to fill my pantry with lots of goodies. Am always wanting more, especially living in the Okanagan, I am able to get such amazing seasonal produce!
Leah M @ love me, feed me says
I look forward to looking at all the photography! I'm a sucker for food photography. It would be really neat to learn how to can and preserve as well!
Alisha says
I always love looking at the photography, but the recipes that I have seen so far make me very excited!
Alisha says
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/LeashaE/status/568823840752537600?lang=en
Gene D says
oooh. the Caramel Popcorn looks awesome. The pictures in the book look beautiful!
Gene D says
https://twitter.com/WCTx40/status/568826672033751040
here is my tweet link!
Kathy says
I tweeted
http://t.co/b5B8SopYLV
Kathy says
Although these are some of the most beautiful photographs, I have to say that it is the recipes that draw me in 🙂 Thanks!
Ann says
I am especially interested in good recipes for food items that can be easily shared at our local food swaps - preserves, breads, caramel corn, granola, etc.
Joanne Jaffey says
I am so hungry to get my hands on that book because I devour books like that! I actually make the recipes too. I don't know how to leave a link to the tweet I, uh, tweeted! This is all I know http:/www.twitter.com/@joannejaffey
Sarah says
Definitely excited to try the recipes, especially the caramel corn based on your description. 🙂
Nicole Jubleew says
I would really like to start canning this year so I would love to read all the tips and recipes she has in the book for preserving.
Nicole Jubleew says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/JubleeW/status/569010624954568704
Margot C says
I posted your tweet too ; https://twitter.com/AnnaZed/status/569013112281681920
Laureen Fox says
I've recent gotten back into preserving jams and tomato salsa. I would like this book for the recipes and tips on preserving.
Homemade & Yummy says
I look forward to the beautiful pictures….but most of all trying out the great recipes.
Dawn M. says
Its hard to say but I'm looking forward to the pictures and about every recipe!! Can't wait to get my hands on this book!!
ikkinlala says
I'm most looking forward to the recipes - it would be nice to have something to read while I'm stuck on the couch (broken ankle) and some new projects to look forward to once I can cook again.
Maura Buchignani says
looking forward to the recipes!
Maura Buchignani says
photography and recipes!
Liz says
You had me at ice cider caramel corn.....
June says
I'm so happy to see young Canadians publishing cookbooks--nice to get fresh ideas.
Diana says
So looking forward to getting my hands on this book (however I can...) thanks for your post!
John says
I've been following Aimee on Simple Bites for some time so it would be great to have her book.
Monica says
I am looking forward to reading this cookbook cover to cover. That's how |I like to begin whenever I get a new cookbook.
Monica says
Tweeted - https://twitter.com/OlderMommyStill/status/569860005580677120
Jess says
I just started small batch canning and I can't wait to check that out and learn more about canning and preserving!
jan says
Those pancakes look amazing!
Sophie says
Recipes!!! And photography!!!
Natalee says
Looking forward to some inspiration to break up this cold cold winter!
Laura says
I'm excited to see preserving tips - it makes me think of summer!
Jess says
I just love Aimee and the way she encourages the ease of hospitality...
Kat says
I love Aimee so much. I discovered her blog within a few months of her starting it. She has been such an inspiration to me. I am probably 95% processed food free and we have a great garden going ... I am so inspired by her.
Brandee says
Tweeted
Brandee says
I love Aimee's blog! Her recipe's and stories are always awesome. I'd love to sit down to 'read' her cookbook!
Kate says
I had a sneak peak at this book, and can't wait to read more and learn, and try out her recipes.
Carol M says
The recipes of course, but will enjoy the photos too!
Carol M says
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/carollushka/status/570286531417497600
maria says
I'm looking forward to the recipes and of course the yummy pics!
Lillian says
The photography is certainly something I am looking forward to! Beautiful work showcasing awesome recipes on canning and cooking with kids would be also amazing too!
Lillian says
Tweeted here https://twitter.com/beyondumami/status/570473080776237056?s=09
Brenda Lacourciere says
I am looking forward to the great pictures.
Melissa says
I've been so excited about this book ever since I heard she was writing it! I love aimée's approach to food. I'm still hoping she does a weekend long workshop one of these days. I think I'll dig ear the preservation section first. I really need to learn how to do this.
Debra says
The cookbook looks lovely.
Jen says
I obviously need that popcorn recipe in my life!!!! 🙂
Noni says
I'm excited to read about her homesteading tips from Quebec!
Jamie says
For the recipes kids can help with in the kitchen!