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 even 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).
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.
This 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 the recipe 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.
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.
Jamie says
For the recipes kids can help with in the kitchen!
Noni says
I'm excited to read about her homesteading tips from Quebec!
Jen says
I obviously need that popcorn recipe in my life!!!! 🙂
Debra says
The cookbook looks lovely.
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.
Brenda Lacourciere says
I am looking forward to the great pictures.
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!