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.
Laura says
I look forward to the recipes, but the pictures in this book look amazing!
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!
Judy A. says
I look forward to seeing the whole book. Everything I have read about it so far appeals to me.
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 🙂
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...
Isabelle says
The pictures look gorgeous and make me hungry! I'd like to try new recipes and learn more about preserving.
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.
Eugenia says
Definitely the recipes for dinner time and the photography!
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!
Iris says
I'm looking forward to reading about ideas for family gatherings. Also the tips for.preserving.