Many, many thanks to The Kitchn for its uber-kind review. It reads, in part:
Can It, Bottle It, Smoke It takes our DIY home-cooking projects to the next level. There are recipes for pantry staples in here that never in our wildest dreams did we imagine could be made at home without lots of special equipment or fancy techniques.
Solomon breaks these projects down into their most basic parts, explaining each step or cooking concept clearly and patiently. Something like roasting coffee beans can seem overwhelming to the uninitiated, but Solomon cuts to the chase with easy instructions requiring only a dutch oven and a hot stove. Her recipe head notes often make me laugh out loud and set the tone for the project ahead. (Example: “Go out right now and make friends with people who have a lemon tree. Be nice to them.”)
The book has a good mix of projects, too. In addition to the kinds of basic pantry staples already mentioned, we get recipes for Smoke and Chocolate Spice Rub, Plum Catsup, English Muffins, Crunchy Lentil Snacks, and Strawberry Black Pepper Syrup. Whatever your mood, however much time you have, there’s guaranteed to be a project here to fit the bill.
This is an excellent book and resource for those of us who’ve been bitten by the DIY bug. You’ll make these recipes again and again, and you’ll thank yourself every time.
