Homemade preserves outshine store-bought every time. By following these mouthwatering recipes, the home cook can enjoy the delicious rewards of soft spreads for months and months.

Experienced canners and novices making their first batch of jam alike will be successful, creating incredible jams, jellies, marmalades, conserves, fruit butters and chutneys. These 250 recipes have a slightly more gourmet approach, embracing unique combinations and less traditional ingredients, and handy step-by-step instructions enable any preserver to follow them with ease and confidence.

The essence of summer can be enjoyed year-round with delectable spreads such as these: Lemon blueberry marmalade Orange and Earl Grey tea marmalade Strawberry cantaloupe jam Spiced mango jam Watermelon raspberry jam Fresh fig jam Tequila sunrise jelly Plum orange jelly

The author also provides extensive and easy-to-understand information on the use of canning equipment, and there is a guide to solving common soft spread problems. With these new and innovative recipes, there’s never been a better time to embrace the time-honored tradition of canning.