Beautiful and brilliant! This was not just a book on different ways to preserve food, but a way to inspire preservation of food and how to use it. The photographs truly show how the gorgeous the items were that were being discussed. Plus, broke everything down to where anyone could follow along and have success in recreating what was shown. The Author was very considerate and showed how to fix issues that may arise. That is beyond helpful to anyone trying to preserve food. The journal in the back for notes was a magnificent idea as well. This allows the reader to keep details on items that they have tried and what they wish to do different next time, to add their own flare on it. The recipes were a fantastic addition and how to use the items that were preserved. The only thing I think that could be a bit different for the book would be to add something, such as a picture, to the large blank areas in the chapter pages. Just to give it a bit of a pop. Lastly, the acknowledgments. That hits the soul. You can feel the love that was poured into this book and what it means.

🦇🦇🦇🦇 4-Bat Review: Preserving the Seasons by Holly Capelle

Okay, so this might not be one of my usual witchy, gothic reads — but hear me out: this book is pure kitchen magic. My little cottage-witch heart adored every moment of learning how to jar, can, dry, infuse, and preserve the bounty of each season like the practical enchantress I aspire to be.

From jams and pickles to fruit leathers, seasoning blends, dried herbs, freeze-dried goodies, and even soup and salad recipes — this book had everything. The infusion section? Probably my favorite. That’s where the spells really started to brew.

It’s gorgeously laid out, packed with stunning photos, and reads like the kind of grimoire your grandmother might have passed down — if your grandmother was an herbal alchemist with a killer pantry game. A lovely reference guide and how-to manual for anyone looking to stretch the seasons a little longer, one jar at a time.

#PreservingTheSeasons #NetGalley #WitchyInTheKitchen #CottagecoreReads #PreservationMagic #BookOfPracticalSpells

This was a great cookbook. Very easy-to-follow recipes. I can't wait to try these recipes. I would highly recommend this book.

Canning and preserving have always been a traditional craft in communities where the processes were taught from one generation to the next. The pandemic brought home the fact that some of the old ways could be useful in this era. Holly Capelle's book contains information that can be used by some one just starting the adventure or someone looking to expand their skills. Clear guidance and beautiful photography provides the support everyone can use. The recipes make me want to get my pots and jars out and get to work. I learned a small amount of training when I was young(er). With help from this and other books, I've expanded my skills and improved my family's quality of life while saving money. If any of these is on your to do list, PRESERVING THE SEASONS deserves a spot in your cokking library.

Preserving the Seasons was a very interesting and informative book. There is an enormous amount of information about different methods of preserving foods and goods. Not only is there information on how to can, freeze, freeze-dry, dehydrate food, there are also large amounts of recipes for after the items are preserved. This is a complete book on how to preserve and use food. As a gardener one of my largest issues is how to properly save and store the food I grow. With this book I have all of the information I could possibly want on the topic. The instructions are clear and thorough. The book is well-organized. Overall, I think this book is a must have for every household. It would also make a great gift. I would recommend this book.

Quick Summary: An inspired how-to & why-you-should-practice "preserving the seasons" book

My Review: Preserving the Seasons: A Guide to Canned, Jammed, Frozen, Dehydrated, Freeze-Dried, Quick-Pickled, and Infused Produce, Herbs, and Flowers (A Cookbook) by Holly Capelle is a 2025 release from Simon Element. It is scheduled for publication on 7/29/25.

About the Book: "...a straightforward guide to boiling water canning, drying, dehydrating, freeze-drying, infusing, freezing, and quick pickling."

In My Own Words: This!!! It is an incredibly comprehensive tool that is jam-packed with goodness on everything one needs to know about preserving the seasons via canning, jamming, freezing, dehydrating, freeze-drying, pickling, infusing, and combining. It is my dream book come to life.

My Favorites: Every yummy thing!

But seriously...

Culinary Powders
Canning Jams and Jellies
Quick Pickling
Infused Vinegars
Edible Flowers

What I Cannot Wait to Make:

Zucchini Bundt Cake
Orange Glaze
Avocado Garden Toast
Garden Quiche
Totally Twisted Yogurt
Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup
Fresh Pea Soup
Rosemary Candied Bacon
Wild Violet Peppercorn Vinaigrette
Honey-Garlic Glaze
Garden Focaccia
Botanical Candy Bars
North Pole Hot Chocolate with Whipped Toppers
Holiday and Colorful Fruit Ice Cubes

My Final Say: I am overjoyed about this book. It is a must have item that should be on everyone's Christmas List, Birthday Wish List, and maybe even Valentine's Day Chef's Kiss List.

There was so much to love about this book. Holly opened my mind up to the possibilities of what could be. Going through it got me excited about creating masterpieces featuring the colors and flavors of life. In truth, her approach to preserving the seasons reminded me of With Love, Meghan. (Watch it, if you haven't. It's lovely and charming...just like this book. I would love to see these two create something magical together.) The attention to detail and the pop of personal delights just adds to the experience and "elevates" the simple, making it extraordinary.

I genuinely appreciated the troubleshooting information, the helpful tips, the various recipes, and the colorful photos. I also loved the heartwarming nuances of family and home life that were sprinkled in. It made the content more relatable.

Other: This cookbook will delight readers of all levels. From the beginner to the advanced - anyone will undoubtedly be stirred up and energized to preserve the seasons.

* I think this book would provide a great family bonding experience. It's ripe with opportunities to teach, learn, and grow together.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: All
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Hard Copy Preferred: Yes!
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Note: I could easily see this content in a series of books, videos, or even as a Food Network show. Because the material is so inspiring, it motivates others to try something new and different; it also encourages those who may be more familiar with these concepts to up their game. Can you imagine?! To build a community of followers who want to preserve the season is genius.

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Simon Element | S&S/Simon Element), and to NetGalley. Thank you, from my heart, for providing access to this remarkable title in exchange for an honest critique. It was an absolute pleasure to review this work. Not only am I thrilled that I had a chance to read it, but I am also very much looking forward to securing a hard copy for my own personal library, once the book is officially released.

This book has reinforced my want for a food dehydrator. Loved the tips, recipes, and bright pictures.

This book could not have come at a better time for us! We recently bought a dehydrator, as we are campers and are in our kayaks nine months out of the year.

Carrying fresh fruits is messy and not the best after they turn brown or mushy. We have tried apples, strawberries, lemons and oranges so far but this lovely book has expanded our knowledge.

Storage was particularly of interest to me. If you have a question, I think this book will answer any questions you have.

Very well done! Excellent reference book.

NetGalley/ Simon Element July 29, 2025