Fancy Pantry

I agree with all who raved over this book. I originally bought it for my mother and loved it myself so I wound up getting a 2nd copy for me as well. Every recipe and technigue described is clear and easy to follow. Even seasoned cooks, like my mother, carry this one around like a bible.

I cannot understand in the least why this fabulous book is out of print. If my house were burning down and I could only rescue one book--cookbook or otherwise--this would be it. Simply reading the book was as enjoyable as reading a novel; I just couldn't put it down. It brought to mind a time when food tasted better; in stark contrast to today's dull and insipid microwaved swill. "Fancy Pantry" has something for everyone--whether you prefer the homey or the gourmet, the sweet, the savory, or the spicy--you won't be disappointed. From the Devil's Own Peanuts (I used almonds) to Mushroom Stock, to making your own candied ginger, this book cannot fail to please. The Sugar and Spiced Nuts were an absolute hit and I cannot wait to try the recipe for making Chinese frying oil which combines ginger, garlic, and scallion. My mouth waters as I anticipate making Nesselrode Pudding in all Witty's wonderful variations. Thanks to this book, I won't have to shop for presents anymore. As it is, I have people constantly asking for the recipes--and I am shameless enough to take all the credit. ;-)God bless Helen Witty.

If I could have one cookbook back after our house burned down, this would be it. The Melon Moons recipe was our all time favorite pickle. We used most of the cherry recipes to preserve the abundance from our trees. The unique and exquisite recipes and precise directions make this the best book on canning, preserving, as well as endless other condiments, pate`s and wonderful things for the pantry that ever existed.

This is an absolutely terrific book for Christmas-time cooking. A fruitcake recipe that makes fruitcake-haters ask for seconds, plus beautiful and delicious nibbles and sauces. Unusual items that are fun to make and make great gifts too.

I figure if I find one really outstanding recipe in a book it has paid for itself. This book, and the revised Good Stuff, has recipe after recipe that are really flavorful and preserved safely. Many preserving books from the US and abroad do not follow approved methods, or have no preserving directions. Helen Witty does. The Red Pepper Jam-with red bell peppers and jalapenos is stellar. I make cases of it every year. There's such a variety and number of recipes; you can use it for years.