'Canned Fruit, Preserves, and Jellies: Household Methods of Preparation' Summary

Canned Fruit, Preserves, and Jellies: Household Methods of Preparation by Maria Parloa is a classic cookbook that has been helping home cooks preserve the taste of summer for over a century. Parloa, a leading authority on cooking and housekeeping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was a strong advocate for canning and preserving as a way to ensure that families had access to nutritious and delicious food year-round.

In her book, Parloa provides comprehensive instructions on all aspects of canning and preserving, from selecting the best fruits to using different canning methods. She also includes a variety of recipes for preserves and jellies, including jams, marmalades, and fruit butters.

Parloa's writing is clear and concise, and her instructions are easy to follow. She takes the time to explain the science behind canning and preserving, and she offers helpful tips and troubleshooting advice. She also emphasizes the importance of safety and sanitation in the kitchen.

One of the things that makes Parloa's book so special is her passion for the subject matter. She believes that canning and preserving is not only a practical skill, but also a creative and rewarding one. She writes:

"Canned fruits, preserves, and jellies are not only a source of great pleasure to the housewife, but they are also a source of economy. By canning and preserving fruits in season, the housewife can provide her family with a variety of delicious and nutritious foods all year round."

Parloa's book is a testament to her belief in the power of food to bring people together. She writes:

"When the family gathers around the table to enjoy a meal, it is a time to bond and create lasting memories. And what better way to celebrate those memories than with a jar of homemade preserves or a slice of fruit pie?"

Canned Fruit, Preserves, and Jellies: Household Methods of Preparation is more than just a cookbook. It is a time capsule that transports us back to a simpler time, when families relied on the bounty of the land to feed themselves. It is a book that teaches us how to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, like a jar of homemade preserves on a cold winter morning.

In addition to its practical value, Parloa's book is also a valuable historical document. It provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of American housewives in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It also reflects the changing values and attitudes of the time.

For example, Parloa's emphasis on efficiency and economy reflects the growing popularity of the domestic science movement, which aimed to teach women how to manage their homes and families in a scientific and efficient way. Her emphasis on safety and sanitation reflects the growing awareness of the importance of public health in the early 20th century.

Canned Fruit, Preserves, and Jellies: Household Methods of Preparation is a must-have book for anyone who is interested in canning, preserving, or American culinary history. It is a book that will teach you how to preserve the taste of summer, and how to create lasting memories around the dining table.