First Preserves from Vivien Lloyd
The Authoritative Guide to Preserve Making.
First Preserves is the first book by the UK's leading preserves authority, Vivien Lloyd.
Acting as the go-to-guide for beginners and enthusiasts alike, it not only features a variety of recipes, but covers everything you need to know to understand the science of making successful preserves, including the history, method and most importantly, the reasons why.
First Preserves features a collection of 30 traditional recipes for marmalades, jams and chutneys, ranging from a classic Seville Orange Marmalade recipe, with which Vivien won 'Best of the Best' at the 2008 World's Original Marmalade Festival, to Merry Marmalade, Apple & Ginger Jam, Damson, Ginger & Cardamon chutney and Apricot & Orange chutney. 
The book is divided into Marmalade, Jam and Chutney sections, with detailed explanations of every stage of the preserving process, from the preparation to how to fill and seal the jars.
There are recipes for all seasons, and the book includes an indispensable 'Fruits for Jam and Chutneys' chapter detailing varieties and their seasons and ensuring this is a book that you'll bring out time and again throughout the year.
Vivien Lloyd has 25 years' experience of making and demonstrating award-winning preserves.
She tests all her recipes in her beautiful Somerset kitchen, using locally-sourced produce, often from her own orchard.
As well as judging competitions, Vivien runs preserve-making courses and has produced two how-to DVDs.
She is passionate about her craft and is a keen advocate of traditional preserve making.
All the recipes in the book advocate Vivien's strong belief that preserve-making is a simple science.
Follow a few straightforward rules and you have an inexpensive and rewarding activity you can enjoy over and over.
Vivien Lloyd
A "Competitions" chapter provides anyone planning to enter a preserves competition with that crucial edge, as Vivien offers up advice on preparing for the competition, divulges the key things judges are looking for and reveals the common faults in unsuccessful entries - knowledge she has gained from almost 20 years of judging such events.
With National Marmalade Week (25 February - 3 March 2012) and the World Marmalade Awards (25th & 26th February 2012) fast approaching, First Preserves is the ideal book for those wishing not only to perfect the art of preserving, but to also understand it.
www.vivienlloydpreserves.com