I've been so impressed with this series of books and I would highly recommend them for anyone starting on an adventure on any of these four topics. Since I've already reviewed Keeping Bees and Home Dairy, I'd like to point out a few things I liked about Canning and Preserving as well as Keeping Chickens.
Both of these books follow Ashley's signature style of being organized and appealing to the eye; the photos are wonderful, but the information is great and simple to access quickly. There are plenty of easy to scan insets and even some check lists and other great resources in the back.
Canning and Preserving teaches readers basic canning principles, clearly outlining tools, ingredients, and procedures. There's sections on whole fruits and vegetables, another on jams, jellies, and preserves as well a one on pickles, relishes, and chutneys. Want tips for hosting a canning party? That's in the book, too. And I really liked the recipe section that was divided up into the four seasons proving canning isn't just for summer! Each season has about 5 recipes that vary from traditional favorites to the unusual and unique, such as Fig and Thyme Jam!
Someone should have written a chicken book like Ashley did year's ago! Keeping Chickens addresses all the really important things you need to know to get started with poultry, things that I had to dig to find that are super easy to access in her book. If you are just starting out and you want to select the right breed, Keeping Chickens provides plenty of information to help you make the right choice. There's a plan for a chicken tractor, plans for nesting boxes, and photos of Ashley's coop along with some others. Feed (along with photos) is explained, broodiness in chickens, and poultry health. But one of my favorite things was a guide to color eggs with natural ingredients! I love how it produces such soft colored eggs! The book concludes with recipes and a chicken care checklist for daily, weekly, monthly, biannual and annual care.
Enter The Give-Away
All four of Ashley's books are available under my "Book" tab in my Amazon store, but one of you could have this series for free!
• Leave a comment telling me you'd love to have this set! (Please leave an email address if you do not have a blog so I can contact you if you are the winner.)
• Enter again by blogging, tweeting, or facebook this give-away to your readers and friends. You must link to Homestead Revival™ and leave a comment for each of the three telling me you've done so.
Update: Please note that your entry will not show up immediately. It must first be moderated and may take a few minutes to a few hours. Please only post once unless you are blogging, tweeting, or adding this to facebook. Thank you!
This give-away ends Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 4 p.m. PST!
This give-away is now closed.
Be sure to visit Ashley at her blog, Small Measure!
Photos courtesy of Lark Crafts. A copy of this series was sent to me for review; other than that, I've not been compensated in any way for writing a review of this book. As always, I will give you my honest and personal opinion on items I review and promote.
