Fancy Pantry [Paperback]

Helen Witty (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A pantry, in Witty's view, expands a cook's horizons by allowing for storage of homemade fare that is relatively free of additives and preservatives and made at far below the cost of specialty foods at gourmet groceries. That many modern homes have no pantry, or the space to build one, should be no deterrent; the author (Mrs. Witty's Monster Cookies, etc.) suggests conversion of any cool closet, a few spare shelves, a niche in a stairwell, or a kitchen corner where a lazy-susan arrangement could be installed. Once the pantry is at hand, cooks can turn their attention to the "putting up" of Witty's own delicacies (over 250 recipes are offered here). Gradually, "pantrying" can result in shelves stocked with potted meats, pates, pickles, catsups, mustards, relishes, sauces and such kickshaws as chestnuts in Cointreau syrup; almond, orange and ginger rusks; peanut noodles, sugared and spiced nuts, and fruited cordials. Illustrations not seen by PW. 57,000 first printing; first serial to Family Circle; BOMC/Cooking & Crafts Club main selection; author tour.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Workman Pub Co (May 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089480037X
• ISBN-13: 978-0894800375
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #727,273 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best perserving book in or out of print., April 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fancy Pantry (Paperback)

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.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A reprint of this is a MUST!, January 25, 2000

By 

Lisa (Flagstaff, Azerbaijan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fancy Pantry (Paperback)

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.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Far too good to be out of print, January 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Fancy Pantry (Paperback)

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.